KTT Glimp vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that often come up are the KTT Glimp and the Cherry MX Brown. The Glimp switch is a linear switch that provides a medium-light typing experience, striking the perfect balance for those who want a substantial feel without overwhelming resistance. Its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force offer a satisfying and responsive typing experience, while its fairly clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch is known for its subtlety. These switches offer a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. They are perfect for those who prefer a more textured feel and a low-pitched sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the Cherry MX Brown switches show distinct differences in terms of their sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Glimp utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the MX Brown features a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. While both housing materials have their unique characteristics, the Glimp's polycarbonate and the MX Brown's nylon offer distinctive sound experiences to cater to individual preferences.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Glimp and the MX Brown utilize nylon materials, which again contribute to their similar sound profiles. Nylon, being a classic switch housing material, creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon plastic allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Despite their slight differences in other areas, the use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures a consistent and satisfying sound experience when bottoming out keys.
When it comes to the overall sound of a switch, the top and bottom housings play different roles. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. In contrast, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound produced when a key is released. This means that although the Glimp and the MX Brown may have different top and bottom housing materials, the overall sound experience will still be influenced by the combination of these materials. Therefore, while their specific qualities may differ, both switches deliver a satisfying sound profile that caters to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, we can see that both switches fall under the medium-light category. The Glimp requires an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Although there is a slight difference in their weights, both switches provide a similar experience in terms of force required for keystrokes. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for either switch, as they allow for longer periods of comfortable typing. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial push for a satisfying typing experience may lean towards options with slightly heavier forces. Overall, both the KTT Glimp and the Cherry MX Brown switches offer comparable actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with reliable and efficient typing experiences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard, as it directly affects the typing experience. In the case of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel a consistent 4 mm of travel from the top to the bottom. This ensures a satisfying tactile feedback and allows for precise typing. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both the KTT Glimp and the Cherry MX Brown provide similar results, resulting in a comparable typing experience for users who prefer these switches.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Glimp switch has a clacky profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch offers a bassier and mellow sound profile with a lower frequency range. It provides a deeper and richer tone associated with bass tones. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, allowing users to choose based on their preferences. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Glimp switch is described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. This sensation is achieved through the application of lubricant in the switch or specific materials used. It gives users a silky feeling, allowing their fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch is not explicitly described in terms of feel. This missing information suggests that it may offer a more neutral or standard typing experience without any particularly pronounced characteristics.
Based on the available information, the KTT Glimp switch offers a satisfying and responsive typing feel with its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force. It strikes a balance between providing a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance. Additionally, the switch's clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch is known for its subtlety, offering a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. While differences in sound and feel exist between the two switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the overall typing experience one seeks. Both switches offer a satisfactory typing experience, albeit with different characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Glimp switch offers a satisfying and responsive typing feel with its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force. It also provides a clacky sound profile, adding an enjoyable auditory element to your typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch offers a subtler typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. It has a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone. Additionally, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Glimp switch with its creamy feel may be more appealing. However, if you enjoy a slightly textured switch with noticeable friction, the MX Brown switch may be a better fit. Ultimately, it is important to consider your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience when choosing between these two switches.
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