KTT Glimp vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. The Glimp switch is best known for striking the perfect balance between a substantial typing experience and manageable resistance. It offers tactile feedback and a comfortable actuation force, resulting in a satisfying and responsive typing feel. Additionally, the Glimp switch has a fairly clacky sound profile, which adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is ideal for environments that require quieter typing. This switch provides a cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback. It offers a silky, muted, and polished experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can better decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Silent Ink Black differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Glimp utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a clearer and more resonant sound. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a relatively high-pitched sound that is not overly sharp. It is described as being clacky, providing a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound.
Similarities can be found between these two switches as well. Both the Glimp and the Silent Ink Black create a high-pitched sound profile, with the Glimp being described as sharper and the Silent Ink Black as clacky. Additionally, both switches have transparent top housings, with the Glimp's polycarbonate housing being translucent and the Silent Ink Black having a clear housing made from the INK blend. This transparency in the top housing makes them suitable for applications that involve RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Glimp incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows for greater sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which shares similarities with its top housing in terms of sound. It also produces a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound.
In terms of the overall typing experience, the qualities of the bottom housing will predominantly affect the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Although the specific materials differ, both the Glimp and the Silent Ink Black offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience based on personal preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are notable differences in weight. The Glimp has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Glimp switch would be a suitable choice. This lighter actuation force allows for comfortable and prolonged typing, perfect for tasks that require extended keyboard usage like work or long gaming sessions. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial and forceful keystroke may find the Gateron Silent Ink Black more appealing. The heavier actuation force gives a stronger push feel, resulting in a more satisfying and impactful typing experience.
It's important to consider the weight when selecting a switch, as it directly impacts the typing experience. Those seeking a lighter feel should opt for the Glimp, while those who prefer a stronger push should opt for the Silent Ink Black. Both switches offer their own unique benefits, catering to the preferences of different users.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is exactly the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the switch travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, whether you choose the KTT Glimp or the Gateron Silent Ink Black, you can expect to get similar results in terms of the travel distance experienced during typing or gaming.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 known for its clacky profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive, adding an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. The muted sound of the Silent Ink Black switch helps minimize noise, making it an excellent choice for environments that require quieter typing, such as offices or shared spaces. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Glimp switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience. The creamy switch provides a smooth and buttery sensation, as if your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys with each keystroke. This smoothness can be attributed to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switch. The mild characteristics of the Glimp switch ensure that the sound and feel are approachable and suitable for most users, landing in a safe middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky and polished typing experience. The silky switch provides an exceptionally smooth typing feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished finish of the Silent Ink Black switch reduces friction and promotes smooth key travel. Both switches offer a comfortable and satisfying typing experience, with the Glimp switch leaning towards a creamy and mild feel, while the Silent Ink Black switch leans towards a silky and polished feel.
In conclusion, when comparing the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are notable differences in sound and feel. The Glimp switch offers a clacky sound profile, providing a crisp and bright sound, while the Silent Ink Black switch produces a muted sound, minimizing noise. In terms of feel, the Glimp switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience, while the Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky and polished feel. However, both switches provide a satisfying and responsive typing experience, depending on the user's preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user's typing environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prioritize a substantial typing experience with tactile feedback and a satisfying typing feel, then the KTT Glimp linear switch is the way to go. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, it strikes a perfect balance between resistance and comfort. The clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the better choice. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a cushiony, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. The muted sound profile minimizes noise, making it ideal for environments where typing noise needs to be kept to a minimum. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to whether you prioritize a tactile and clacky typing experience or a quiet and muted one.
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