KTT Glimp vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Glimp and the Gateron Quinn are both mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and benefits. The Glimp switch is a linear switch that strikes the perfect balance for those seeking a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance. With its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, it offers a satisfying and responsive typing feel. Additionally, its fairly clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Quinn switch offers a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. Thanks to their specially designed nylon housings, each keystroke produces a rich and immersive sound that adds a touch of character to the typing experience. Expect a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump with the Quinn switch. 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
59g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Glimp and the Gateron Quinn differ in their housing materials, specifically in the top and bottom housings. The Glimp features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it an excellent choice for switches that utilize RGB lighting. In contrast, the Quinn's nylon top housing offers a different typing experience. It produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder tone. While both materials serve their purpose, the Glimp's polycarbonate top housing is more likely to enhance the sound clarity, while the Quinn's nylon top housing focuses on creating a deeper and fuller tone.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Glimp and the Quinn rely on nylon as their housing material. Nylon is a classic choice for switch housing due to its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both the Glimp and the Quinn share similar qualities in their bottom housings, offering a typing experience with enhanced depth and richness in sound. If you prefer a switch that provides a deeper and fuller tone, whether it's the Glimp or the Quinn, the nylon bottom housing will surely meet your expectations.
It is important to note that the difference between the top and bottom housings determines the overall sound profile of a switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the Glimp and the Quinn will have distinct characteristics in terms of the sound produced when pressing down and releasing keys. However, both switches share the quality of a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the nylon used in their bottom housings. So, while there may be variations in sound based on the different top housings, if you enjoy a typing experience with enhanced depth and resonance, both the Glimp and the Quinn will deliver satisfying results.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, we can see some notable differences. The Glimp has a relatively lighter actuation force of 43 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Quinn requires a stronger push with an actuation force of 59 grams. Similarly, while bottoming out on the Glimp requires 53 grams of force, the Quinn is heavier with a bottom out force of 67 grams. These differences indicate that the Quinn switch provides a more substantial typing experience, requiring more force both during actuation and bottoming out. On the other hand, the Glimp offers a lighter touch, ideal for those who prefer longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches cater to different preferences in terms of typing experiences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch plays a significant role in the experience of using a keyboard. The KTT Glimp linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered the more traditional option. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Quinn switch more suitable for individuals who prefer a shallower travel distance and faster response times, such as gamers. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation and may enhance overall typing or gaming speed. However, for those who enjoy a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing keys, the Glimp switch with its 4 mm travel distance might be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences and the desired 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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 switch is best described as clacky. A clacky switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, creating a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch offers a deep and resonant sound profile. The sound generated by these switches has a lower frequency range, resembling the richness and depth associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Quinn switch also has a clacky sound characteristic, giving it a crisp and bright element. Overall, if you are seeking a clacky sound, both switches can provide similar results, but the Quinn switch offers a more bass-heavy and immersive auditory experience due to its resonant sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Glimp switch provides a satisfying and responsive typing experience with its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force. This switch strikes a perfect balance for users seeking a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance. It can be described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing sensation, where your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys with ease. The Gateron Quinn switch, on the other hand, offers a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump. It is considered an accented switch, providing a noticeable amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the Quinn switch is also described as snappy, indicating its super responsiveness, making the typing experience feel more alive. Both switches offer unique qualities in terms of feel, with the Glimp switch focusing on a creamy and mild typing experience, while the Quinn switch provides a more accented and snappy feel.
Considering all the available information, the KTT Glimp and Gateron Quinn switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Glimp switch offers a clacky sound profile, while the Quinn switch provides a bassy and resonant sound experience. In terms of feel, the Glimp switch delivers a creamy and mild typing sensation, while the Quinn switch offers an accented and snappy feel. It is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Ultimately, both switches can provide an enjoyable typing experience, with the Glimp switch focusing on a balanced and responsive feel, and the Quinn switch emphasizing a unique combination of tactility and deep sound profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-light switch with a balanced typing experience and a clacky sound profile, the KTT Glimp linear switch would be a great choice. It offers a satisfying and responsive typing feel with its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch would be an excellent option. With its specially designed nylon housings, the Quinn switch provides a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump along with a rich and immersive sound. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and actuation force.
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