KTT Glimp vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the KTT Glimp and the Outemu Blue. The Glimp is a linear switch that is highly regarded for its medium-light actuation force, providing a satisfying typing experience without excessive resistance. Its tactile feedback and clacky sound profile make for an enjoyable typing session. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue is a clicky switch known for its audible click sound with each key press. It offers a different typing experience compared to the Glimp, with a more pronounced click feel. While the Glimp is categorized as clacky, creamy, mild, and neutral, the Blue does not fall into any specific category. Both switches have their own unique strengths and appeal, offering users a choice depending on their preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 KTT Glimp and Outemu Blue switches both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, the Glimp and Blue switches differ in their bottom housing material, with the Glimp using nylon and the Blue also using nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both the Glimp and Blue switches have polycarbonate top housings, the difference in bottom housing material will impact the overall typing experience. The Glimp's nylon bottom housing will contribute to the switch's bottom-out sound and feel, making it deeper and fuller. On the other hand, the Blue's nylon bottom housing will also result in a similar typing experience, with a focus on absorbing sound and creating a duller and rounder sound profile. Despite the differences in bottom housing material, the polycarbonate top housing in both switches will offer a consistent sharp and clear sound profile.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the KTT Glimp and Outemu Blue plays a significant role in the sound and feel of typing. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches results in a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those looking for a more defined typing experience. While the Glimp's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper sound profile, the Blue's nylon bottom housing offers a similar typing experience with its ability to absorb sound. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in these switches caters to different preferences, allowing users to customize their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Glimp linear switch to the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it is clear that the Glimp is lighter in terms of actuation force at 43 grams compared to the Blue's 50 grams. This means that the Glimp may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing. In contrast, the Glimp also has a lower bottom out force at 53 grams, while the Blue's bottom out force is unknown. This indicates that the Glimp provides a more consistent typing experience throughout the entire key press compared to the Blue. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to individual preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, whether for extended work sessions or a more satisfying typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch are the same, both measuring at 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance indicates that whether using the Glimp or the Blue switch, the typing experience will be consistent in terms of the distance the keys travel when pressed. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of key travel with both 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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 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
Overall, when comparing the sound qualities of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, the Glimp switch stands out for its clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive typing experience. In contrast, the sound profile of the Blue switch is unknown. Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Glimp switch offers a creamy and smooth typing experience, with a tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force. On the other hand, the feel of the Blue switch is also unknown. Based on the available information, it is clear that the Glimp switch excels in providing a balanced typing experience with its satisfying sound and smooth feel. While the specific qualities of the Blue switch remain unknown, it is likely that it may offer a different typing experience compared to the Glimp switch. Ultimately, when choosing between these switches, one should consider their personal preferences in sound and feel to determine which switch best suits their typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a medium-light switch with tactile feedback and a clacky sound profile for a satisfying typing experience, then the Glimp switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a undefined bottom out force and potentially louder sound profile, the Outemu Blue switch may be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to individual preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience. Good luck in finding the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup!
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