KTT Glimp vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

The KTT Glimp and the Gazzew U4T are two popular mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The Glimp is a linear switch, offering a medium-light typing experience without overwhelming resistance. It provides satisfying tactile feedback and a comfortable actuation force. The Glimp switch also produces a clacky sound profile, adding an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T is a tactile switch that combines thockiness and sharp tactility. It delivers an assertive tactile feedback and a bassy 'thock' sound profile, ensuring both auditory and tactile satisfaction. While both switches have their unique features, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Glimp Linear

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the Gazzew U4T differ significantly. The Glimp features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiff nature, which produces a clear and resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent polycarbonate construction is perfect for those planning to utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the U4T incorporates a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing known as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend creates a rich and deep sound profile, thanks to its softness. While both materials enhance the switch's sound, they offer distinct characteristics.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the Glimp adopts a nylon construction. Nylon is a well-established switch housing material known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's relatively softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the sound produced by the Glimp is duller and rounder. In contrast, the U4T utilizes its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, also referred to as "boba plastic." Similar to its top housing, this blend offers softness, resulting in a rich and deep sound profile. In terms of bottom-out sound and feel, the bottom housing has a more significant impact.

While the housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the Gazzew U4T differ, they both offer distinct advantages. The Glimp's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, perfect for those seeking a more precise typing experience. Its nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, catering to users in search of a mellower typing sound. On the other hand, the U4T's proprietary "boba plastic" blend delivers a rich and deep sound profile in both the top and bottom housings, ensuring a satisfying auditory experience throughout. Though different, both switches provide unique attributes that cater to different preferences and typing styles.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Glimp has an actuation force of 43 grams, providing a medium-light push feel, while the U4T's actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Glimp requiring 53 grams and the U4T requiring 62 grams.

Considering weight, the Glimp is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the U4T offers a stronger push feel due to its potentially heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience. For individuals who prefer a heavier switch, the U4T would be a better option.

It is important to note that without information on the actuation force of the U4T, it is difficult to directly compare the two switches in terms of actuation force. However, if the actuation forces were to be similar, then both switches would result in a comparable typing experience, with the main differentiation being the bottom out force. In this case, individuals would need to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier bottom out force.

Travel distance

The KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, pressing down on the keys of either switch will result in a similar experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer an equal travel distance, providing consistent tactile feedback and responsiveness to users.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Glimp switch is best described as clacky. This means that when pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound. The sound is crisp, bright, and percussive, adding an enjoyable auditory element to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch is characterized as bassy and thocky. This means that it offers a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. The sound resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones and is often described as a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. Both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience, but the Glimp has a sharper sound while the U4T has a deeper and more resonant sound.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Glimp switch is described as creamy and mild. Creamy switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. This sensation is often attributed to lubricant applied in the switch at the factory or specific materials used. The Glimp switch falls into the mild category, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. As for the Gazzew U4T switch, it is known for its sharp tactile bump. This means that it has a high feedback intensity, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. The U4T switch offers a more pronounced and tactile typing experience compared to the smoother and milder feel of the Glimp.

In conclusion, the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Glimp has a clacky sound profile and a creamy, mild typing feel, providing a satisfying auditory experience and a smooth, buttery keystroke sensation. On the other hand, the U4T has a bassy, thocky sound profile and a sharp tactile feel, imbuing each keystroke with auditory and tactile satisfaction. It's important to consider personal preferences and the desired typing experience when choosing between these switches. However, if you prefer a similar sound profile, the U4T can provide a satisfying and resonant experience similar to the Glimp's clacky sound. Similarly, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback, the U4T can offer a sharper and more distinct feel compared to the creamy and mild Glimp switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are seeking a medium-light switch with a satisfying typing experience and a clacky sound profile, the KTT Glimp linear switch is the way to go. With its comfortable actuation force and tactile feedback, it strikes the perfect balance for a responsive and enjoyable typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium switch with a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is the better choice. Its harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility provides both auditory and tactile satisfaction with every keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch comes down to your preference for sound and feel. Whether you prefer the clacky sound and creamy feel of the Glimp or the bassy thock and sharp tactile feedback of the U4T, both switches offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences. In the end, it is important to choose the switch that best suits your personal preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Glimp Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more