KTT Glimp vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Glimp and the Outemu Silent White both offer unique features catered to different preferences. The KTT Glimp is a linear switch that is best known for its medium-light feel, providing a satisfying tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force for a pleasant typing experience. Its clacky sound profile adds an extra level of enjoyment to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White is also a linear switch but is characterized by its silence and lack of distinct features. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Silent White might be the better choice for you. However, let's dive into 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the Outemu Silent White is in their top housing. Both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. With both switches using the same material for the top housing, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetic appeal.
Another key difference between the two switches lies in their bottom housing material. The Glimp utilizes nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate, and it absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. Similarly, the Silent White also uses nylon for the bottom housing, ensuring a similar typing experience in terms of sound. Both switches benefit from the unique qualities that nylon brings to the bottom housing, providing users with a different sound profile compared to switches with harder bottom housing materials.
In terms of overall construction, the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This means that users can expect a nuanced typing experience with both the KTT Glimp and the Outemu Silent White, as the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in their respective housing materials offers a balance between sharp, crisp sounds and deep, fuller tones. Whether it's the sharper sound profile of polycarbonate or the fuller sound profile of nylon, both switches provide a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch differ slightly. The Glimp has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Silent White's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Glimp requires 53 grams while the Silent White needs 60 grams. This makes the Glimp a lighter option overall, suitable for those who prefer typing for extended periods. On the other hand, the Silent White offers a slightly heavier typing experience, which some users may find more satisfying for a more substantial feel while typing. Both switches provide a medium actuation force, making them suitable for a variety of typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The comparison between the travel distances of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch shows that the Glimp has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent White has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The difference of 0.7 mm may not seem significant, but it can impact the feel and responsiveness of the key press. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Outemu Silent White a popular choice in that regard. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the KTT Glimp with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance highlights the importance of personal preference when choosing between the two 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 Silent White 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 subjective qualities of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, the Glimp switch stands out for its medium-light tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, providing a satisfying and responsive typing experience. It also features a fairly clacky sound profile that adds to the auditory element of typing. On the other hand, information about the sound and feel of the Silent White switch is unknown. Therefore, if you are seeking a switch with a clacky sound and creamy, smooth feel, the Glimp switch would be the recommended choice based on the available information. However, if the sound and feel qualities of the Silent White switch are similar to those of the Glimp switch, then you can expect to achieve similar results with the Silent White switch. It is essential to consider personal preference and typing needs when selecting the most suitable mechanical keyboard switch for your setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, consider the bottom out force and the typing experience you prefer. If you are looking for a medium-light switch with tactile feedback, a clacky sound profile, and a creamy typing experience, the Glimp switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium switch with a moderate sound profile and a mild typing experience, the Silent White switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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