KTT Glimp vs. Durock Lupine

Overview

If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may have come across the KTT Glimp, a linear switch, and the Durock Lupine, also a linear switch. The Glimp switch is best known for its medium-light weight, striking the perfect balance for those who desire a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance. With its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, the Glimp switch offers a satisfying and responsive typing feel. Additionally, its fairly clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Lupine switch from Durock is known for its two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. The sound profile of the Lupine switch is described as classic and clacky. While these general pointers give you a glimpse into their qualities, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Glimp Linear

Durock Lupine Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Glimp and the Durock Lupine share similar housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for a visually pleasing display. This means that regardless of whether you choose the Glimp or the Lupine, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the Glimp and the Lupine utilize nylon. This material offers a different typing experience compared to the stiffer polycarbonate top housing. Typing on switches that use nylon results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon also allows it to absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out. Therefore, whether you opt for the Glimp or the Lupine, the bottom housing will play a significant role in shaping the overall sound of your typing experience.

It is important to note that the difference in housing materials between the top and bottom contributes to the overall feel and sound of the switch. When pressing down on either the Glimp or the Lupine, you will primarily experience the qualities of the bottom housing, as it has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a more noticeable influence on the sound produced when you release a key. This highlights the significance of both the top and bottom housings in determining the overall typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, there are some key differences. The Glimp has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Lupine's actuation force is not available, but it has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is slightly heavier and falls into the medium category.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Glimp may be the better option as its actuation force is lower, allowing for longer typing periods without fatigue. This makes it suitable for extended work sessions or prolonged gaming sessions. In contrast, the Lupine offers a slightly heavier push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. This may be favored by individuals who enjoy a stronger resistance when typing.

In terms of weight, the Glimp is lighter due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This can be advantageous for individuals seeking a lightweight keyboard for portability or extended usage. On the other hand, the Lupine is heavier due to its higher bottom out force, providing a more solid and robust typing experience.

Overall, the Glimp and the Lupine differ in their actuation and bottom out forces, providing distinct typing experiences. Choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and whether one desires a lighter or heavier typing feel. Regardless of the choice, both switches can deliver satisfactory results to fulfill the individual's typing needs.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The Glimp has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Lupine has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, with the Glimp being the slightly longer option. If you prioritize a faster response time and prefer a shallower feel, the Lupine with its 3.7 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down a key, the Glimp's 4.0 mm travel distance would provide that extra depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Glimp linear switch offers a clacky sound profile. This means that when you press the switch, you can expect a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch also produces a clacky sound when pressed, but it is described as having a high-pitched sound profile. This results in a sharp and crisp sound that may appeal to those who prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Overall, both switches offer enjoyable auditory elements to your typing sessions, but the Glimp has a more neutral clacky sound, while the Lupine has a high-pitched clacky sound.

In terms of feel, the KTT Glimp linear switch provides a creamy typing experience. This means that when you type on these switches, you can expect a smooth and buttery sensation, as if your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. This creamy feel can be attributed to the lubricant applied in the switch at the factory or specific materials used. Additionally, the Glimp switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that stands in a safe, middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch also offers a mild typing experience, which means that the sound and feel of these switches are approachable to most users. Additionally, the Lupine switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, both switches provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel, with the Glimp offering a creamy and mild experience, while the Lupine provides a mild and polished typing feel.

In conclusion, the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Glimp has a clacky sound profile that is described as neutral, providing a satisfying and responsive auditory element to your typing sessions. In terms of feel, it offers a creamy and mild typing experience, with smooth and buttery keystrokes that glide effortlessly. On the other hand, the Lupine also has a clacky sound profile, but it is described as high-pitched, appealing to those who prefer a more sharp and crisp sound. It offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. While these switches offer different qualities, they both provide a pleasing and comfortable typing experience. If you are looking for a similar sound and feel, the Glimp's neutral clacky sound and the Lupine's mild typing experience can provide comparable results.

Conclusion

To wrap up, if you are looking for a medium-light switch that provides a satisfying and responsive typing experience without overwhelming resistance, the KTT Glimp linear switch is a great choice. It strikes a perfect balance with its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, and its fairly clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a more powerful upward movement on the rebound and a classic clacky sound profile, the Durock Lupine linear switch is an excellent option. It offers a consistent weight distribution on the press and a moderate actuation force requirement. Additionally, it has a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities, so the decision comes down to personal preferences in terms of sound and feel.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Glimp Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

Learn more

Durock Lupine Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more