KTT Glimp vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer two compelling linear options, each catering to different preferences in typing experience. The Glimp is celebrated for its medium-light actuation force, which provides a balanced typing experience that is both responsive and satisfying. Its clacky sound profile adds an engaging auditory dimension to each keystroke, making it a superb choice for those who enjoy both feedback and enjoyment in their typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out with its medium-weight actuation and all-POM build, delivering a smooth and plush feel alongside a distinctive thocky sound that many users find appealing. While the Smoothie breaks the price barrier without compromising on quality, it emphasizes a blend of smoothness and durability, perfect for those who prioritize a velvety typing experience. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the Glimp’s delightful feedback or the Sea Salt Smoothie's exceptional smoothness, both switches have their unique merits. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Glimp and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie each utilize different materials for their top housing, resulting in distinct acoustic profiles associated with each switch. The Glimp is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its crisp sound profile. Due to polycarbonate's stiffness, it contributes a sharper and higher-pitched sound that is particularly pronounced when RGB lighting is employed through a clear housing design. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials serve the significant function of housing the switch, their differing properties lend their sound outputs in unique directions, subtly showcasing how choice in material directly influences auditory feedback.
On the bottom housing front, both the Glimp and the Sea Salt Smoothie integrate POM as the material for the bottom housings, although the Glimp opts for nylon instead. Nylon is traditionally recognized in the keyboard community for creating a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. The Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing aligns with this, producing similarly muted and deep sound characteristics, albeit through different material characteristics. Consequently, while the Glimp’s nylon bottom may yield a pronounced depth in sound, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM counterpart promises a uniquely pleasing sound as well, reflecting how switching materials can manipulate acoustics in similar yet distinct manners.
Ultimately, the interplay of top and bottom housing materials establishes the unique auditory experience of each switch. The top housing's contribution shines through during release, while the bottom housing's characteristics dominate the bottom-out feel and sound. In the case of the Glimp, its polycarbonate top offers a crisp release that contrasts with the deeper response of its nylon bottom housing. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Smoothie's all-POM composition creates a comprehensive muted sound experience throughout both press and release. Therefore, while both switches exhibit fundamental differences in their top housings, their shared material at the bottom can yield comparable results in terms of sound depth, ensuring that enthusiasts can find satisfaction either way.
Weight
The KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch exhibit some notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Smoothie remains unspecified. The Glimp has a medium-light actuation force of 43 grams, compared to the slightly heavier 48 grams of the Sea Salt Smoothie, suggesting that the Glimp may be more suitable for users seeking a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In terms of bottom out force, the Glimp also has an identifiable value of 53 grams, providing a clear feedback when fully pressed. However, since the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, it's difficult to draw a direct comparison in that regard. Overall, the Glimp offers a lighter experience with its lower actuation force and defined bottom out, while the Sea Salt Smoothie leans towards a heavier feel, albeit with an uncertainty regarding its bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Glimp features a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The difference of 0.3 mm may seem minimal, but it can significantly impact the feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers, for instance, might lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie for its quicker response time due to the shorter travel, which facilitates faster key presses. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial key press might prefer the KTT Glimp, as its longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying tactile experience. While both switches offer unique advantages depending on personal preference, the Glimp stands out for those who enjoy a deeper key feel, while the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to individuals seeking swifter action.
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 Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 features a distinctively clacky profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound that adds an engaging element to typing sessions. This characteristic helps create an auditory feedback loop that can be satisfying for users who enjoy a more pronounced sound while they type. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch is described as having a thocky sound profile, which typically implies a deeper, more muted sound that resonates on actuation. The thock sound tends to provide a sense of solidity and is often favored for its quieter, more subdued auditory feedback compared to the crispness of clacky switches. Ultimately, the Sea Salt Smoothie's sound may serve those who prefer a less obtrusive auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the KTT Glimp switch is noted for its creamy typing sensation, allowing for a smooth and buttery experience that contributes to an enjoyable and effortless keystroke. This quality is often enhanced by either factory lubrication or the materials used in the construction of the switch. It balances mild resistance with comfort, resulting in a typing experience that's accessible to various users. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie’s specific feel characteristics remain unknown, so we cannot provide a direct comparison. However, since both switches aim for a smooth typing experience, it’s possible that users of either switch will find a satisfactory level of comfort, though the specifics may differ.
In conclusion, while the KTT Glimp switch offers a clear clacky sound and a creamy feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents a thocky sound profile with unknown feel properties. These distinctions create varied typing experiences, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, if you're seeking either an engaging auditory feedback or a smoother experience, both switches aim to provide enjoyable results, though the specific qualities may lead to different user preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, consider your personal typing preferences and the kind of experience you wish to achieve. If you're looking for a medium-light switch that provides both tactile feedback and a clacky sound profile, the Glimp is an excellent choice. It excels in delivering a substantial typing experience that feels responsive while remaining comfortable, making it ideal for those who prioritize auditory and tactile satisfaction in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you seek a smooth and consistent typing experience along with a thocky sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie is worth considering. This switch, characterized by its creamy feel and excellent performance, is suitable for users who value not only the quality of their keystrokes but also want to break the price barrier without sacrificing smoothness. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prefer the lively, clacky feedback of the Glimp or the smooth, thocky satisfaction of the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Mentioned in this article
