KTT Glimp vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream

Overview

Introducing the KTT Glimp and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct typing experiences. The Glimp switch, a linear switch, strikes the perfect balance for those seeking 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 Cream switch, also a linear switch, offers a heftier typing experience with a deep sound profile. It provides a buttery and low-pitched sensation while typing, further enhanced by its textured and resonant characteristics. Both switches have their unique qualities, catering to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Glimp Linear

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Glimp and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream have different materials for their top housings. The Glimp features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Cream has a POM top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffness of polycarbonate also contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. On the other hand, POM housings in the Cream switches produce a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials have their own unique sound profiles, the Glimp's polycarbonate top housing will likely result in a brighter and more vibrant sound, while the Cream's POM top housing will provide a deeper and more subdued tone.

In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Glimp offers the advantage of being translucent. This makes it ideal for those who wish to utilize RGB lighting, as the light can pass through the housing and create visually appealing effects. The POM top housing of the Cream, although not translucent, still contributes to an overall pleasing and unique sound. It may not have the added benefit of showcasing RGB lighting, but it still provides a distinctive experience for the user.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Glimp has a nylon bottom housing, while the Cream utilizes a POM bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the nylon bottom housing of the Glimp produces a duller and rounder sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switch. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Cream also contributes to a deep and muted sound. While the materials may differ, both switches offer a sound profile that leans towards the deeper side, creating a more satisfying and immersive typing experience.

Overall, the choice between the KTT Glimp and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream rests on personal preference in terms of sound profile and desired aesthetics. The Glimp's polycarbonate top housing brings a sharper and more resonant sound, as well as the option for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Cream's POM top housing offers a unique and pleasing sound experience, albeit without the benefit of showcasing lighting effects. Both switches provide a deep and satisfying typing feel through their respective bottom housings, with the Glimp's nylon bottom housing creating a slightly duller sound compared to the Cream's POM bottom housing. Ultimately, it comes down to the individual's preference for sound and aesthetics when deciding between these two housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, we can see some notable differences. The Glimp has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with a lighter touch. In contrast, the NovelKeys Cream has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, requiring a bit more force to register keystrokes.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Glimp has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience when pressing all the way down. On the other hand, the Cream switch has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, offering an even more substantial and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.

For those who prioritize a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Glimp would be a favorable choice with its medium-light actuation and bottom out forces. However, if a more substantial and forceful typing experience is desired, the Cream switch would be the preferred option due to its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on the user's preference, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the chosen switch.

Travel distance

The KTT Glimp linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will feel the switch travel a distance of 4mm from the top to the bottom position. Both switches provide a consistent and comfortable key press, ensuring a smooth typing experience. Whether you choose the Glimp or the Cream, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Glimp switch is described as clacky, which means it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch has a low-pitched sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It is also described as resonant, offering a higher-pitched sound profile and an immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound.

In terms of feel, the Glimp switch is known for its creamy and mild qualities. It provides a smooth and buttery typing experience, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys, melting into each keystroke. The Glimp switch offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switch is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the NovelKeys Cream switch is invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation.

Based on the available information, the Glimp switch offers a medium-light typing experience with tactile feedback and a comfortable actuation force. It provides a satisfying and responsive typing feel. The Glimp switch also has a fairly clacky sound profile, adding an enjoyable auditory element to typing sessions. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switch offers a heftier linear typing experience with a deeper sound profile than the average switch. Both switches provide unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, allowing users to choose based on their preferences.

It is worth noting that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps used. Therefore, it is recommended to consider these factors when evaluating the overall experience of using mechanical keyboard switches. Overall, whether you choose the KTT Glimp or the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch, you can expect similar results in terms of typing experience, with each switch offering its own distinct qualities.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-light switch with a substantial typing experience and tactile feedback, the KTT Glimp linear switch is the way to go. With its comfortable actuation force and clacky sound profile, it offers a satisfying and responsive typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a heftier linear typing experience with a deeper sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is a great choice. It has a medium-heavy bottom out force and provides a low-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp. When it comes to feel, the Glimp offers a creamy and mild typing experience, while the NovelKeys Cream provides a buttery and invigorating sensation. Overall, both switches have their unique characteristics, and it ultimately boils down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Glimp Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

Learn more

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more