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KTT Glimp vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange

An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When searching for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, there are two options that stand out: the KTT Glimp and the SP-Star Meteor Orange. The Glimp is a linear switch and is best known for its medium-light feel, striking a 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. Furthermore, its fairly clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange is a tactile switch that is exquisitely gentle. Its soft and seductive tactility, paired with a neutral sound profile, create a delightful typing experience. The Meteor Orange switch is also categorized as 'Thocky' and 'Polished,' adding to its appeal. 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

57g

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

Nylon

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 housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the SP-Star Meteor Orange differ significantly. The Glimp features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the Glimp's polycarbonate housing is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Meteor Orange utilizes a nylon top housing. Typing on switches with nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.

Both the Glimp and the Meteor Orange have nylon bottom housings. These housings also contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The softer nylon material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Therefore, both switches evoke similar qualities when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel.

It is worth noting that the differences in housing materials between the Glimp and the Meteor Orange extend beyond just their sound profiles. Aesthetically, the Glimp's polycarbonate top housing offers translucency, allowing for the use of RGB lighting to enhance the overall visual experience. In contrast, the Meteor Orange's nylon top housing lacks this feature. However, both switches maintain the classic nature of nylon as a switch housing material, indicating its suitability and popularity over time.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, we find some similarities and 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 actuation force of the Meteor Orange switch is currently unavailable, but it has a bottom out force of 57 grams, also categorizing it as medium-light.

In terms of weight, lighter switches like the Glimp are favored by individuals who value extended typing sessions, such as those using a keyboard for work or engaging in long gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force allows for quicker and smoother keystrokes, enabling a more comfortable and efficient typing experience.

However, some users prefer a stronger push feel to provide a more substantial typing experience. These individuals would opt for switches with heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Unfortunately, since the actuation force for the Meteor Orange switch is unknown, it is challenging to make a direct comparison in terms of force.

Nonetheless, for those seeking a similar result in terms of actuation and bottom out force, the Glimp and Meteor Orange switches may potentially offer the desired experience. Both switches fall into the medium-light category, providing a balance between lightness for extended use and the satisfaction of a substantial keystroke.

Travel distance

The KTT Glimp linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile experience when pressing down on a key. The travel distance refers to the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom and is the distance that you feel when pressing down on a key. In this case, both switches offer a consistent travel distance, ensuring a uniform typing or gaming experience. Therefore, whether using the KTT Glimp linear switch or the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, users can expect similar results in terms of the distance traveled when pressing down on a key.

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 SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.

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 switch is best described as "clacky." This means that it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving off a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch is described as "neutral" in terms of sound. This means that it has a moderate sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes. The exact sound produced by both switches will also depend on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the KTT Glimp switch is known for its "creamy" sensation. This implies that it provides a smooth and buttery typing experience. This can be attributed to factors such as lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switch. Typing on the Glimp switch feels like effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys, with each keystroke almost melting into it. Conversely, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch has a "mild" feel. This means that it offers a gentle typing experience, without any pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of the Meteor Orange switch will be approachable to most users, as it falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Meteor Orange 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.

Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that the KTT Glimp switch offers a clacky sound profile, emphasizing a sharp and snappy auditory experience, along with a creamy feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch offers a more neutral sound profile and a milder feel, providing a gentle typing experience with its soft and seductive tactility. While the specific sound and feel can be subjective to individual preferences, both switches offer satisfying and responsive typing experiences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on the user's preference for either a clacky sound profile and creamy feel or a more neutral sound profile and milder feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light switch with a satisfying typing experience and a clacky sound profile, the KTT Glimp linear switch would be an excellent choice. It strikes the perfect balance between resistance and comfort with its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a gentle and soft tactility, as well as a neutral sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch would be a great option. It offers a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, and can be used at home or work. Ultimately, the decision between these switches would depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel while typing.

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