KTT Glimp vs. Durock Mamba

Overview

Introducing the KTT Glimp and the Durock Mamba, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique qualities for typing enthusiasts. The Glimp switch is best known for its medium-light weight, striking the perfect balance between substantial typing experience and comfortable actuation force. With its tactile feedback and satisfying clacky sound profile, the Glimp switch provides a responsive and enjoyable typing feel. On the other hand, the Mamba switch pays tribute to Kobe Bryant and offers a gliding typing sensation coupled with a rich and creamy auditory experience. Categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, the Mamba switch brings a different level of smoothness and polished performance to your typing sessions. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on which switch will suit your preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

KTT Glimp Linear

Durock Mamba Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Glimp and the Durock Mamba differ in their housing materials, particularly in their top housings. The Glimp features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant sound, while its translucency makes it ideal for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Mamba utilizes a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing. This blend offers a pleasant sound profile that is brighter but not particularly sharp. While both materials provide distinct sound profiles, the Glimp's polycarbonate emphasizes clarity and resonance, while the Mamba's blend prioritizes a brighter and pleasant sound.

Moving on to their bottom housings, the Glimp employs a nylon material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer plastic composition allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Mamba utilizes a POM bottom housing, which creates a unique and pleasing sound profile. This POM material emphasizes a deeper and relatively more muted sound. Although both materials contribute to the sound profile, the Glimp's nylon emphasizes a fuller sound, while the Mamba's POM emphasizes a deeper and more muted sound.

When comparing the overall construction of the two switches, it is important to consider the impact of both the top and bottom housings on the sound and feel. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more pronounced, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. In this regard, the Glimp's nylon bottom housing will contribute to a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound, while the Mamba's POM bottom housing will create a deeper and more muted bottom-out sound. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Thus, the Glimp's polycarbonate top housing will enhance the clarity and resonance of the sound upon key release, while the Mamba's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE will prioritize a brighter and pleasant sound upon key release. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles due to the qualities brought forth by their respective housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Glimp has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Mamba's actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches have a medium level of actuation force, providing a satisfying push feel for typing. In terms of bottom out force, the Glimp requires 53 grams of force, slightly lighter than the Mamba's 60 grams. This means that the Glimp allows for a lighter typing experience, which can be beneficial for prolonged use during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Mamba offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference. Those who prefer a lighter switch with a medium-light bottom out force may find the Glimp to be a suitable option. Meanwhile, individuals seeking a switch with a medium actuation force and slightly heavier bottom out force may lean towards the Mamba. Regardless of the specific force measurements, both switches offer a similar level of performance, leading to comparable results for users.

Travel distance

The KTT Glimp linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Mamba linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Glimp offers a slightly deeper key press experience compared to the Mamba. Traditionally, a 4.0mm travel distance is more common, while 3.0mm is considered more shallow. However, with the growing trend of shorter travel distances, gamers in particular tend to prefer switches with shorter distances for faster response times. So, if you prioritize quick responsiveness, the Mamba may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on keys, the Glimp would be the switch to go for.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Glimp switch is described as having a clacky sound profile. This means that it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switch is described as having a more neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound profile without any specific characteristics. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. However, the Mamba switch also has the potential to produce a thocky sound, which is a deep, rich, and satisfying sound similar to a "thud" or "knock". Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also depend on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the KTT Glimp switch is described as offering a creamy and mild typing experience. The creamy feel indicates that it offers a smooth and buttery typing sensation, similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. The mild feel means that it provides a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switch is also described as offering a mild typing experience. This means that it provides a gentle typing sensation that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Mamba switch is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, both the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch offer their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Glimp switch has a clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound, while the Mamba switch has a more neutral sound profile with the potential for a thocky sound. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement. In terms of feel, the Glimp switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience, while the Mamba switch offers a mild and polished typing experience with reduced friction. Overall, both switches are suitable for those seeking a satisfying and responsive typing feel, but users can expect different auditory and tactile experiences depending on their preference.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are seeking a medium-light switch with a tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, the KTT Glimp linear switch is the ideal choice for you. With its enjoyable clacky sound profile and satisfying and responsive typing feel, it strikes the perfect balance for those wanting a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a tribute to Kobe Bryant and desire a gliding typing sensation accompanied by a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Durock Mamba linear switch is the way to go. With its moderate actuation force requirement and moderate sound profile, it is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, and can be used at home or work. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. So, consider whether you prefer the clacky sound and creamy feel of the Glimp or the neutral sound and polished feel of the Mamba. Both options offer a great typing experience, so you can't go wrong with either one.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Glimp Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

Learn more

Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn more