KTT Glimp vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Glimp linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Glimp switch is known for its medium-light feel and tactile feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience with a fairly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its remarkably smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing. This switch also offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that sets it apart from the competition. While both switches offer unique benefits, such as the Glimp's tactile feedback and the Vanilla Ice Cream's smooth feel, it's important to delve deeper into their specific qualities to determine which one best suits your typing 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream provide distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Glimp utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary KTT blend top housing that produces a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the Glimp's polycarbonate top housing is known for its clarity and resonance, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's blend top housing offers a distinctive clacky sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Glimp uses nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing is designed for smoothness and durability, with exceptional wear resistance and shock resistance properties. While the nylon bottom housing of the Glimp focuses on creating a duller and rounder sound, the POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream prioritizes smoothness and long-lasting performance. Both materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches in different ways.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the KTT Glimp and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream yields unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Glimp's blend of polycarbonate and nylon creates a balance between sharpness and depth in sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's blend of KTT proprietary materials offers a clacky and smooth typing experience. While the specific qualities of each housing material differ, both switches are designed to provide users with a satisfying and responsive typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar actuation force of 43 grams. However, the Glimp has a slightly higher bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a lower bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes the Vanilla Ice Cream switch lighter in terms of the force required to fully press the key compared to the Glimp switch. The Glimp switch provides a medium-light typing experience, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a lighter feel. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Glimp switch, which offers a slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Glimp linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Glimp switch has a slightly longer travel distance, making it better suited for individuals who prefer a deeper keypress feel. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches fall within the same range of traditional travel distances, but the slight difference in measurements can have a significant impact on the typing experience based on individual preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a shorter, snappier keypress or a longer, more deliberate one.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Glimp linear switch offers a clacky profile that produces a sharp and snappy sound, adding a crisp and bright auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched and resonant sound signature, offering a clean and sharp acoustical experience that sets it apart from other switches. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Glimp leaning towards a clacky tone while the Vanilla Ice Cream delivers a high-pitched and resonant sound.
In terms of feel, the KTT Glimp linear switch is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force provide a satisfying and responsive typing feel. Similarly, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch also provides a buttery and creamy typing experience, thanks to its ingenious use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. With a remarkably smooth and creamy feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers typists a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Both switches deliver a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, with the Glimp leaning towards a creamy and mild feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a buttery and creamy sensation.
In conclusion, the KTT Glimp linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences that cater to different preferences. While the Glimp provides a clacky sound and creamy feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream delivers a high-pitched sound and buttery sensation. Both switches excel in offering a satisfying typing experience, with the Glimp striking a balance between tactile feedback and resistance, and the Vanilla Ice Cream providing a remarkably smooth and creamy feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches are great options for those seeking a distinct and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-light switch with tactile feedback and a clacky sound profile, the Glimp switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lighter switch with a smooth and creamy feel, along with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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