KTT Glimp vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the KTT Glimp, a linear switch, and the KTT Wine Red, also a linear switch. The Glimp switch is best known for striking the perfect balance between a substantial typing experience and comfortable actuation force. With tactile feedback and a satisfying, responsive typing feel, this switch offers a medium-light sensation without overwhelming resistance. Additionally, the Glimp switch adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions with its fairly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, we have the Wine Red switch, which offers a pillowy light type feel, giving you a gentle and comfortable typing experience. With its satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, this switch adds a touch of elegance to your typing sessions. While the Glimp switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the Wine Red switch is described as 'Bassy' and 'Low-pitched'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The KTT Glimp and the KTT Wine Red share similar top housing materials, both using polycarbonate. This choice of material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. The polycarbonate top housing is known for its stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with excellent sound quality and visual appeal, both the Glimp and the Wine Red would be suitable options.
However, the bottom housing material differs between the two switches. The KTT Glimp features a nylon bottom housing, while the KTT Wine Red utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Wine Red contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound.
It is important to note that the combination of top and bottom housings plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of a switch. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more noticeable, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Glimp and Wine Red share certain similarities in their housing materials, the specific combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Glimp and polycarbonate in the Wine Red will result in slightly different sound profiles and typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, we find that both switches have similar forces. The Glimp has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Wine Red has an actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-light category in terms of weight. This means that users can expect a relatively light and effortless keystroke activation with these switches. Typists who prefer a lighter touch and longer typing sessions may find these switches ideal. The slight difference in forces between the two switches may be negligible, and users can expect similar results from both options.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Glimp and the KTT Wine Red linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key that is equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results. It is worth noting that the information provided does not specify whether the travel distance of these switches is shorter or longer than average, so we cannot compare them to a standard distance.
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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Glimp switch is best described as clacky. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving it a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch is described as bassy and low-pitched. It offers a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The sound profile of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. While the Glimp switch has a clacky sound, the Wine Red switch provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Glimp switch is described as creamy. It offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. This sensation is often achieved through lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switch. Additionally, the Glimp switch is considered mild, providing a gentle typing experience without overly pronounced characteristics. It falls within a safe and approachable middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Wine Red switch.
In conclusion, the Glimp linear switch is known for its tactile feedback, comfortable actuation force, clacky sound profile, creamy feel, and mild characteristics. It strikes a balance between a substantial typing experience and manageable resistance. On the other hand, the Wine Red linear switch is appreciated for its pillowy light typing feel and satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. While we do not have specific information about the feel of the Wine Red switch, it can be inferred that it might offer a different typing experience compared to the Glimp switch. Depending on personal preferences, both switches can provide a satisfying and responsive typing experience, albeit with different sound and potentially feel qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who values a tactile feedback and a satisfying typing experience without overwhelming resistance, the KTT Glimp linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, it strikes the perfect balance for a substantial typing experience. Additionally, the clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a pillowy light type feel and a deep, rich sound profile, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is the way to go. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams, it still falls under the medium-light category. The Wine Red switch offers a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, characterized by its bassy and low-pitched tones. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences in terms of typing experience and sound profile.
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