KTT Glimp vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Glimp and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Glimp switch, a linear switch, strikes a balance between typing experience and resistance, making it ideal for those who desire a substantial yet not overwhelming typing feel. With its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, the Glimp switch provides a satisfying and responsive typing experience. Additionally, its relatively clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear, another linear switch, boasts innovation with its whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Its type feel is silky smooth, but not excessively polished. Categorized as mild, snappy, and buttery, the Semi-Silent Linear offers a different typing experience compared to the Glimp switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch suits you best.

By the numbers

KTT Glimp Linear

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Glimp and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear have similar housing materials when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound and aesthetic experience with both the Glimp and the Semi-Silent Linear due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.

In terms of bottom housing, both the KTT Glimp and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear use nylon as their material of choice. Nylon has long been a classic switch housing material, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. With the nylon bottom housing, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel between the Glimp and the Semi-Silent Linear. The bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing, ensuring a similar typing experience between the two switches.

However, it is important to note that while the top housing and bottom housing materials may be different between the Glimp and the Semi-Silent Linear, the qualities each housing material brings to the switches are split between the top and bottom. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when a key is released. Therefore, while the switches may use different materials for their top and bottom housing, the overall sound profile and typing experience may still exhibit similarities due to the qualities associated with each housing material being present in both switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The KTT Glimp has an actuation force of 43 grams, which is relatively light, while the Semi-Silent Linear's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have a medium level of bottom out force, with the Glimp at 53 grams and the Semi-Silent Linear at 62 grams. Therefore, if a lighter typing experience is preferred, the KTT Glimp would be a suitable choice for extended typing periods or lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial and heavier keystroke may find the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch more suitable. Overall, these switches offer various options for users depending on their preference for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Glimp offers a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which is considered to be the more traditional option. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes it a more shallow option compared to the Glimp. The Glimp would be more suitable for those who prefer a deeper key press sensation, while the Semi-Silent Linear would appeal to gamers or individuals seeking a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches relies on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Glimp switch is best described as clacky. This means that when the switch is pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound. The sound of the Glimp switch is crisp, bright, and percussive, adding an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a more subdued sound profile. While it is not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. The Semi-Silent Linear switch is whisper-quiet when topping out, while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. It provides a dampened sound when pressed, making it a good option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a clacky sound, the Glimp switch is a great choice, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued sound.

In terms of feel, the KTT Glimp switch is described as creamy. This means that it offers a smooth and buttery typing experience. The switch feels silky and glides effortlessly under your fingers, creating a satisfying and comfortable typing sensation. Additionally, the Glimp switch is categorized as a mild switch, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is also categorized as mild in terms of feel, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The qualities of the Semi-Silent Linear switch stand in a safe middle-ground zone, providing a comfortable and user-friendly typing feel. The Semi-Silent Linear switch is also described as snappy and buttery, indicating a super responsive and seamless typing experience. It has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, it's important to note that the specific materials and factory lubrication can also affect the feel of the switch. Overall, both the Glimp and the Semi-Silent Linear switches provide a pleasant and comfortable typing feel, with the Glimp switch offering a creamy sensation and the Semi-Silent Linear switch providing a more gentle yet snappy experience.

In conclusion, the KTT Glimp and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Glimp switch has a clacky sound profile that adds a crisp and bright auditory element to typing sessions, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a more subdued sound with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. In terms of feel, the Glimp switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience, gliding effortlessly under the fingers, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a mild and snappy feel with a smooth and refined finish. Both switches are suitable for most users, whether beginners or advanced typists, and can be used in various settings such as home or work. While they have different qualities, if you are looking for similar results, both switches offer a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile which make them versatile options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you value a balance between typing experience and resistance, with a satisfying and responsive feel, you should choose the KTT Glimp linear switch. It offers a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, making it suitable for those seeking a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance. The Glimp switch also has a fairly clacky sound profile, which adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued sound signature and a silky smooth type feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is the better choice. With a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, it strikes a middle-ground zone in terms of actuation force. The Semi-Silent Linear switch produces a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Overall, both switches offer a neutral actuation force requirement, making them suitable for most users. Whether you prefer a clacky and tactile experience or a more subdued and smooth feel, both the KTT Glimp and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches have their own unique qualities to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Glimp Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

Learn more

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

Learn more