KTT Glimp vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

Introducing the KTT Glimp and the Gazzew U4, two mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different typing preferences. The Glimp, a linear switch, strikes the perfect balance for those seeking a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance. With its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, the Glimp switch offers a satisfying and responsive typing feel. Additionally, its fairly clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 is a tactile switch that offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump when typing. It also provides an unexpectedly plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, creating a unique and luxurious typing experience. Moreover, the U4s have a sound profile that is whisper quiet, making it ideal for those who prefer a more muted and low-pitched typing sound. 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

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Glimp and the Gazzew U4 differ in their choice of housing materials. The Glimp features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. Due to its relatively stiffer nature, polycarbonate produces a clear and resonant sound. In addition, the translucent quality of polycarbonate makes it suitable for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the U4's top housing is made of a proprietary Gazzew blend, also known as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend provides a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While the Glimp produces a more focused and high-pitched sound, the U4 creates a fuller and deeper sound.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Glimp utilizes nylon, a classic material known for eliciting a deep and full sound. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Similarly, the U4 employs its proprietary Gazzew blend for the bottom housing, complementing the top housing. The "boba plastic" contributes to a rich and deep sound, enhancing the typing experience. Both switches achieve a similar goal of delivering a satisfying and immersive sound profile, with the Glimp focusing on a deeper and fuller sound and the U4 emphasizing a rich and deep tone.

Although the Glimp and U4 differ in their chosen housing materials, the impact of each housing material is divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing, regardless of the material used, influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed. Conversely, the top housing has a significant impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. While the Glimp's polycarbonate top housing creates a distinctive sound upon release, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing delivers a unique sound experience. Both materials offer their own distinct qualities, ensuring that users will obtain satisfying results, whether using the Glimp or the U4.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Glimp has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the U4 also has an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that both switches require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a difference. The Glimp has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the U4 has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the U4 provides a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Glimp.

In terms of weight, the Glimp can be considered lighter, as it has a lower bottom out force. This lighter weight can be advantageous for those who prefer typing for longer periods of time, as it reduces fatigue. This would make the Glimp a suitable choice for individuals who use their keyboard extensively at work, or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the U4 offers a stronger push feel due to its higher bottom out force. This provides a more substantial typing experience, which some individuals may prefer. Those who enjoy a heavier switch that requires a bit more force to press down may find the U4 to be a better option.

In conclusion, while both the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch have the same actuation force, their bottom out forces differ, with the Glimp being lighter and the U4 being heavier. Depending on individual preferences, one can choose the switch that suits their desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Glimp linear switch is 4.0 mm, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Comparing the two, the Glimp has a slightly longer travel distance than the U4. The Glimp's 4.0 mm travel distance is more in line with the traditional standard, while the U4's 3.6 mm travel distance is slightly shallower. The difference in travel distance may not seem significant, but it can have an impact on the overall typing experience. If you prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the U4 would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key, the Glimp with its longer travel distance would be the preferred option. Both switches provide different tactile experiences, but if you are looking for a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance, neither of these switches would provide that.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The KTT Glimp linear switch is best known for its medium-light weight and balanced typing experience. It offers a satisfying tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, making it a great choice for those who want a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance. The sound profile of the Glimp switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is known for its sharp and exhilarating tactile bump. It provides a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, giving a unique typing experience. The U4 switch has a whisper quiet sound profile, described as muted and low-pitched.

In conclusion, the KTT Glimp linear switch and Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Glimp switch provides a clacky sound profile, while the U4 switch has a muted, low-pitched sound. In terms of feel, the Glimp switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience, while the U4 switch has a sharp and intense tactile bump. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between these switches to achieve the desired sound and feel for their mechanical keyboard.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-light switch that provides a satisfying typing experience without overwhelming resistance, the KTT Glimp linear switch is a great choice. With its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, the Glimp switch offers a responsive feel that strikes the perfect balance. Additionally, its clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium switch with a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is the way to go. The U4s not only offer a satisfying tactile feel, but also provide an unexpectedly plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. Furthermore, their whisper quiet sound profile adds a level of subtlety to your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Glimp and U4 switches depends on the level of resistance and sound profile you prefer, with the Glimp offering a medium-light resistance and a clacky sound, and the U4 providing a medium resistance with a muted, low-pitched sound.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Glimp Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more