KTT Glimp vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options for those seeking a smooth and satisfying typing experience are the KTT Glimp and the Durock Piano. The Glimp switch, a linear switch, strikes the perfect balance between a substantial typing experience and a comfortable actuation force. With its tactile feedback and fairly clacky sound profile, the Glimp switch offers a satisfying and responsive typing feel. On the other hand, the Durock Piano, also a linear switch, is known for its proprietary material blend, resulting in one of the most pleasant typing experiences available. Users report a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature when using the Piano switches. While these general descriptions provide a good starting point, 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Glimp and the Durock Piano have different housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Glimp features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend top housing, offering a satisfying and deep sound profile. While we do not have specific details of the blend, it is clear that the POM material contributes to a unique sound experience.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Glimp has a nylon construction, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Piano incorporates a proprietary POM blend for its bottom housing, which also offers a satisfying and deep sound. While the exact details of the blend are unknown, it is evident that the POM material contributes to the overall sound profile of the Piano.
It is important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and the bottom of the switch. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more noticeable in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, both the Glimp and the Piano utilize their respective housing materials to create unique and distinct sound profiles, with the Glimp emphasizing sharper and crisper tones, while the Piano focuses on a deep and satisfying sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Glimp features a medium-light actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. In contrast, the Piano's actuation force is unknown, but it does have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams.
Considering weight as an important factor, those who prefer a lighter switch will find the Glimp more suitable. Its lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions without excessive finger fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, for users who seek a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Piano's heavier bottom out force provides that satisfying tactile response.
Although the actuation force of the Piano remains unknown, based on the given information, it can be assumed that the actuation force of the Glimp is also similar or identical to its bottom out force, resulting in a consistent feel throughout the keystroke. Thus, users who desire similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces should consider the Glimp over the Piano, as they both exhibit medium-heavy bottom out forces. It is important to note that the Glimp is lighter overall, while the Piano offers a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will experience the same distance of travel with both switches. Therefore, regardless of which switch you choose to use, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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
The subjective qualities of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch differ in terms of sound and feel. The Glimp switch has a fairly clacky sound profile, which produces a crisp and bright sound when pressed, adding an enjoyable auditory element to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Piano switch offers a deep and creamy sound signature, characterized by a lower frequency range reminiscent of bass tones. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the Glimp switch strikes a balance for those seeking a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance, offering tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force. Meanwhile, the Piano switch provides a gliding push feel and is known for its proprietary material blend that enhances the overall typing experience. It is described as frictionless and silky, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing feel. Overall, the Glimp and Piano switches each have their unique sound and feel characteristics, catering to different preferences. However, if you prefer a clacky sound and a creamy feel, or a bassy sound and a silky feel, you can achieve similar results with either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance, the KTT Glimp linear switch would be a great choice. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, the Glimp switch strikes the perfect balance. It offers tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, resulting in a satisfying and responsive typing feel. Additionally, the Glimp switch has a fairly clacky sound profile, adding an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize a pleasant linear switch that provides a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the Piano switch offers a medium-heavy typing experience. It is known for its proprietary material blend that enhances the overall typing feel. The Piano switch produces a bassy sound, characterized by a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Glimp and the Durock Piano switch depends on your preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and feel.
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