KTT Glimp vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Glimp and the Cherry MX Silent Red, both linear switches offering unique features. The Glimp switch is known for its medium-light feel, striking a balance between substantial typing experience and comfortable actuation force. Its tactile feedback and clacky sound profile add to the overall typing feel, making it a great choice for those who enjoy an auditory element to their typing sessions. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red is a variant of the classic MX Red switch, offering a slightly heftier feel while operating silently. This switch provides a satisfying typing experience with a significantly quieter sound profile, making it an ideal choice for noise-sensitive environments. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Cherry MX Silent Red have distinct differences that impact the sound and feel of the switches. The Glimp's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, while the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. In terms of aesthetics, the Glimp's translucent polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting, while the MX Silent Red's opaque nylon top housing offers a classic look.
Both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is duller and rounder compared to the top housing materials. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing absorbs more sound, impacting the overall feel and sound of the switch when pressed. This provides a consistent typing experience with a focus on creating a fuller sound profile throughout the keystroke.
The differences in housing materials between the Glimp and the MX Silent Red showcase how the choice of polycarbonate or nylon can greatly impact the sound and feel of a switch. While the Glimp offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing, the MX Silent Red provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. Despite these variations, both switches share the use of nylon for the bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience with a focus on absorbing sound and creating a fuller sound profile.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch are quite similar, with the Glimp having a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the MX Silent Red's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Glimp is slightly heavier at 53 grams, while the bottom out force of the MX Silent Red is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Glimp, as it has a lower actuation force, making it easier to type for longer periods. On the other hand, those who prefer a more solid and substantial typing feel may prefer the MX Silent Red, as it offers a slightly heavier actuation force. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Glimp being slightly lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the MX Silent Red.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the KTT Glimp linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The KTT Glimp offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more substantial feel when typing. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Cherry MX Silent Red, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress may find the KTT Glimp to be more satisfying. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, so regardless of which one you choose, you can expect a similar experience in that regard. Ultimately, the decision between the two may come down to personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 is known for its fairly clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This adds a crisp and bright auditory element to typing sessions, creating an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offers a muted and low-pitched sound, significantly quieter than traditional switches. It produces a deep and satisfying thocky sound, perfect for noise-sensitive environments where a quieter typing experience is preferred. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, catering to different preferences based on sound preferences.
In terms of feel, the KTT Glimp linear switch is described as creamy and mild, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. The lubricant applied in the switch or specific materials used contribute to a silky sensation, allowing fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with ease. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is noted for its textured feel, providing noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture for added feedback, while others may prefer a smoother typing experience. Each switch offers a distinct typing feel, catering to individuals with varying preferences.
Overall, the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Glimp switch provides a clacky sound and a creamy, mild typing feel, while the MX Silent Red switch offers a muted, low-pitched sound and a textured typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a sharper sound profile and buttery typing feel or a quieter sound profile with a textured typing experience, both switches have something to offer. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a medium-light typing experience with tactile feedback and a clacky sound profile, the KTT Glimp switch is the way to go. It offers a satisfying and responsive typing feel without overwhelming resistance. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience with a similar tactile feel but a significantly quieter sound profile, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is your best bet. Its ability to operate silently makes it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for sound and feel, so consider these factors carefully before making your decision.
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