KTT Glimp vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Comparing the KTT Glimp, a linear switch, and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), a tactile switch, reveals two distinct options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Glimp switch is renowned for its medium-light weight and impeccable balance, delivering a satisfying and responsive typing experience with its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force. Not only that, but the Glimp switch adds an enjoyable clacky sound profile to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is designed for those who desire a combination of tactile feedback and silenced operation, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Offering a medium bump and padded bottom-out feel, this switch gracefully delivers a subdued audio feedback. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Glimp and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) both feature polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Due to its translucency, polycarbonate is especially beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting. This indicates that users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either switch. However, it's important to note that the top housing primarily impacts the sound when a key is released.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Glimp utilizes a nylon material, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) also incorporates nylon construction. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile in switches, thanks to its relatively softer plastic composition. The material absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that both switches are likely to provide a similar typing experience with regards to the bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, the housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) share similar characteristics and offer comparable results. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. While there may be slight variations between the two switches, users can expect a similar typing experience and overall sound quality from both options.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Glimp has an actuation force of 43 grams, providing a medium-light touch required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is currently unavailable, which makes it difficult to directly compare. However, the Glimp takes a lighter approach, making it suitable for those seeking longer typing periods or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) boasts a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, these switches provide different levels of force, ensuring options for both light and heavy typing preferences.
Travel distance
The KTT Glimp linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience when pressing down on a key, as they both have the same distance that they travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, whether using the Glimp or the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch, users can expect a consistent feel and feedback when typing.
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 Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for $5.57.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Glimp switch is best described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound profile adds a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the KTT Glimp switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience. The creamy switch provides a smooth and buttery sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with ease. The mild characteristics of the Glimp switch make it approachable to most users, as it strikes a safe middle-ground in terms of sound and feel. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is described as stepped, offering a tactile experience with two stages. This means that you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel when typing. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is also accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the switch's polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking into account all the available information, the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offer different subjective qualities for both sound and feel. The Glimp switch provides a clacky sound profile that adds a crisp and percussive auditory element to typing sessions. In terms of feel, it offers a creamy and mild typing experience, with smooth and buttery key travel. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch offers a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Its stepped and accented characteristics provide a tactile typing experience without being overwhelming or subtle. The switch's polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer satisfying and responsive typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light switch that offers a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance, the KTT Glimp linear switch is the way to go. With its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, it provides a satisfying and responsive typing feel. Additionally, its clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile and silenced switch, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the perfect choice, especially for noise-sensitive environments. It offers a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. In terms of sound, the Glimp switch has a clacky profile, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) produces a softer and quieter sound. In terms of feel, the Glimp switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a stepped, accented, and polished feel. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and environment.
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