KTT Glimp vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Glimp and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) both offer unique characteristics tailored to different typing preferences. The Glimp switch is celebrated for its medium-light actuation force, providing a balanced typing experience that caters to users who appreciate a substantial feel without excessive resistance. With its clacky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Glimp enhances the sensory enjoyment of typing, making it a great option for those who value both responsiveness and an engaging audio experience. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch is designed for a smooth typing experience, featuring Ly stems that eliminate friction and enhance fluidity with each keystroke. The Tomcat further distinguishes itself with a resonant sound profile, adding depth to each press which some users might prefer for a more immersive feel. Both switches have compelling features that can cater to varying styles and preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Glimp Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the KTT Glimp and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a distinctive sound experience that is characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched tone. Polycarbonate's inherent stiffness makes it an excellent material for enhancing sound clarity and resonance, which is crucial for keyboards that prioritize auditory feedback. Additionally, both switches capitalize on the translucence of polycarbonate, maximizing compatibility with RGB lighting. This shared material choice ensures that users of both switches will enjoy a similar aesthetic and auditory performance, creating a unified approach to enhancing user interface through sound dynamics.

In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches diverges in acoustic properties due to their differing materials. While the Glimp and Tomcat (Heavy) share nylon for their bottom housings, the properties of nylon play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile of each switch. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively, producing a deeper and fuller sound compared to harder materials. Therefore, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms allows both the KTT Glimp and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) to balance the crispness of their top housing with the warmth of their bottom housing, resulting in a well-rounded typing experience for users.

Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials in both switches contributes to a multifaceted typing experience. The polycarbonate top enhances the key's release sound, creating an enjoyable auditory feedback upon key release, while the nylon bottom profoundly influences the bottom-out sound and feel during typing. This design synergy opens up a novel opportunity for users to appreciate the diversity of sound profiles offered, making both the KTT Glimp and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) noteworthy options within the mechanical keyboard community. Despite their shared materials that lead to similar sound outcomes, the nuanced differences in construction provide unique tactile sensations for the typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, distinct differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Glimp features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams, catering to those who favor a more substantial feel while typing. Regarding bottom out forces, the Glimp reaches 53 grams, while the Tomcat (Heavy) bottoms out at 64 grams. This means that the Glimp provides a softer overall experience, reinforcing its classification as medium-light, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) delivers a firmer response, fitting into the medium-heavy category. Thus, users seeking a lighter option for prolonged use would gravitate towards the KTT Glimp, while those who enjoy a heavier typing sensation would prefer the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy).

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the differences are quite distinct. The Glimp features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with traditional switch preferences and offers a deeper keystroke sensation. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) sports a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it more suitable for those who seek quicker response times, common among gamers. While both switches provide a linear experience, the Glimp's longer travel distance may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke, whereas the Tomcat's shorter travel distance caters to those who prefer a snappier feel. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Tomcat (Heavy) is the preferable choice, while the Glimp is ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial pressing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the KTT Glimp switch is distinctively clacky, delivering a sharp and snappy auditory experience that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive when pressed. This quality makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy an interactive typing experience that adds an enjoyable auditory element to their sessions. In contrast, while detailed sound characteristics of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch have not been specified, it is noted that these switches produce a resonant sound profile. This suggests that, despite the lack of specific descriptors, the Tomcat switch may offer a rich auditory experience, albeit potentially differing from the lively clackiness of the Glimp. Sound characteristics can also be influenced by factors like keyboard construction and keycaps, meaning users can achieve varying auditory results with both switches based on their overall setup.

When considering the feel, the Glimp switch stands out with its creamy texture, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience that users will find satisfying. The mild actuation of the Glimp ensures a gentle and approachable touch, making it suitable for users who prefer a balanced switch that isn't overly stimulating. The Tomcat (Heavy) switch, however, lacks detailed descriptions of its feel, which leaves a degree of uncertainty regarding its tactile experience. This unknown aspect means that potential users may need to explore this switch further to determine if it provides a comparable or unique typing sensation.

In conclusion, both the KTT Glimp and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches offer distinct yet enjoyable qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Glimp is characterized by its clacky sound and creamy feel, while the Tomcat's resonant sound profile suggests a potentially engaging auditory experience, despite the lack of specifics on its tactile characteristics. For newcomers, exploring both switches in various setups will ultimately reveal personal preferences in sound and feel, providing guidance in selecting the ideal switch for their typing adventures.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch will depend largely on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a switch that feels comfortable and not overly taxing during long typing sessions, the KTT Glimp may be your best bet. With its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, this switch offers a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it ideal for both typing and gaming. Its clacky sound profile adds a delightful auditory experience, enhancing your overall enjoyment. On the other hand, if you desire a more robust typing experience that contributes to a firmer tactile feedback, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch, with its higher bottom-out force of 64 grams, will likely suit you better. The Tomcat switch boasts a smooth actuation, and while it may require a bit more effort to press down, it can offer a more satisfying and deliberate typing feel. Furthermore, the resonant sound profile of the Tomcat enhances the auditory experience, making it particularly appealing for users who enjoy the crisp sound of keystrokes. Ultimately, weighing the differences in actuation force, feel, and sound will help you choose the right switch to elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Glimp Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more