KTT Glimp vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Glimp and the SP-Star Duck are two options that are worth considering. The Glimp switch is best known for striking the perfect balance between a substantial typing experience and not overwhelming resistance. With its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, this linear switch offers a satisfying and responsive typing feel. Additionally, the clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Duck switch offers a more subtle tactile typing experience. With a gentle tactility and a clean, crispy sound profile, these switches provide a different typing experience. While the Glimp is categorized as clacky, creamy, mild, and neutral, the Duck switch is categorized as neutral, mild, buttery, and polished. However, let's dive in deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The KTT Glimp and the SP-Star Duck both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for users seeking a satisfying auditory experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for those who wish to utilize RGB lighting with their switch. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and visual aesthetics when using either the Glimp or the Duck switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Glimp and the Duck differ in their choice of material. The Glimp features a nylon bottom housing, which is known to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. On the other hand, the Duck incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing material. As a result, the bottom housing of the Duck contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound output. Thus, users can expect a noticeable difference in the sound produced between the two switches when bottoming out.
In terms of overall feel, the bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the impression of the switch when it is pressed down. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as the material used and its sound characteristics, heavily influence the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing primarily affects the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the choice of material for the top housing may be similar for both switches, the bottom housings will significantly impact the tactile experience and sound output of the Glimp and Duck switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Glimp is 43 grams, which provides a medium-light feel, while the actuation force of the Duck is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. In terms of bottom out force, the Glimp requires 53 grams of force, which is again medium-light, whereas the Duck requires 58 grams, placing it in the medium range.
Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter switch may lean towards the Glimp due to its slightly lower actuation and bottom out forces. This lighter weight can be desirable for individuals who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. However, for those seeking a more robust and substantial typing experience, the Duck with its heavier bottom out force may be the preferred choice.
It's important to note that without knowledge of the Duck's actuation force, it's challenging to make a direct comparison in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, assuming that the actuation force is similar to or slightly lighter than the bottom out force, it can be inferred that the Duck will still provide a tactile feel comparable to the Glimp's medium-light actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding the desired typing experience, with the Glimp providing a lighter option and the Duck offering a slightly heavier alternative.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom, which is the distance you feel when pressing down on a key. Comparing the KTT Glimp linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same 4 mm travel distance. Therefore, both switches offer a similar tactile experience, providing consistency in terms of the distance traveled.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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
The subjective qualities of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch are quite different when it comes to sound and feel. The Glimp switch is known for its fairly clacky sound profile, which produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This adds a crisp and bright auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Duck switch has a clean and crispy sound profile that is more subtle and gentle. It provides a quieter and more subdued typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Glimp switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience. The creamy feel of the switch is due to the smooth and buttery typing sensation it provides. The keys glide effortlessly under your fingers, delivering a silky typing experience. The mild characteristics of the Glimp switch make it approachable for most users, as it falls within a safe middle-ground zone of tactile feedback.
On the other hand, the Duck switch also offers a mild typing experience. It provides a gentle and uniform typing sensation, giving you seamless and effortless keystrokes. Furthermore, the Duck switch is described as buttery and polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
To summarize, the Glimp switch has a clacky sound profile and offers a creamy and mild typing experience, while the Duck switch has a clean and crispy sound profile and provides a mild, buttery, and polished typing experience. While they have different characteristics, both switches fall within the realm of being moderate and approachable. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, it's important to note that sound is also influenced by other factors such as keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Conclusion
In closing, the KTT Glimp linear switch would be a great choice for those who prefer a medium-light switch with a satisfying tactile feedback and a comfortable actuation force. The Glimp switch strikes a perfect balance between a substantial typing experience and moderate resistance. Its clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch would be ideal for those who prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience. These switches offer a gentle tactility and a clean, crispy sound profile. Both switches have a moderate sound profile and can be used by beginners and advanced typists alike, whether at home or in a professional setting. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Glimp and SP-Star Duck switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing experience.
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