KTT Glimp vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the KTT Glimp, known for its linear switch, and the Bsun Olive, known for its tactile switch. The Glimp switch offers a medium-light typing experience with tactile feedback and a comfortable actuation force, resulting in a satisfying and responsive feel. Its clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Olive switch features all-POM housings that deliver a resonant, deep sound, setting it apart from other switches. With medium-weight and pronounced tactile feedback, the Olive switch ensures a crisp bottom-out and a satisfying tactile experience. The Glimp switch is categorized as clacky, creamy, mild, and neutral, while the Olive switch is categorized as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. Each switch offers unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can 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
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the Bsun Olive, we can see that the Glimp uses a polycarbonate top housing while the Olive uses a POM top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, POM produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials offer unique sound qualities, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound aesthetics.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Glimp features a nylon bottom housing while the Olive also utilizes a POM bottom housing. Nylon typically creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the POM bottom housing of the Olive also contributes to a deeper sound profile that is relatively more muted. Both materials offer a different tactile experience when typing, with nylon offering a rounder sound and POM providing a pleasing and unique sound.
It's interesting to note that if the top and bottom housings are different for a switch, each housing material will bring unique qualities to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials between the KTT Glimp and the Bsun Olive, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles influenced by their respective top and bottom housings.
Weight
The KTT Glimp linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch both have their own unique characteristics when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Glimp has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Olive's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. However, the Glimp has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 53 grams compared to the Olive's heavier 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Glimp being more medium-light in terms of force, while the Olive falls into the medium-heavy category. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, it is evident that the Glimp has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Olive's 3.4 mm. The Glimp falls into the more traditional range of travel distances, while the Olive is on the shorter side. Gamers may lean towards the Olive for its quicker response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may find the Glimp more to their liking. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Glimp providing a deeper key press and the Olive offering a more responsive 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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 linear switch is best described as having a clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This adds a crisp, bright, and percussive element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive tactile switch is known for delivering a resonant, deep sound due to its all-POM housings. While the sound profile of the Olive switch is not explicitly described, it can be inferred that these medium-weight switches offer a unique auditory experience that sets them apart from the Glimp switch.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Glimp linear switch is described as offering a creamy typing experience, with a smooth and buttery sensation that makes typing effortless and enjoyable. Additionally, it has a mild feel, offering a gentle typing experience that falls into a safe, middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive tactile switch provides an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, creating a pronounced and immersive typing sensation. These switches have a long pole stem design that ensures a crisp, sharp bottom-out, adding to the tactile feel that is neither overwhelming nor subtle.
Overall, when comparing the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, it is evident that they offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Glimp switch provides a clacky sound profile and a creamy, mild feel, while the Olive switch delivers a resonant, deep sound and an invigorating, sharp tactile feedback. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can achieve different typing experiences with each switch. However, both switches aim to provide a satisfying and responsive typing experience, ensuring that you will get quality results with either choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light switch with tactile feedback and a somewhat clacky sound profile, then the Glimp switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with pronounced tactile feedback and a deep, resonant sound profile, then the Olive switch would be more suitable for you. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your preferences and typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that resonates most with you.