KTT Glimp vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the KTT Glimp, a linear switch, and the Durock Medium Tactile, a tactile switch. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences for typing experiences. The Glimp switch is best known for its medium-light feel, striking the perfect balance between a substantial typing experience and manageable resistance. With tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, the Glimp switch provides 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 Durock Medium Tactile stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, creating a jelly-like sound signature. It offers an accented and stepped typing experience, providing a mild and polished feel. Both switches cater to individuals seeking a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Glimp and the Durock Medium Tactile both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in similar qualities. The use of polycarbonate in these switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows for a more vibrant illumination. Therefore, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of sound and aesthetics when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing.
On the other hand, the Glimp and the Medium Tactile differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Glimp features a nylon bottom housing, while the Medium Tactile also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known to be a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, is able to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the bottom housing of both switches creates a duller and rounder sound when the keys are pressed. Despite the difference in brand, both the Glimp and the Medium Tactile provide a similar typing experience with their nylon bottom housing.
It is important to note that the combination of different housing materials in a switch impacts the overall sound and feel. When it comes to the Glimp and the Medium Tactile, the qualities brought by their respective housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Therefore, although the housing materials may differ between the Glimp and the Medium Tactile, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel when typing on either switch.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Glimp has an actuation force of 43 grams, providing a medium-light touch for typing. In contrast, the actuation force of the Medium Tactile switch is unavailable, but it is safe to assume that it might be similar to or heavier than the Glimp given its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as it affects the typing experience. Some users prefer a lighter actuation force, like that of the Glimp, which allows for longer typing sessions without inducing fatigue. This makes it suitable for keyboards used at work or during extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For them, switches with heavier forces, such as the Medium Tactile, would be a more suitable option.
Ultimately, while the actuation force of the Glimp is known to be 43 grams, information about the actuation force of the Medium Tactile switch is currently unavailable. However, based on the provided data, it can be concluded that the Glimp is lighter in comparison. The bottom out force of the Glimp is 53 grams, which is still lighter than the Medium Tactile's 65 grams.
In summary, the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp and Durock Medium Tactile switches differ, with the Glimp being lighter in both aspects. The Glimp offers a medium-light typing experience, while the Medium Tactile provides a medium-heavy touch. It is important for individuals to consider their preference and typing needs when selecting between these switches for their keyboards.
Travel distance
The KTT Glimp linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying keystroke with a notable tactile feel. Pressing down on a key will result in a 4 mm travel distance for either switch, ensuring similar results in terms of the distance you feel when typing. Therefore, there is no difference in travel distance between the two switches, making them equally suitable options for individuals seeking a satisfying keystroke experience.
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 Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 switch is best described as clacky. This means that when pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as jelly-like. Unfortunately, there is no further information provided regarding the specific qualities and characteristics of the sound produced by the Durock switch. It is 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 used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Glimp switch is described as creamy. This indicates that it offers a smooth and buttery typing experience. This can be attributed to the application of lubricant in the factory or specific materials used in the switch. Typing on a creamy switch gives a sensation of gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as each keystroke feels effortless and smooth. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as accented, stepped, mild, and polished. The accented quality suggests that it provides a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The stepped quality indicates that it has a mild tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Being mild in nature, the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the polished characteristic suggests a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch differ in their subjective qualities. The Glimp switch is known for its clacky sound profile and creamy, buttery feel. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch has a jelly-like sound signature and offers an accented, stepped, mild, and polished typing experience. While there is some overlap in terms of mildness and polished feel, overall, the two switches provide distinct experiences. It is important to consider your preferences for sound and feel when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who prefers a medium-light switch with tactile feedback and a comfortable actuation force, the KTT Glimp linear switch would be a great choice for you. It strikes the perfect balance between a substantial typing experience and manageable resistance. Additionally, its fairly clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with pronounced yet balanced tactility, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch would be a suitable option. It has a jelly-like sound signature which may add a unique touch to your typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences in terms of bottom-out force, sound, and feel. Assessing your typing needs and considering the descriptions provided for each switch will help you make an informed decision.