KTT Glimp vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Melodic stand out as excellent options, each offering unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Glimp, a linear switch, is praised for its medium-light actuation force and satisfying tactile feedback, providing a comfortable typing experience with a fairly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Melodic, a clicky switch from Gateron, boasts smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems that enhance the classic clicky sound and tactile feedback, ensuring a buttery and invigorating typing experience. While the Glimp is known for its creamy and mild feel, the Melodic offers a more resonant and crunchy typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Melodic feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, creating a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Glimp's polycarbonate top housing may differ slightly from the Melodic's in terms of design and material thickness, impacting the overall sound and feel of the switch.
In contrast, the Glimp's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Melodic's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This difference in bottom housing material between the two switches can significantly impact the overall typing experience, as the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
While the top and bottom housings of the KTT Glimp and Gateron Melodic differ in material, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the properties of their housings. The split between the qualities each housing material brings to the switch allows for a more nuanced sound profile when typing. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer a variety of options for keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The KTT Glimp linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Melodic clicky switch. While the Glimp has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is considered medium-light, the Melodic has an actuation force of an unknown amount and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is medium. The Glimp would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience to prevent fatigue during extended use, such as for work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Melodic would be better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a heavier force required for each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing experience and the weight of the force desired for each keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is interesting to note that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. In this case, both switches offer the same level of travel distance, providing consistent feedback to users during typing or gaming activities. Therefore, whether you choose the Glimp or the Melodic switch, you can expect to receive a similar result in terms of travel distance.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Glimp linear switch has a clacky profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound that adds a tactile element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy sound that is higher-pitched and immersive, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, with the Glimp offering a crisp and bright sound while the Melodic delivers a clean and sharp profile.
In terms of feel, the Glimp switch is described as creamy and mild, providing a smooth and gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The Melodic switch, on the other hand, offers a buttery and invigorating feel with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive sensation. While the Glimp switch focuses on a silky typing experience with a safe middle-ground feel, the Melodic switch provides a more intense and immersive typing sensation for those seeking a more dynamic experience.
In conclusion, both the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Glimp provides a clacky sound profile and a creamy, mild typing feel, while the Melodic offers a resonant, crunchy sound profile and a buttery, invigorating typing sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer satisfying typing experiences, with the Glimp focusing on a balance between tactile feedback and resistance, and the Melodic infusing recent advancements for a smooth and classic clicky feel. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light switch with tactile feedback, a clacky sound profile, and a comfortable actuation force, then the Glimp switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium switch with a clicky sound, dual-railed stems for smoothness, and a slightly higher bottom out force, then the Melodic switch would be more suited to your typing needs. Consider the sound and feel descriptions of each switch to determine which aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that resonates most with your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
