KTT Glimp vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Glimp linear switch to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it's clear that both offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Glimp switch is praised for its medium-light actuation force, providing a satisfying and responsive feel for typists seeking a balance between comfort and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switch from Outemu offers a quiet and tactile typing experience with a distinctive "thocky" sound, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile bump. While both switches have their own strengths, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style when deciding between the two. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 KTT Glimp's housing materials offer a unique combination of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing provides a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Glimp creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition which absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches feature nylon for both the top and bottom housing, offering a consistent, deeper and fuller sound profile throughout the switch.
In terms of sound characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing of the KTT Glimp and the nylon top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade switches offer distinct qualities. The polycarbonate top housing of the Glimp produces a sharper, crisper sound profile, while the nylon top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade creates a deeper, fuller sound. When it comes to aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly useful for switches that include RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing option for users. However, the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing offers a classic feel and sound experience that some users may prefer for a more traditional typing experience.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the combination of housing materials in the KTT Glimp allows for a split in sound characteristics between the top and bottom of the switch. The impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable during bottom-out sounds and feels, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. In contrast, the consistent nylon housing of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade provides a balanced and rounder sound profile throughout the typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound with nylon, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance the typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is evident that the Glimp is lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Silent Yellow Jade is heavier with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Glimp offers a medium-light typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade provides a medium-heavy feel, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial push for a satisfying typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences, with lighter switches being preferred for longer typing durations and heavier switches for a more robust typing feel. Although the actuation and bottom out forces of the switches differ, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out feel when using switches with comparable forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Glimp linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Glimp offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more traditional typing experience with a bit more depth to the key press. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a shorter travel distance, which can be preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their travel distances, with the Glimp being the longer option and the Silent Yellow Jade being the shorter option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and responsiveness.
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 Yellow Jade 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Glimp linear switch offers a clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a "thocky" sound, creating a quiet and satisfying typing experience. While both switches offer different sound profiles, the choice between them would ultimately depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Glimp switch is known for its creamy typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation as your fingers glide effortlessly across the keys. This is due to either factory-applied lubricant or specific materials used in the switch. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Both switches provide unique tactile feedback, so the decision between them would depend on your preference for a creamy or mild typing experience.
Considering all the available information, the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles. The Glimp switch provides a clacky sound and a creamy typing feel, while the Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a "thocky" sound and a mild typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches, however, offer a satisfying and responsive typing experience that would cater to different preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Glimp linear switch or the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-light switch with a bottom out force of 53 grams, along with a tactile feedback and clacky sound profile, then the Glimp switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a bottom out force of 65 grams, along with a quiet, tactile typing experience and a satisfying "thocky" sound, then the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and the qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.