KTT Glimp vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that both offer unique features catering to different needs. The Glimp switch stands out for its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, providing a satisfying typing experience with a fairly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and budget-friendly nature, offering a buttery smoothness paired with a pleasing, low-pitched “thock” sound. While the Glimp switch appeals to those seeking a substantial typing experience, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch may be the preferred choice for individuals looking for a smooth and affordable option. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
52g
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 Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offer different sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Glimp's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3)'s nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic. While both materials serve their purposes well, the polycarbonate in the Glimp emphasizes clarity, while the nylon in the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) provides a rounder, less sharp sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Glimp and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) use nylon, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer plastic of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a dull and round sound upon bottoming out the key. This consistency in material choice for the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, the impact of the top housing material on the sound when releasing a key may differ between the two switches, given the contrast in their top housing materials.
Overall, while the Glimp and Milky Red Pro (KS-3) share similarities in using nylon for the bottom housing, their choice of polycarbonate for the Glimp's top housing and nylon for the Milky Red Pro (KS-3)'s top housing leads to distinct sound profiles and aesthetics. The stiffer polycarbonate in the Glimp creates a sharp and clear sound, ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, while the softer nylon in the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, we find that the Glimp has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Milky Red Pro's 45 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Glimp at 53 grams and the Milky Red Pro at 52 grams. This means that while the Glimp provides a slightly lighter initial press, both switches offer a similar resistance when fully pressed down. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Glimp may be the better option, while those who prefer a slightly more substantial push may lean towards the Milky Red Pro. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in determining the typing experience, with lighter switches being more suitable for extended typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch have the same travel distance, both measuring at 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 4mm from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feedback and overall typing experience. Whether you choose the Glimp or the Milky Red Pro (KS-3), you can rest assured that the travel distance will remain consistent for both switches, providing a reliable typing 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 Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 linear switch has a fairly clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is known for its low-pitched "thock" sound, which is deep, rich, and satisfying. While the Glimp provides a more percussive auditory experience, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a smoother and bassier tone during key presses.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Glimp switch is described as offering a creamy and mild typing experience. This means that users can expect a smooth and buttery sensation while typing, creating a pleasant and gentle feel. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is known for its buttery typing experience, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation that is both smooth and fluid.
Overall, the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Glimp switch provides a more tactile and clacky sound with a creamy and mild typing feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch offers a smoother "thocky" sound and a buttery typing experience. Depending on the user's preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on personal preference in regards to sound and feel.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a tactile feedback and clacky sound profile, the Glimp switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a pleasing "thock" sound, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch could be more suitable. Both switches offer a medium-light bottom out force, so the decision ultimately comes down to your preference for sound and feel. Choose the Glimp for its creamy and tactile experience, or opt for the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for its buttery smoothness and budget-friendly price point. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your individual preferences and typing style.
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