KTT Glimp vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that offer unique typing experiences are the KTT Glimp and the SP-Star Polaris Gray. The Glimp switch is a linear switch that strikes the perfect balance between responsiveness and resistance, making it ideal for those seeking a substantial yet comfortable typing experience. With its tactile feedback and satisfying actuation force, the Glimp switch ensures a highly enjoyable typing feel. Additionally, its fairly clacky sound profile adds an auditory element that enhances your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch is also a linear switch, but it offers a bouncy typing experience. These switches have a clean and clacky sound profile that many users appreciate. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and mild, the Polaris Gray switch provides a polished and thocky typing sensation. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The KTT Glimp and the SP-Star Polaris Gray both use polycarbonate in their top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. It is known for its stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate is translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will provide similar sound characteristics when it comes to the top housing. Whether you are typing on the Glimp or the Polaris Gray, you can expect a sharp and clear sound experience.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Glimp features a nylon material while the Polaris Gray uses polycarbonate. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. This means that the Glimp will provide a deeper and fuller typing sound due to its nylon bottom housing, while the Polaris Gray will have a sharper and crisper sound thanks to its polycarbonate bottom housing.
In terms of the overall typing experience, the qualities brought by each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, you will primarily feel and hear the characteristics of the bottom housing. The bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the nylon material in the Glimp, resulting in a deeper and softer experience. For the Polaris Gray, the polycarbonate bottom housing will provide a sharper and firmer bottom-out sensation. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key will be more influenced by the top housing, which is the same for both switches. Therefore, the release sound of both the Glimp and the Polaris Gray will have a similar sharp and clear quality.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, there are several notable differences. The Glimp has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch.
Considering weight as an important factor, those who prefer a lighter switch may find the Glimp more suitable for their needs. A lighter switch enables longer periods of typing without strain, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience and a stronger push feel might lean towards the Polaris Gray. The heavier bottom out force of 67 grams provides a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a heavier switch.
As for actuation force, the specific value for the Polaris Gray is unknown, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, assuming it is not drastically different from the Glimp's 43 grams, users can expect a similar level of responsiveness when triggering keystrokes on both switches. This similarity in actuation force can result in comparable results in terms of speed and accuracy.
In summary, the KTT Glimp linear switch offers a medium-light actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a lighter typing experience suitable for longer usage periods. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has an unknown actuation force but a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, delivering a more substantial and satisfying keystroke feel. Despite the uncertainty regarding the Polaris Gray's actuation force, similarities in actuation force between the two switches may still yield comparable performance outcomes.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Glimp linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience provided by 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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 is best described as clacky. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving off a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory feedback. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has a low-pitched sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It is also described as neutral, having a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile suitable for most purposes. It is worth noting that the sound of a switch can also vary depending on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Glimp switch offers a creamy typing experience. This means that it provides a smooth and buttery feel, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys with each keystroke. The Glimp switch is also described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics. Similarly, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is also categorized as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, it is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the KTT Glimp linear switch distinguishes itself with a clacky sound profile and a creamy, mild typing feel. It strikes a balance between tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, delivering a satisfying and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile and a mild, polished typing feel. While they differ in their sound and feel, both switches have a neutral actuation force requirement, making them suitable for various purposes. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the individual's preference for sound and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-light switch with a satisfying tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, the KTT Glimp linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Glimp offers a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance and has a fairly clacky sound profile, adding an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch would be a better fit. The Polaris Gray has a medium-heavy bottom out force, providing a slightly more intense typing experience. Its sound profile is described as low-pitched, neutral, and thocky, offering a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. In terms of feel, both switches fall under the mild category, providing a gentle typing experience. However, the Glimp switch is also described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery sensation as you glide your fingers across the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Glimp and the SP-Star Polaris Gray will depend on your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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