KTT Glimp vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Lunar Probe are two excellent choices, each offering unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Glimp switch, a linear switch, is praised for its medium-light actuation force that strikes a perfect balance between a substantial typing experience and comfortable keypresses. Its tactile feedback and clacky sound profile add a satisfying auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch, also a linear switch, stands out for its novel dual rail mechanism that ensures stable and consistent keypresses. These switches provide an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, accompanied by a subtle sound signature. While the Glimp switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience, the Lunar Probe switch promises unparalleled stability and consistency. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Lunar Probe are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for switches that plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. Both the Glimp and Lunar Probe benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, resulting in a visually appealing and acoustically pleasing switch.
In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Glimp and the Lunar Probe brings a different element to the table. The nylon material used in the bottom housing of these switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound that offers a unique typing experience. While the top housing may contribute to the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the overall bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the Glimp and Lunar Probe showcase how different housing materials can affect the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate in their top housing, the use of nylon in their bottom housing provides a distinct typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound profile with nylon, both switches offer a unique combination of housing materials that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Lunar Probe will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, it is evident that the Glimp requires a lighter touch overall. The Glimp has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light in comparison to the Lunar Probe, which has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as light. With the Glimp being slightly lighter in both aspects, it may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe's slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force may provide a more substantial typing feel for users who prefer a stronger push sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing experience and the level of force desired for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Glimp linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lunar Probe linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Glimp offers a more traditional travel distance compared to the Lunar Probe's slightly shorter travel distance. Gamers may prefer the Lunar Probe for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Glimp with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer benefits depending on personal preference, with the Glimp providing a more traditional feel and the Lunar Probe offering a quicker response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Glimp has an MSRP of $3.84 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glimp for $3.45.
The Gateron Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the KTT Glimp linear switch is known for its fairly clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This adds a satisfying auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch offers a more subtle sound signature, resulting in a quieter typing experience overall. When comparing the two, the Glimp switch will give you a more pronounced and clacky sound, while the Lunar Probe switch provides a smoother and quieter typing experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the KTT Glimp linear switch is described as offering a creamy typing experience, thanks to its smooth and buttery sensation when pressed. This switch provides a luxurious typing feel, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with each keystroke. In contrast, the feel of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is unknown. However, based on its novel dual rail mechanism and pre-lubed linear sensation, we can expect it to offer a smooth and consistent typing experience similar to that of the Glimp switch.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the KTT Glimp linear switch excels in providing a clacky sound profile and a creamy typing feel, perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound and luxurious typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch offers a more subtle sound signature and likely provides a smooth and consistent typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, you can choose between the Glimp switch for a more tactile and auditory experience or the Lunar Probe switch for a smoother and quieter typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference. If you prefer a medium-light switch with tactile feedback, a clacky sound profile, and a creamy typing experience, then the Glimp switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light switch with a stable and consistent keypress, an incredibly smooth linear sensation, and a subtle sound signature, then the Lunar Probe switch would be more suitable for you. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and overall feel when making your decision between these two impressive switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that enhance your typing experience, so you can't go wrong with either choice.