KTT Glimp vs. SP-Star RedBlue

Overview

If you're in search of the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, look no further than the KTT Glimp and SP-Star RedBlue. Both switches offer a medium-light typing experience, making them ideal for those who desire a balance between responsive feedback and comfortable actuation force. The Glimp switch is renowned for its satisfying tactile feedback and slightly clacky sound profile, adding an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the RedBlue switch provides a higher-pitched sound profile and is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch is perfect for you.

By the numbers

KTT Glimp Linear

SP-Star RedBlue Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the SP-Star RedBlue have some similarities and differences. Both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate also allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a clear housing that provides a clear and resonant sound, both the Glimp and the RedBlue would offer similar results in this aspect.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Glimp uses nylon while the RedBlue uses polycarbonate. The Glimp's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the RedBlue's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, similar to its effect on the top housing.

When you press down on the Glimp switch, you will feel the qualities of its nylon bottom housing. This bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a deeper and fuller typing experience. Conversely, the impact of the RedBlue's polycarbonate bottom housing would be felt when you release a key. The top housing of a switch has more influence on the sound when you let go of a key, so the polycarbonate material would contribute to a sharper and crisper sound upon key release.

In summary, both the KTT Glimp and the SP-Star RedBlue utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a similar clear and resonant sound profile and compatibility with RGB lighting. However, the Glimp's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the RedBlue's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. The impact of the different bottom housing materials can be felt during key presses and releases, with the Glimp having a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and the RedBlue on the sound when releasing a key.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, there are some similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Glimp is lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which falls into the medium-light category. On the other hand, the actuation force of the RedBlue is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is also considered medium-light. While we don't have an exact value for the actuation force of the RedBlue, it is likely to be within a similar range to the Glimp. Both switches provide a relatively lightweight typing experience, making them suitable for longer periods of typing, such as in a work environment or extended gaming sessions. However, if one prefers a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, they may lean towards options with heavier forces. Overall, the Glimp and RedBlue switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The KTT Glimp linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance, ensuring a similar tactile feedback regardless of which one you choose.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound qualities of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Glimp switch is known for its clacky sound profile, which produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This gives a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience during typing sessions. On the other hand, the RedBlue switch offers a relatively higher-pitched sound profile. This means that it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the Glimp switch. Both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, which means they have a moderate actuation force requirement and are suitable for various purposes and users. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

In terms of feel, the Glimp switch provides a creamy typing experience. This is characterized by a smooth and buttery sensation while typing, as if your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. The switch can offer this sensation due to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used. Additionally, the Glimp switch is described as having a mild typing feel, which means it provides a gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics. On the other hand, the RedBlue switch also offers a mild typing experience, making it approachable for most users. It offers qualities that stand in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the RedBlue switch is described as being polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This is achieved through materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and provides smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the KTT Glimp linear switch and SP-Star RedBlue linear switch have some differences in their subjective qualities. The Glimp switch is characterized by a clacky sound profile and a creamy feel, providing an enjoyable auditory and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the RedBlue switch has a relatively higher-pitched sound and a polished feel, offering a mellow auditory experience with smooth and refined key travel. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and mild typing feel, making them suitable for a wide range of users. If you prefer the clacky sound and creamy feel, the Glimp switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound and polished feel, the RedBlue switch would be a good option. Overall, the available information suggests that both switches can provide satisfying results in terms of sound and feel, with some nuanced differences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light switch that offers a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance, the KTT Glimp linear switch is the best choice for you. With its tactile feedback, comfortable actuation force, and clacky sound profile, it provides a satisfying and responsive typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience and enjoy a relatively higher-pitched sound profile, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch is the ideal option. It offers a unique sound with its low-pitched and thocky characteristics. In terms of feel, the Glimp switch provides a creamy and mild typing experience, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. On the other hand, the RedBlue switch offers a mild and polished feel, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel. Therefore, your choice between the KTT Glimp and SP-Star RedBlue switches will depend on your preference for sound and feel. Consider your typing experience and auditory preferences to select the switch that best suits your needs.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Glimp Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star RedBlue Linear

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

Learn more