KTT Glimp vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Glimp and the Bsun Tomcat both offer unique advantages for users seeking a superior typing experience, though they cater to slightly different preferences. The Glimp, known for its medium-light actuation force, strikes a commendable balance that appeals to those desiring a substantial typing feel without overwhelming resistance. This switch boasts tactile feedback and a fairly clacky sound profile, creating an enjoyable auditory experience that can enhance your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat features Ly stems, which provide an exceptionally smooth feel, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize seamless keystrokes. While the Tomcat’s sound profile is resonant, it may appeal to those who appreciate a more subdued auditory feedback compared to the Glimp’s lively clack. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you value tactile feedback and sound or smoothness in your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
The KTT Glimp and Bsun Tomcat both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in an identical sound characteristic profile. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This commonality between the switches enhances the overall auditory experience, particularly for users who value the clarity and resonance provided by this material. The translucency of the polycarbonate also makes both switches well-suited for RGB lighting, allowing the visual effects to shine through effectively. Thus, regardless of the external differences, users can expect a similar aesthetic and auditory satisfaction when using either the Glimp or Tomcat.
While the top housing of both switches is comparable, the bottom housing materials reveal a nuanced distinction. Both the Glimp and Tomcat employ nylon for their bottom housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder materials, contributing to a duller and rounder sound when keys are pressed. This shared use of nylon means that when a user types on either switch, they will experience a similar sensation and auditory feedback from the bottom housing, fostering a predictable and consistent tactile experience across both models.
Ultimately, the overall performance of the KTT Glimp and Bsun Tomcat can be attributed to the synergistic effects of their materials. With matching polycarbonate tops, both switches promise clarity and brightness during key releases, while the nylon bottoms offer a rich, resonant sound during keystrokes. This unique combination ensures that users of either switch will find themselves enjoying a robust auditory experience characterized by both higher frequencies from the top and softer tones from the bottom. Thus, despite their potential aesthetic differences, the acoustic results for both switches will share an impressive level of consistency and satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, both exhibit similar characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making them comparable options for users seeking a comfortable typing experience. The Glimp features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Tomcat has slightly higher values, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams. Despite these slight differences, both switches fall within the medium-light category, suggesting that they offer a relatively light touch. The Glimp is marginally lighter than the Tomcat, which may appeal to those who prefer less resistance for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Tomcat, being slightly heavier, could provide a more substantial feel for users who enjoy a stronger push during key presses. Overall, while both switches have similar actuation and bottom out forces, the Glimp edges out as the lighter option for those prioritizing ease of use over feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Glimp has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Tomcat features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm highlights the Glimp's more traditional and deeper response, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Tomcat’s shorter travel distance aligns with the current trend favored by gamers, offering quicker response times for competitive gameplay. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that provides a hearty depth, the KTT Glimp is the better option, while the Bsun Tomcat will suit users who prefer a snappier, more responsive experience.
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 Bsun Tomcat comes in at $2.99 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
The KTT Glimp linear switch produces a sound profile that can be characterized as clacky, offering a sharp and snappy auditory experience that many typists find pleasurable. This clackiness comes from a combination of the switch design and potentially the materials used, which create a crisp and percussive sound with each keystroke. Additionally, it also has a neutral quality, making it versatile for both beginners and advanced users alike, suitable for a variety of environments from quiet home settings to more active office spaces. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switch is known for its resonant sound profile, which may suggest a more rich and full auditory experience, though additional specifics about its sound characteristics have not been systematically outlined.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Glimp stands out for its creamy texture, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. This sensation can be attributed to the high-quality materials or possible factory lubrication, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. The mild nature of the Glimp switch promises to appeal to a broad spectrum of users, ensuring a gentle typing experience that accommodates various preferences. The Tomcat, while reputed for its super smooth typing experience due to its Ly stems, lacks additional description that could provide a clearer comparison of tactile feedback.
In summary, while both the KTT Glimp and Bsun Tomcat linear switches cater to an enjoyable typing experience, they differ significantly in sound profile with the Glimp presenting a clacky and neutral tone and the Tomcat offering a resonant quality that remains undefined in detail. In terms of feel, the Glimp provides a creamy and mild experience, making it widely accessible, while the Tomcat’s notable smoothness is acknowledged but without further elaboration. Therefore, the choice between the two will ultimately depend on individual preferences regarding sound and the specific tactile feedback one desires from their keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the context in which you plan to use them. If you're someone who appreciates a lighter touch with the added joy of auditory feedback, the Glimp would be a fitting choice, particularly if you're seeking a delightful blend of responsiveness and sound, making it ideal for both casual typing and gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you prioritize a super smooth typing experience and a more neutral sound profile, the Tomcat is likely to suit you better, particularly for long typing sessions where comfort is key and noise might be a concern. Additionally, consider your environment: the clacky nature of the Glimp could be a fun feature in a lively space, while the smoother, resonant qualities of the Tomcat might be preferable in a more subdued setting. Ultimately, your choice should align with both your tactile sensations and the auditory environment you wish to create while typing.