KTT Glimp vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Glimp and Huano Sakura stand out as two compelling linear options, each catering to different typing preferences. The KTT Glimp is designed for those who appreciate a medium-light actuation force, providing a balanced typing experience that marries a satisfying tactile feedback with a comfortable resistance. Its distinctive clacky sound profile adds an engaging auditory element, making it a pleasure for both daily typing and gaming sessions. In contrast, the Huano Sakura is characterized by its feather-light touch, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize comfort during extended typing marathons; its medium acoustics ensure a less intrusive sound, allowing for focused work environments. Ultimately, while both switches offer unique benefits—one leaning towards a more substantial typing experience and the other towards effortless keystrokes—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Glimp and Huano Sakura switches present a clear contrast in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles and visual appeal. The Glimp utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material celebrated for its stiffness and translucency. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, particularly advantageous for RGB lighting applications as it allows light to pass through effectively. The aesthetic quality of clear polycarbonate not only enhances the illumination effects of RGB but also contributes to an overall engaging user experience. Conversely, the Sakura's top housing is crafted from POK (polyketone), a material recognized for its smoothness and durability. While POK also contributes to an appealing sound profile, it presents a somewhat different auditory experience, producing smooth, clacky sounds due to its unique composition and friction characteristics.
Both switches, however, share similarities in their bottom housing construction, as both incorporate nylon. This classic material is known for its ability to dampen sound, which results in a deeper, fuller sound profile during typing. The use of nylon in both switch designs leads to a rounder and more muted sound, ensuring a consistent tactile experience when bottoming out the keys. Given that both the Glimp and Sakura employ nylon in their bottom housing, users can expect similar auditory characteristics from this aspect, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials.
In summary, while the KTT Glimp and Huano Sakura switches differ in the materials used for the top housing, they present a unified experience in terms of bottom housing. The stiffer polycarbonate of the Glimp and the smooth POK of the Sakura lead to distinct top sound profiles, with the former creating sharper sounds amplified by RGB lighting, while the latter emphasizes durability and smoothness. However, both switches leverage the acoustic dampening properties of nylon in their bases, leading to a fuller typing experience. Thus, the differentiation found in their top housings contributes unique attributes, while the shared nylon composition ensures a consistent essence in the product experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight their unique characteristics. The Glimp features a medium-light actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who appreciate a balanced typing experience without being overly heavy. In contrast, the Sakura offers a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience for extended use, such as during lengthy gaming sessions or work tasks. As a result, the Sakura is the lighter option, while the Glimp is the heavier switch. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that strikes a middle ground with a bit more resistance, the Glimp may be your choice, while the notable lighter feel of the Sakura caters to users who favor less strain during prolonged typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, a notable difference emerges: the Glimp features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sakura has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means the Glimp offers a more traditional feel with its longer depth, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience when typing. On the other hand, the Sakura, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel, caters to those who value quicker response times, making it potentially more appealing for gaming scenarios. Thus, if you lean towards responsiveness, the Sakura would be the better choice; conversely, if you appreciate a deeper press, the Glimp would likely suit your preferences better.
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 Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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 switch is characterized by its fairly clacky sound profile, which produces a sharp and snappy auditory feedback during keystrokes. This clackiness creates a crisp and bright sound that can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic response while typing. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch offers medium acoustics that lean towards a subtler sound, making it suitable for environments where noise levels might be a concern. While the Glimp excels in being more vibrant, the Sakura's feather-light touch lends itself to quieter operation. Ultimately, the Glimp will likely be more appealing to users who revel in pronounced sound, while the Sakura caters to those desiring a more subdued typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Glimp switch provides a creamy tactile sensation, giving users a smooth and buttery typing experience that is often enhanced by factory lubrication or specific material choices. This quality allows fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys. Additionally, it boasts a mild response, making the tactile feedback gentle and approachable for a wide range of users. While specific attributes of the Sakura's feel are not detailed, the feather-light touch suggests it likely prioritizes minimal resistance. Therefore, while the Glimp offers a richer textural experience with its creamy feedback, the Sakura may provide a more delicate sensation, catering to users who prefer less weight in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the KTT Glimp and Huano Sakura linear switches offer unique characteristics catering to different typing preferences. The Glimp shines with its clacky sound and creamy feel, ideal for those who enjoy a responsive and engaging typing experience. Conversely, the Sakura appeals to users looking for a lighter touch and more muted sound, making them suitable for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. Ultimately, both switches have qualities that can lead to satisfying results for typists, depending on personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch really depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you are looking for a switch that offers a balanced typing experience without being overly heavy, the KTT Glimp could be ideal for you. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, combined with its creamy feel and clacky sound, creates an engaging atmosphere for both work and casual use. This makes it a suitable option if you enjoy a substantial feedback while typing or if you find joy in a more audible typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightness and ease of use, the Huano Sakura switch might be more to your liking. With a lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams, this switch is excellent for prolonged typing sessions, allowing you to glide effortlessly across the keys without fatigue. Additionally, the medium acoustics of the Sakura make it versatile for both quiet environments and more social settings. Ultimately, assess what attributes resonate most with your typing style—whether it's the satisfying feedback and sound of the Glimp or the smooth, feather-light touch of the Sakura—and make a choice that enhances your overall typing experience.
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