KTT Glimp vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the KTT Glimp and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Glimp switch is a linear switch that strikes the perfect balance for those seeking a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance. It offers a tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, resulting in a satisfying and responsive typing feel. Additionally, the Glimp switch has a fairly clacky sound profile, adding an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch is a tactile switch designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing experience. It offers pronounced tactility, providing satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. The Viola Tricolor strikes a perfect balance, offering a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.

By the numbers

KTT Glimp Linear

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the Haimu Viola Tricolor share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, which is particularly beneficial for switches with RGB lighting due to the material's translucency. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics from both switches when it comes to the top housing.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the Glimp and the Viola Tricolor employ nylon. This choice of material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, users can anticipate a similar sound experience from both switches when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, as the characteristics of the nylon bottom housing will be present in both.

It is worth noting that if a switch features different materials for the top and bottom housing, the qualities of each material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on such a switch, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing will play a larger role in the sound produced. Therefore, while the Glimp and the Viola Tricolor utilize the same housing materials, the division of these materials may result in some subtle differences in sound and feel depending on the specific switch model.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, one noticeable difference is in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glimp has an actuation force of 43 grams, providing a medium-light touch, while its bottom out force is slightly heavier at 53 grams. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is currently unavailable, but its bottom out force is measured to be 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This suggests that the Viola Tricolor requires a stronger push for keystrokes compared to the Glimp.

Considering weight, the Glimp is lighter than the Viola Tricolor, which may be preferable for individuals who desire a lighter typing experience. This lighter weight allows for longer typing sessions, making it suitable for work or extended gaming periods. Alternatively, the Viola Tricolor offers a heavier push feel, contributing to a more substantial typing experience. This can be appealing to those who prefer a stronger resistance when pressing the keys.

Although the actuation force of the Viola Tricolor is currently unknown, it is likely that the Glimp's lighter actuation force would result in a lighter touch when triggering a keystroke. Similarly, the heavier bottom out force of the Viola Tricolor suggests that its bottoming out sensation would feel weightier compared to the Glimp. Therefore, while the exact comparison between actuation forces cannot be made, these switches offer a contrast in terms of their bottom out forces, with the Viola Tricolor being heavier.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Glimp linear switch is 4.0 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances for keyboards. However, the Glimp offers a slightly deeper travel distance compared to the Viola Tricolor. Gamers who prioritize quick response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Viola Tricolor, as it allows for faster keystrokes. On the other hand, those who desire a more substantial and satisfying keystroke may lean towards the Glimp with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Glimp switch is known for its clacky profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound during key presses. This sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive, adding an enjoyable auditory element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers a bassy sound profile, characterized by a deeper and richer tone resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, it has a low-pitched sound, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board used and the keycaps chosen.

In terms of feel, the KTT Glimp switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience. The creamy description suggests a smooth and buttery sensation, like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys with each keystroke. This could be due to lubrication applied in the switch at the factory or specific materials used. The mild characteristic means that it provides a gentle typing experience without any overwhelming characteristics, making it approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is described as accented, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It offers pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, resulting in an invigorating typing sensation.

Taking all this information into account, the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Glimp switch provides a clacky sound profile, while the Viola Tricolor switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound. In terms of feel, the Glimp switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience, while the Viola Tricolor switch provides an accented and invigorating feel. These switches cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their desired typing experience. However, it's worth mentioning that if a user is seeking a similar level of sound or feel, they can expect similar results from both switches.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are looking for a switch that strikes a balance between typing experience and resistance, the KTT Glimp linear switch is a great choice. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, it offers a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance. The Glimp switch provides a satisfying and responsive typing feel with its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force. Additionally, its fairly clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions.

On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a pronounced tactility, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is the way to go. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. The Viola Tricolor switch adds a touch of character to your typing experience with its distinctive sound profile. It offers satisfying feedback without crossing into the realm of being overly tactile.

In terms of sound, the Glimp switch is clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This crisp and bright sound adds a satisfying auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch is bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. This lower frequency range resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones.

In terms of feel, the Glimp switch is creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. It feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. The Viola Tricolor switch is accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It offers a pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a switch with a satisfying typing experience and clacky sound profile, the Glimp switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a distinctive thuddy and punchy sound profile and pronounced tactility, the Viola Tricolor switch is the better choice. Consider your preferred sound and feel to make the decision that best suits your typing preferences.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Glimp Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more