KTT Glimp vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, it's important to consider your typing preferences and needs. Two popular options to consider are the KTT Glimp, a linear switch, and the Outemu Yellow Silver, also a linear switch. The Glimp switch strikes a balance between a substantial typing experience and manageable resistance, offering tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force. Its fairly clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch features a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it ideal for gamers and typists who prioritize speediness and responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Glimp and the Outemu Yellow Silver both feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. It also allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency. So, if you're looking for a switch with a clear housing that offers these sound and lighting capabilities, both the Glimp and the Yellow Silver are great options. They will provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Glimp has a nylon bottom housing while the Yellow Silver also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. So, in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, both the Glimp and the Yellow Silver will offer a similar experience.
It's important to note that the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, you will primarily feel the effects of the bottom housing, while the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. So, while the Glimp and Yellow Silver have the same top housing material, the difference in their bottom housing may result in subtle variations in sound and feel. Regardless, both switches offer their own unique characteristics and can provide an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there are slight differences between the two. The Glimp has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Yellow Silver's 45 grams, making it slightly easier to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Glimp has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams compared to the Yellow Silver's 55 grams, indicating a slightly softer touch when pressing all the way down. Both switches fall under the category of medium-light force, providing a comfortable typing experience for users who prefer a lighter touch. Overall, while there are slight variations in the actuation and bottom out forces, the results between the Glimp and the Yellow Silver are similar, giving users a comparable typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Glimp linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel. Both switches offer a consistent tactile experience to the user, ensuring a similar typing or gaming experience regardless of which one is used.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 KTT Glimp linear switch is best described as clacky. This means that when pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound. The sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a neutral sound profile. This means it has a moderate sound profile and does not have any distinct characteristics like being particularly clicky or clacky. Therefore, the Yellow Silver switch is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are planning to use it at home or work. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the KTT Glimp linear switch is described as creamy. This means it offers a smooth and buttery typing experience. This sensation is often achieved by applying lubricant in the switch at the factory or by using specific materials. Typing on a creamy switch feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. On the other hand, there is no specific description available for the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch. However, since it has a light actuation force and is favored by gamers and typists who prefer speediness and responsiveness, it can be inferred that the Yellow Silver switch provides a more mild and gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Its qualities likely fall in a safe, middle-ground zone that is approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the KTT Glimp linear switch offers a clacky sound profile and a creamy typing feel. It strikes a perfect balance between a substantial typing experience and a comfortable actuation force. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a neutral sound profile and likely provides a mild and gentle typing experience due to its light actuation force. Both switches are suitable for various intents and purposes, but the Glimp switch may provide a more satisfying and responsive typing feel, while the Yellow Silver switch is favored for its speediness and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and requirements. However, if you are seeking a switch with similar qualities, the Yellow Silver switch may provide results that are comparable to the Glimp switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance and enjoy a satisfying and responsive typing feel, the KTT Glimp linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, it strikes a perfect balance for comfortable typing. The Glimp switch also offers a clacky sound profile, adding an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a speediness and responsiveness, especially for gaming, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch with its light actuation force of 55 grams would be more suitable. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Additionally, while the Glimp switch is described as creamy and offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Yellow Silver switch does not have a specific feel description mentioned. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preferred typing experience and usage scenario.