KTT Glimp vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options on the market are the KTT Glimp and the PH Studio Yoel, both of which are linear switches. The Glimp switch is known for providing a medium-light typing experience with tactile feedback and a comfortable actuation force, offering a satisfying and responsive feel while adding a somewhat clacky sound profile to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Yoel linear switch, manufactured by BSUN, offers a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying resonance when keys bottom out. While the Glimp switch is described as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the Yoel switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant'. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences, typing style, and desired sound profile. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the PH Studio Yoel both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to their stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the design. However, the Glimp's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Yoel's POM bottom housing, which creates a relatively more muted sound. This difference in bottom housing material affects the overall sound and feel of the switches when pressed.
Despite both switches featuring polycarbonate top housings, the difference in bottom housing material results in distinct sound profiles for the KTT Glimp and the PH Studio Yoel. The use of nylon in the Glimp's bottom housing absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound, while POM in the Yoel's bottom housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. This difference in bottom housing material contributes significantly to the overall typing experience and sound feedback of each switch, showcasing the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials in switch design.
In terms of typing experience, the KTT Glimp and the PH Studio Yoel showcase how the choice of housing material impacts the sound and feel of switches. While both feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, the Glimp's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Yoel's POM bottom housing, which is more muted. The split between top and bottom housing materials highlights how different qualities of sound can be experienced during key presses and releases, providing users with a unique typing experience based on the switch design.
Weight
In comparing the KTT Glimp linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is evident that the Glimp is lighter in terms of actuation force with 43 grams compared to the Yoel's 53 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Glimp requires 53 grams while the Yoel needs 60 grams, making the Yoel the heavier option. The Glimp provides a medium-light typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Yoel offers a medium level of force, which gives a more substantial typing feedback. Both switches provide a different typing experience based on the actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals looking for either a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Glimp linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Glimp offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Yoel, with a traditional distance of 4 mm. On the other hand, the Yoel provides a shallower travel distance at 3.2 mm. Gamers may prefer the Yoel for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who appreciate a more substantial key press may opt for the Glimp with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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 it comes to sound, both the KTT Glimp and the PH Studio Yoel switches are described as having a clacky profile, offering a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. The Glimp switch has a fairly clacky sound profile, which adds an enjoyable auditory element to typing sessions. In contrast, the Yoel switch is characterized by a bright and clacky sound with a pronounced resonance when keys reach their bottom-out point. This means that both switches provide a satisfying sound experience, but the Yoel switch may have a slightly more pronounced resonance. Ultimately, if you prefer a clacky sound profile, both switches will deliver similar results in terms of sound.
In terms of feel, both the Glimp and Yoel switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience. The Glimp switch is described as creamy, providing a silky sensation that feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. The Yoel switch also falls under the creamy category, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the Yoel switch is noted to be polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Therefore, if you enjoy a creamy and polished typing feel, both the Glimp and Yoel switches will offer a similar experience in terms of feel.
In conclusion, both the KTT Glimp linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound and feel characteristics. While the Glimp switch provides a clacky sound profile and a creamy typing feel, the Yoel switch delivers a bright and clacky sound with a polished and silky typing experience. If you are looking for a switch with a moderate actuation force requirement, a clacky sound profile, and a smooth typing feel, either the Glimp or Yoel switch would be an excellent choice depending on your preference for slight variations in sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches can offer similar results in terms of sound and feel, making them suitable options for those seeking a medium-light linear switch for a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when selecting between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on their characteristics. If you value a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a tactile and clacky typing experience with a fairly neutral sound profile, the Glimp switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and desire a chewy, clacky typing experience with a bright and resonant sound profile, the Yoel switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
