KTT Glimp vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Glimp and HMX Vintage Citrus each offer distinct advantages tailored to different user preferences. The Glimp is celebrated for its medium-light actuation force, providing a satisfying balance that enhances the typing experience without being overly taxing on the fingers. Its clacky sound profile and tactile feedback make it an appealing choice for typists who enjoy a responsive and engaging auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus caters primarily to gamers, featuring an impressive low actuation force of just 1mm, allowing for lightning-fast inputs and an exceptionally smooth feel. With a bright and clacky sound, the Vintage Citrus is designed for those who thrive on speed and precision. Ultimately, choosing between the Glimp and the Vintage Citrus depends on whether you prioritize a balanced typing experience or rapid-fire gaming efficiency. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the HMX Vintage Citrus, we see a distinct difference in their top housings, which significantly influences the overall sound profiles of each switch. The Glimp features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffer composition that generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is especially advantageous for users who appreciate a clear and resonant auditory feedback, particularly in setups utilizing RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate enhances the lighting effects, making it a visually appealing choice. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switches utilize a nylon top housing. Known for its softer texture, nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more vibration and resulting in a sound profile that is duller and rounder than its polycarbonate counterpart. This difference places the Glimp in a position for those who prefer precise auditory feedback, while the Vintage Citrus caters to users seeking a warmer sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the KTT Glimp and the HMX Vintage Citrus feature nylon materials. This commonality underscores an important aspect of their acoustic characteristics; nylon bottom housings contribute significantly to a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs a considerable amount of sound energy, leading to a more muted bottom-out sound that provides a satisfying and cushioned feel under the fingers. This consistency in bottom housing across both models means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when bottoming out on either switch, despite the differences in the top housing materials.
Ultimately, the contrasting properties of the top housings dictate the overall sound experience of these switches, while the similarity in their bottom housings ensures a uniform tactile experience. Users contemplating which switch suits them better should consider what they prioritize: the crisp and vibrant sound profile offered by the Glimp’s polycarbonate top, or the softer, deeper resonance of the Vintage Citrus's nylon top. If one is to switch between the two, they can expect a blending of auditory experiences, with the nylon bottom housing consistently providing a rich tactile feedback that bridges the gap in sound characteristic differences between the two models.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Glimp linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we find some similarities and some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glimp features an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Vintage Citrus requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams. Both switches have the same bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating that they share the same resistance when pressed all the way down. This means that although the Vintage Citrus offers a slightly more forceful actuation, both switches provide a medium-light bottoming out experience. Therefore, for those who prefer a lighter typing feel that allows for extended use, the KTT Glimp would be the better choice, while the Vintage Citrus caters to those who enjoy a more substantial actuation force without altering the bottoming out feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The KTT Glimp features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional standard for mechanical switches and offers a more substantial keyfeel. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, catering to users who prefer a quicker response time, often favored by gamers for its faster activation. This 1 mm difference means that the Glimp provides a deeper pressing experience, while the Vintage Citrus delivers a more immediate and potentially more responsive experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: those who appreciate a more pronounced depth may gravitate toward the Glimp, while those seeking speed might opt for the Vintage Citrus.
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 HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the KTT Glimp and HMX Vintage Citrus switches, both feature a distinctly clacky character that enhances the typing experience. The Glimp's sound is crisp and percussive, producing a bright and engaging tone with each keystroke. Its clackiness, combined with a neutral sound profile, makes it versatile for various environments, from gaming to professional use. Similarly, the Vintage Citrus also boasts a bright, clacky sound profile designed to keep pace with rapid inputs, making it exceptionally suited for gamers who thrive on quick response times. If you're seeking enthusiastic auditory feedback, both switches will deliver a satisfying sound that can elevate your typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Glimp switch is recognized for its creamy, smooth typing experience, providing a buttery sensation with each keystroke. This is particularly appealing for those who prefer a gentle and enjoyable typing experience without overwhelming resistance. Additionally, its mild characteristics allow for an approachable experience that can cater to various preferences. On the other hand, the feel of the Vintage Citrus is currently unknown, but due to its exceptionally low actuation force, it is expected to facilitate swift movements, appealing to gamers and users who prioritize speed. The differentiation in their tactile feedback is one of the key aspects in choosing between the two.
In conclusion, both the KTT Glimp and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches present enjoyable auditory and tactile experiences, particularly through their prominent clacky sound profiles. The Glimp offers a smooth and creamy feel that enhances its typing comfort, while the Vintage Citrus is designed for speed, making it ideal for gaming scenarios. Although the specific feel of the Vintage Citrus is unknown, the common clackiness and sound enjoyment are shared traits, ensuring that either choice can lead to a satisfying typing experience, depending on whether you prefer a more casual, creamy feel or a focus on rapid inputs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch really depends on your specific typing and gaming needs. If you prefer a balanced typing experience with a satisfying sound and feel, the Glimp switch is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force and clacky sound profile allow for comfortable typing sessions, whether for work or casual use, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned typists. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking rapid response times with minimal effort, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed specifically for that purpose. Its remarkably low actuation point of just 1mm, combined with a bright sound, offers an edge in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Ultimately, assess what you value more: a well-rounded and enjoyable typing experience with the KTT Glimp, or the swift and responsive gameplay offered by the HMX Vintage Citrus. Choosing the right switch can significantly enhance your mechanical keyboard experience, so consider your preferences carefully.
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