KTT Glimp vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options worth considering are the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Oil King, both of which are linear switches. The Glimp switch strikes a balance between a substantial typing experience and a comfortable actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a medium-light switch. With its tactile feedback and satisfyingly responsive typing feel, the Glimp switch offers a delightful typing experience. Additionally, its fairly clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Oil King switch stands out for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile that evokes the snap of a dark chocolate bar. This switch is perfect for those who prioritize a low-pitched and silky typing experience. Its creamy and polished feel further enhances the overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Oil King are quite different. The Glimp features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. It is a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate material is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing. This material absorbs more sound due to it being a relatively softer plastic, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon creates a duller and rounder sound, which can be preferable for some users seeking a different typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Glimp and the Oil King have different materials. The Glimp's bottom housing is also nylon, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile that complements the nylon top housing. Like before, the softer nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing offers a different experience. The INK blend is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, which is described as clacky. This results in a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound when bottoming out a key.
In terms of impact, the top and bottom housings play different roles in the overall sound and feel of the switches. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the Glimp's nylon bottom housing will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Oil King's INK blend bottom housing will create a pointed and high-pitched sound. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the polycarbonate top housing of the Glimp will generate a sharper and crisper sound when keys are let go, contrasting with the duller and rounder sound produced by the nylon top housing of the Oil King. Despite their differences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience based on the qualities of their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Glimp has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Oil King's 55 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke with a lighter touch. Similarly, the Glimp also has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams compared to the Oil King's 65 grams. This means that typing or gaming on the Glimp would require less force and may be more comfortable for longer periods of use. On the other hand, the Oil King provides a stronger push feel with its heavier forces, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more effortless typing experience, the Glimp would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a stronger push and a more tactile feel while typing, the Oil King would be the better option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience a consistent 4 mm of travel. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Oil King 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 Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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
The KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch have various subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. In terms of sound, the Glimp switch is described as clacky, producing sharp and snappy sounds during key presses. On the other hand, the Oil King switch has a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. Keep in mind that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Turning to feel, both switches share the descriptor of being creamy. This indicates that they offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, possibly due to factory lubrication or specific materials used. Typing on either switch will give you a silky sensation, as if your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys with ease. Additionally, the Glimp switch is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience suitable for most users, while the Oil King switch is labeled as silky, suggesting an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimized resistance.
Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that both the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch offer a similar smooth and buttery typing experience. They are both known for providing a satisfying and responsive typing feel, with a creamy sensation that enhances the overall smoothness of the keystrokes. While the Glimp switch has a clacky sound profile, adding a crisp and bright auditory element to typing sessions, the Oil King switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference in terms of both sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a medium-light switch with a satisfying typing experience and comfortable actuation force, the KTT Glimp linear switch is the way to go. It strikes the perfect balance for your needs, providing tactile feedback and a clacky sound profile that adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with buttery smoothness and a low-pitched sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is the ideal choice for you. It offers a creamy and silky typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths, so consider your preferences and requirements to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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