KTT Glimp vs. SP-Star Yanyu

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are many options to choose from. Two switches worth considering are the KTT Glimp and the SP-Star Yanyu. The Glimp switch is a linear switch that strikes the perfect balance for those seeking a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance. With its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, the Glimp switch offers a satisfying and responsive typing feel. Additionally, its fairly clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is perfect for those looking for a more delicate typing experience or those typing for long periods of time. The Yanyu switch has a crisp sound profile due to its material blend, and it is categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, feathery, subtle, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Glimp Linear

SP-Star Yanyu Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the SP-Star Yanyu 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 being a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Yanyu's top housing is a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, offering a unique sound profile that is pleasant and bright, without being excessively sharp. Both materials contribute to a distinct sound experience, but the Glimp's polycarbonate is geared towards those who prefer a sharper sound, while the Yanyu's blend delivers a more balanced and mellow tone.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Glimp utilizes a nylon material that enhances the typing experience by producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. On the other hand, the Yanyu's bottom housing also features the same Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend found in its top housing. This blend offers a unique and pleasant sound profile, though not particularly sharp, tending towards a brighter tone. Both switches' bottom housing materials provide a different tactile and auditory experience, with the Glimp's nylon emphasizing a deeper sound, while the Yanyu's blend focusing on a pleasing and brighter tone.

When it comes to the impact of housing materials on the overall sound and feel of a switch, the Glimp and Yanyu demonstrate key differences. The Glimp's bottom housing has a stronger influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound due to the characteristics of nylon. Conversely, the Yanyu's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the bottom housing creates a unique and pleasant sound profile that is slightly brighter. On the other hand, the top housing of both switches plays a greater role in the sound produced when a key is released. The Glimp's polycarbonate top housing results in a sharper sound when letting go of a key, while the Yanyu's blend offers a brighter and mellow sound upon release. Although the housing materials differ, both switches provide unique sound experiences based on the interplay between their top and bottom housings.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are notable differences. The actuation force of the Glimp is 43 grams, providing a medium-light touch required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Yanyu is unavailable, meaning the specific force required to trigger a keystroke is unknown. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Glimp requires 53 grams of force to fully press down, providing a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu requires 43 grams of force to bottom out, which is considered light. Overall, the Glimp offers a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Yanyu, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, without information on the exact actuation force of the Yanyu, it is difficult to make a direct comparison between the two.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Glimp linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel. Therefore, both switches provide a consistent and similar tactile experience to the user.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Glimp switch is described as "clacky." This means that it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving it a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch is described as "neutral" in terms of sound. This means that it has a moderate sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the KTT Glimp switch is described as "creamy." This indicates that it offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. It has a mild typing experience, providing a gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch is also described as "mild" in feel, which means it offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It falls in a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of feel. Additionally, the Yanyu switch is also described as "feathery," meaning it is exceptionally light to press and requires little exertion from your fingers. This reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Yanyu switch is also described as "subtle" and "polished," indicating a gentle resistance, reduced friction, and smooth key travel.

Taking all the available information into consideration, the KTT Glimp and SP-Star Yanyu switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Glimp switch provides a clacky sound profile and a creamy, mild typing experience. It strikes a balance between a satisfying typing feel and a comfortable actuation force. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch offers a more delicate typing experience, with a crisp sound profile and mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and a mild feel, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Whether you prefer the clacky sound and creamy feel of the Glimp or the crisp sound and feathery, subtle, and polished feel of the Yanyu, you can expect similar satisfying and responsive typing experiences with either switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light switch that offers tactile feedback and a satisfying typing experience, the KTT Glimp linear switch is a great choice. With its comfortable actuation force and clacky sound profile, it strikes the perfect balance between resistance and responsiveness. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch and prioritize a delicate typing experience or need to type for long periods of time, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is the way to go. With its bottom out force of 43 grams, it provides a feathery and gentle typing feel that reduces finger fatigue. Additionally, its crisp sound profile adds to the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Glimp and SP-Star Yanyu switches depends on your personal preferences and typing needs.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Glimp Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Yanyu Linear

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

Learn more