KTT Glimp vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the KTT Glimp and the KTT Mint. The Glimp switch is a medium-light linear switch that strikes the 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. Additionally, its fairly clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Mint switch is a satisfyingly smooth linear switch that provides a light and fleeting typing experience. Thanks to its long pole stem, typing on the Mint switch delivers a poppy thockiness that many users appreciate. Although both switches offer their unique advantages, 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
53g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Glimp and the KTT Mint share similar top housing materials, both utilizing polycarbonate. This choice of material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a more defined typing experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either the Glimp or the Mint.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials differ between the KTT Glimp and the KTT Mint, with the Glimp featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Mint also utilizing nylon. The nylon material in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its relatively softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This provides a unique typing experience, giving users a more mellow and satisfying sound when pressing down on the switches. While the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, allowing users to enjoy a well-rounded auditory experience.
In summary, the KTT Glimp and the KTT Mint share similar top housing materials, which lead to a sharper and clearer sound profile, as well as improved aesthetics through enhanced RGB lighting effects. However, their bottom housing materials differ, with both utilizing nylon. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's sound-absorbing properties. While the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel. Overall, users can expect a satisfying and well-balanced auditory experience from both the Glimp and the Mint, with slight variations in sound characteristics due to their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Glimp linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, there are slight differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glimp has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Mint has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have the same bottom out force of 53 grams, which falls into the medium-light range.
The actuation force of a switch is the force required to trigger a keystroke, meaning that the Glimp will require a slightly lighter touch compared to the Mint. This may result in a slightly faster typing experience for those using the Glimp switch. However, when it comes to bottoming out, or pressing all the way down, both switches require the same force of 53 grams.
When considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces. In this case, both the Glimp and Mint switches fall into the medium-light range, offering a balance between lightness and a tactile typing experience.
In summary, while there is a slight difference in the actuation force between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, both switches share the same bottom out force. The Glimp provides a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the Mint requires 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences for typing experience and desired actuation force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. In this case, both the KTT Glimp linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and typing experience provided by these switches. Whether you choose the Glimp or the Mint, you can rest assured knowing that the travel distance of both switches is consistent and uniform.
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 KTT Mint comes in at $2.91 per 10 switches.
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, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound is crisp, bright, and percussive, adding an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, which typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches fall under the neutral sound profile category, making them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Glimp switch offers a creamy typing experience, characterized by a smooth and buttery feel. This can be attributed to the lubricant applied in the switch at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on the Glimp switch feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, with each keystroke melting into the switch. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. The Mint switch can also be described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This can be due to the materials used or factory lubing.
In conclusion, the KTT Glimp linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Glimp switch stands out for its satisfying tactile feedback, comfortable actuation force, and clacky sound profile. It strikes a balance between providing a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance. On the other hand, the Mint switch is celebrated for its smoothness and poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem, offering a light and fleeting typing feel. While both switches have a neutral sound profile, the Glimp switch leans towards a clacky sound, while the Mint switch leans towards a low-pitched sound. Both switches provide a pleasant typing experience, with the Glimp switch offering a creamy feel and the Mint switch providing a mild and polished typing feel. Overall, these switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users can find a suitable option based on their individual needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a satisfying tactile feedback and a moderately clacky sound profile, the KTT Glimp linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, it strikes the perfect balance between a substantial typing experience and comfortable actuation. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more fleeting typing experience with a light and low-pitched sound, the KTT Mint linear switch would be more suitable. With its long pole stem, it offers a poppy thockiness and a satisfyingly smooth feel. Ultimately, both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and are suitable for most intents and purposes. Therefore, the choice between the two depends on your personal preferences for tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing feel. In the end, it's all about finding the switch that provides the most enjoyable and comfortable typing experience for you.
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