KTT Glimp vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Glimp and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique advantages for different typing experiences. The Glimp switch is best known for its medium-light weight, striking a perfect balance for those who want a substantial typing feel without overwhelming resistance. It provides a satisfying tactile feedback and a comfortable actuation force, allowing for a responsive typing experience. Additionally, its fairly clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing you in a satisfying typing experience. With its lengthened single-stage spring, it provides a bouncy feel with each keystroke. The Tourmaline Blue switch strikes a balance with its standard spring weight, making it enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. Both switches have their unique qualities 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
59g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, specifically the polycarbonate top housing, are quite similar. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either the Glimp or the Tourmaline Blue.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a difference between the two switches. The Glimp features a nylon bottom housing, which provides a different typing experience. Typing on switches with a nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, extending the characteristics of the top housing to the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that pressing down on a Tourmaline Blue switch will produce a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound compared to the Glimp.
In summary, the Glimp and the Tourmaline Blue share a similar polycarbonate top housing, providing a consistent sound and aesthetic experience. However, the Glimp's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and crisp characteristics throughout the entire typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Glimp has a relatively lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which falls in the medium-light category. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue requires a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and has a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Glimp would be a suitable choice as its lighter actuation force allows for extended typing periods without excessive fatigue. This feature is advantageous for individuals bringing their keyboard to work or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial tactile feedback with a stronger push feel might opt for the Tourmaline Blue. The heavier actuation force provides a more satisfying and robust typing experience.
Despite these differences, if someone desires a similar outcome, both switches would offer comparable results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. However, it is worth noting that the Tourmaline Blue switch has a slightly heavier weight in both aspects, making it more suitable for individuals who appreciate a heavier and more pronounced keystroke feel. Ultimately, the preference between the two switches would depend on the individual's personal typing style and desired tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an essential factor in determining the typing experience and tactile feedback while using a mechanical keyboard. When comparing the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is apparent that both switches have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches provide the same amount of key travel from the top to the bottom, ensuring consistent typing feedback and a comfortable typing experience. Therefore, using either the KTT Glimp or the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches will yield similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 linear switch is best described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound profile can be characterized as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound. This makes it suitable for a wide range of users, regardless of their typing skill level or intended use. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Glimp linear switch offers a creamy typing experience. This means that it provides a smooth and buttery sensation when typing. The switch is designed to be effortless and glides easily, allowing your fingers to seamlessly melt into each keystroke. Additionally, the Glimp switch is considered mild, offering a gentle typing experience without any exaggerated characteristics. Similarly, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This switch offers a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. It is also described as easy-to-press, meaning it requires minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, the Tourmaline Blue switch falls into the mild category, offering approachable qualities that cater to most users.
Taking all the available information into account, the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Glimp switch is known for its clacky sound profile and creamy, mild typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch is renowned for its deep and thocky sound, as well as its buttery and easy-to-press feel. While they provide distinct experiences, both switches strike a balance in their respective sound profile and feel, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. If you are looking for a clacky switch with a creamy typing sensation, the Glimp switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a deep and thocky sound and a buttery, easy-to-press feel, the Tourmaline Blue switch would be a suitable option. Ultimately, your choice can be influenced by personal preference, intended use, and the other components of your keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a medium-light switch that offers a satisfying typing experience without overwhelming resistance, the KTT Glimp linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its tactile feedback, comfortable actuation force, and fairly clacky sound profile, the Glimp switch strikes a perfect balance. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile and a bouncy feel with each keystroke, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is the way to go. With its standard spring weight, the Tourmaline Blues are enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. Both switches fall under the category of neutral switches in terms of sound, making them suitable for various intents and purposes. In terms of feel, the Glimp offers a creamy and mild typing experience, while the Tourmaline Blue provides a buttery and easy-to-press sensation. Consider your preferences for resistance, sound, and feel when making your decision between these two switches.
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