KTT Glimp vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, there are a variety of options available to suit different preferences. Two switches that stand out are the KTT Glimp, a linear switch, and the Outemu Red Panda, a tactile switch. The Glimp switch offers a medium-light resistance, striking a balance for those who desire a substantial typing experience without overwhelming force. With its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, typing on the Glimp switch provides a satisfying and responsive feel. In addition, the switch's fairly clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch provides a light-medium amount of tactility, accompanied by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This switch is categorized as "thocky" and offers a mild typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Glimp and the Outemu Red Panda both feature polycarbonate top housing, which enhances the sound profile of the switches to be sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics from both the Glimp and the Red Panda due to their polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Glimp and the Red Panda differ in their choice of material. The Glimp utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Red Panda also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound.
In terms of impact, the qualities of the bottom housing are more noticeable when pressing down on the switch. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, contributing to the overall typing experience. Conversely, the top housing plays a greater role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Glimp and the Red Panda share similarities in their top housing material, the choice of bottom housing may slightly differentiate their overall sound profiles and typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The Glimp has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Red Panda's 50 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Glimp is also lighter with 53 grams compared to the Red Panda's 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-light category in terms of bottom out force, offering a comfortable typing experience without requiring excessive pressure.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Glimp switch would be a good choice, as its actuation and bottom out forces are both lighter than the Red Panda. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or avid gamers who value lighter switches for improved endurance. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch offers a slightly stronger push feel with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This can provide a more substantial typing experience for individuals who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback from their keyboard switches.
In summary, while the Glimp and Red Panda switches have different actuation and bottom out forces, they both offer a medium-light typing experience. The Glimp is lighter in both aspects, providing a lighter and smoother keystroke, while the Red Panda offers a slightly heavier feel, appealing to those who prefer a stronger and more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. In this case, we have the KTT Glimp linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. While both switches offer a noticeable travel distance, the Glimp has a slightly longer distance compared to the Red Panda.
A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered to be more traditional, offering a satisfying depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Red Panda's travel distance of 3.3 mm is slightly shorter and may be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation, which can be advantageous in competitive gaming situations.
However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances can sometimes feel abrupt for some users, lacking the desired depth and tactile feedback. For those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, the longer travel distance of the Glimp may be the better choice.
Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preferences. If quick response times and a shallower feel are desired, the Red Panda with its 3.3 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, if a more traditional and deeper keypress experience is preferred, the Glimp with its 4.0 mm travel distance would provide similar results.
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 Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Glimp linear switch is best described as clacky. This means that it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is known for its thocky sound profile. Thocky switches typically produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, akin to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock." It's important to note, however, that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Glimp linear switch offers a creamy typing experience. This means that it provides a smooth and buttery feel during typing sessions. This can be attributed to the application of lubricant at the factory or the use of specific materials in the switch. Typing on a Glimp switch feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, with each keystroke melting into the switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a mild typing experience. This means that it provides a more gentle typing sensation compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The feel of both switches falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Glimp switch provides a clacky sound profile that adds a crisp and bright auditory element to typing sessions. Its creamy feel offers a smooth and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch offers a thocky sound profile, with a deeper and more satisfying sound. Its mild feel provides a gentle typing sensation. If you prefer a clacky sound and a creamy feel, the Glimp switch would be the better choice. If you lean towards a thocky sound and a mild feel, the Red Panda switch would be more suitable. However, it's important to consider personal preferences and the overall setup, including the keyboard board and keycaps used, as these factors can influence the subjective qualities of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a medium-light switch with a satisfying and responsive typing experience, the KTT Glimp linear switch would be an excellent choice. With its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, it strikes the perfect balance for a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance. Additionally, its fairly clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a light-medium amount of tactility, alongside a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch would be a great option. Both switches offer different sound profiles, with the Glimp being described as clacky and neutral, and the Red Panda as thocky. In terms of feel, both switches fall under the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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