KTT Glimp vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g 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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g both offer compelling options, appealing to different typist preferences. The Glimp is celebrated for its medium-light actuation force, offering a perfect equilibrium between tactile feedback and satisfying responsiveness. Its clacky sound adds an engaging auditory dimension to typing, making it a suitable choice for those who enjoy a more lively typing environment. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g provides a serene, whisper-quiet experience, engineered for those who prefer a peaceful atmosphere while typing. With its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, it’s an excellent option for light typists or those in shared spaces. Each switch excels in delivering unique benefits tailored to specific needs: the Glimp for a more dynamic typing experience and the Silent Sakura for tranquility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Glimp and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g exhibit contrasting approaches to housing materials, which significantly influence their respective sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Glimp features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for imparting a sharper and more resonant sound. This stiffness allows for a clearer auditory response, particularly advantageous when utilizing RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g opts for a nylon top housing, which absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. This difference underscores a key variance in performance, as users may prefer the Glimp's crisp clarity for typing in bright environments or creating a vibrant visual effect with RGB.
When examining the bottom housing, the KTT Glimp employs a nylon material, similar to the Silent Sakura - 43g's top housing. Nylon's softer qualities contribute to a deeper and fuller sound, particularly when bottoms-out when typing. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g incorporates polycarbonate in its bottom housing, which once again shifts the sound profile toward a sharper, clearer resonance. This combination of materials means that while the Glimp's sound experience is warmer due to the nylon, the Silent Sakura - 43g’s sound prefers a sharper auditory character from its bottom housing material. This highlights how each switch’s sound is a reflection of its lower and upper housing synergy.
In terms of the overall typing experience, the integration of diverse materials in each switch means that the KTT Glimp and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g will yield different tactile outcomes. The Glimp's unique polycarbonate top paired with its nylon bottom allows for a compelling blend of sharpness and depth, while the Silent Sakura's configuration offers a contrasting approach that emphasizes a rounded and subdued auditory experience. Those looking for a dynamic sound with defined peaks may lean towards the Glimp, while users seeking a more muted and enveloping feel will likely find the Silent Sakura suits their preferences. The interplay between these varied housing materials illustrates how even small differences in plastic types can lead to top-tier customization in keyboard performance.
Weight
The KTT Glimp linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch differ notably in their actuation and bottom out forces, impacting user experience based on weight preferences. The Glimp features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorized as medium-light, while the Silent Sakura offers a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it the lighter of the two switches. This lighter feel of the Silent Sakura may be preferable for users looking for less resistance during prolonged typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier push of the Glimp could appeal to those seeking more tactile feedback. In terms of bottom out force, the Glimp provides a heavier experience at 53 grams compared to the Silent Sakura's 43 grams, emphasizing the Glimp's more substantial typing experience. Thus, while both switches provide options for varying preferences, the KTT Glimp stands out as the heavier choice, catering to those who prefer a firmer keystroke, while the HMX Silent Sakura is ideal for users favoring a lighter touch.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Glimp linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm, leading to a comparable keystroke feel when pressed. Since both switches have identical travel heights, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the distance their fingers travel downwards. This parity in travel distance means that for users seeking consistency in their keyboard feel, either switch would yield analogous results.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 exhibits a fairly clacky profile, producing a sharp, snappy sound that is both crisp and bright with every keystroke. This adds an enjoyable auditory element to typing, making it a favorite among those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback while engaging with their keyboard. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is designed explicitly for a whisper-quiet experience, eliminating any disruptive noise, akin to the soft patter of raindrops. The Silent Sakura is ideal for individuals who prefer minimal sound and a serene typing environment, particularly in quiet settings like libraries or shared workspaces.
In terms of feel, the KTT Glimp switch is characterized by its creamy sensation, which provides a smooth and buttery typing experience. This is often due to factory-applied lubricant and the materials used, enabling fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys, resulting in a satisfying and responsive typing engagement. Additionally, the Glimp offers a mild feedback characteristic that balances its creamy texture, making it accessible for a wide range of typists. While the feel of the Silent Sakura - 43g is not explicitly described, the emphasis on a lightweight actuation force suggests that it may cater to those who appreciate a softer and less resistant typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes.
Combining these insights, the KTT Glimp and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches present distinct auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different preferences. The Glimp provides a more engaging and pronounced sound and feel, perfect for those who enjoy an interactive typing experience. Conversely, the Silent Sakura focuses on providing a quiet and smooth engagement, making it ideal for users who seek tranquility in their typing. Each switch will cater to different user needs, ensuring that regardless of choice, both options deliver satisfactory performance tailored to their respective audiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you appreciate a medium-light switch that provides a bit more resistance and tactile feedback, the Glimp is an excellent choice. Its clacky sound profile and creamy feel enhance the typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy an engaging auditory accompaniment while typing. This switch also suits users who tend to type more vigorously or prefer a more pronounced feedback loop, whether at home or in a lively office setting. On the other hand, if you prioritize a serene and quiet typing experience, especially in shared spaces or during late-night sessions, the Silent Sakura - 43g is the way to go. Its ultra-light actuation force and whisper-quiet design make it perfect for light typists or those who desire a more subdued auditory environment. In essence, your decision should reflect your typing style, the surrounding noise, and how much feedback you enjoy when pressing those keys.
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