KTT Glimp vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Glimp and Outemu Silent Grey offer unique typing experiences for different preferences. The Glimp switch is a linear switch that provides a medium-light typing experience with tactile feedback and a comfortable actuation force, making it perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying yet not overwhelming resistance while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is a tactile switch that offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke for those seeking a satisfying and silent typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different needs and 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the Outemu Silent Grey, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Glimp features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Silent Grey also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar sound experience to the Glimp.
The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the KTT Glimp and Outemu Silent Grey results in a distinctive sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. While the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, users can expect a rich and resonant typing experience with either switch. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in each switch's housing material provides a well-balanced sound profile that appeals to different preferences in keyboard enthusiasts.
Despite the similarities in their top housing material, the KTT Glimp and Outemu Silent Grey offer slightly different typing experiences due to their bottom housing material. The Glimp's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the Silent Grey, which also features a nylon bottom housing. This difference in sound profile highlights how the choice of bottom housing material can impact the overall typing feel of a switch. Ultimately, whether the preference is for a sharper sound with polycarbonate or a deeper sound with nylon, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to varying preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch reveals some key differences between the two. The Glimp has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Grey has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial push feel for users who prefer a firmer typing experience. While both switches offer a similar actuation mechanism, with the actuation force determining how easily a keypress is registered, the difference in bottom out force between the two switches results in a notable variation in typing feel. Overall, the Glimp is lighter in terms of force required for keypresses, while the Silent Grey is heavier, catering to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, they both offer the same amount of travel distance, so users can expect a similar experience when pressing down on the keys. This means that whether you choose the Glimp or the Silent Grey, you can enjoy the same level of key travel for a consistent typing experience.
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 Silent Grey 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Glimp linear switch offers a clacky typing experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch remains silent, providing a quiet typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback. Both switches offer different sound profiles, catering to individuals with varying preferences in terms of auditory feedback during typing sessions.
In regards to feel, the KTT Glimp linear switch provides a creamy typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with each keystroke. This switch is known for its comfortable actuation force and tactile feedback, creating a satisfying typing feel. On the contrary, details about the feel of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch are unknown. However, based on its name, it can be inferred that the switch delivers a gentle typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke.
Overall, while the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch differ in sound and potentially in feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a clacky typing experience with tactile feedback or a silent typing experience with pronounced tactility, these switches provide options for individuals looking for a specific typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between the two will depend on personal preference regarding sound, feel, and the overall typing experience desired.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-light switch with tactile feedback, a clacky sound profile, and a satisfying typing feel, the Glimp switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, the Silent Grey switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Experiment with both and see which one enhances your typing experience the most.