KTT Glimp vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Magnetic Jade present two compelling options, each catering to distinct preferences and typing styles. The KTT Glimp is celebrated for its medium-light actuation force, providing a balance of tactile feedback and comfort that appeals to users seeking a substantial yet manageable typing experience. Its clacky sound profile enhances the auditory enjoyment of typing, making it a great choice for those who appreciate an engaging acoustic atmosphere. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch, distinguished by its hall effect technology, offers a bright and pronounced clack that is particularly suited for enthusiasts looking to enhance their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. This switch not only excels in delivering superior acoustics but also promises a unique typing experience through its innovative design. While both switches offer their own unique advantages, choosing between the two ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Glimp and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches share a striking similarity in their top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate. This commonality results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile across both switch types, primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffer plastic composition. Both switches exhibit a clear and resonant auditory experience, largely attributed to the transparent nature of polycarbonate, which not only enhances sound clarity but also complements RGB lighting setups perfectly. Therefore, those encountering either switch will likely appreciate the bright sound characteristics and visual appeal when utilizing them in illuminated setups.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches are constructed from nylon, which carries distinct acoustic qualities that diverge from the attributes of the top housing. The nylon material is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile, creating a well-rounded auditory experience when typing. This is due to nylon’s softer plastic nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than stiffer materials, leading to a dulled and rounder sound. As both switches employ the same nylon bottom housing, typists can expect a consistent experience in terms of deep acoustic output, regardless of which switch they choose.
Ultimately, the interplay between the materials in the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches reveals an intricate relationship that balances sound and feel. While the polycarbonate top housing contributes to a clearer sound upon release, the nylon bottom housing significantly influences the feel and sound upon bottoming out. Users can anticipate an enjoyable typing experience with either switch, as the blend of sharper highs from the polycarbonate and rounder lows from nylon work together to create a harmoniously crafted overall sound profile. Thus, even though there are variances in auditory qualities attributable to the different materials, the end result remains akin across both switches, presenting a unique yet familiar experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, we find notable differences in their actuation forces, though both exhibit medium-light characteristics overall. The Glimp has an actuation force of 43 grams, which is heavier than the Magnetic Jade's 30 grams. This difference means that the Glimp requires more force to trigger a keystroke, potentially leading to a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer. Meanwhile, the bottom out force for the Glimp is 53 grams, closely aligned with the Magnetic Jade’s 55 grams, indicating that both switches have similar feedback when bottomed out. In summary, if you favor a lighter touch while typing, the Gateron Magnetic Jade is the preferable choice. Conversely, those who lean towards a more pronounced key press might find the KTT Glimp more appealing due to its heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
The KTT Glimp linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Glimp the longer option, providing a more substantial feel with its greater depth, which some users may find preferable for a hearty typing experience. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade, with its 3.5 mm travel distance, offers a quicker response time that may be advantageous for gamers seeking rapid key presses. While both switches are designed for different user preferences, the shorter travel distance of the Magnetic Jade suits those who favor responsiveness, whereas the Glimp may appeal to users who appreciate a more traditional and defined keystroke.
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 Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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
The sound profile of the KTT Glimp switch is notably clacky, producing a sharp and snappy acoustic feedback that creates a crisp and bright typing experience. This clackiness adds an enjoyable auditory dimension to your keystrokes, making each key press feel more satisfying. The neutral sound dynamics of the Glimp make it versatile enough for various environments, whether you're working in an office or gaming at home. In comparison, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch is also recognized for its bright and clacky sound, positioning it as an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. Both switches share this clackiness, suggesting that their acoustic profiles will deliver similar experiences in most setups, though the overall sound will ultimately depend on the keyboard and keycap materials used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Glimp switch offers a creamy typing experience characterized by its smooth, buttery action. This sensation allows for an effortless gliding of fingers across the keys, delivering a silky response as each key press melds easily into the next. Its mild characteristics make it friendly for both novice and experienced typists, providing a balanced interaction with the keyboard. On the other hand, there is no detailed information available about the feel of the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch. However, given the shared focus on delivering a superior typing experience, one might expect the Magnetic Jade to offer a satisfying tactile sensation as well, even if it remains undisclosed.
Taking into account the information on sound and feel, the KTT Glimp switch presents a well-rounded option for typists seeking a clacky auditory feedback combined with a creamy and mild tactile experience. Meanwhile, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch also promises a bright, clacky sound but lacks specific details regarding its feel, leaving a bit of uncertainty. Overall, both switches seem to cater to users looking for a dynamic and enjoyable typing experience, with the Glimp providing detailed qualities that might appeal to a broader audience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a medium-light actuation force coupled with a satisfying tactile feedback, the Glimp is an excellent choice. Its clacky sound profile and creamy feel will enhance your typing pleasure, making it suitable for both casual typing and more focused work sessions. The fairly neutral sound and mild tactile nature of the Glimp make it versatile enough for a variety of environments, whether at home or in a shared space. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that not only delivers a responsive experience but also features advanced acoustics and a bright auditory response, the Magnetic Jade might be more appealing. Its higher bottom-out force, while only slightly more than the Glimp, can provide a bit more resistance, ideal for users who prefer a slightly firmer feel, making it perfect for gaming or high-performance applications. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, as well as the specific contexts in which you plan to use your keyboard.
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