Gateron CM vs. KTT Glimp

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer distinct experiences are the Gateron CM and the KTT Glimp. The Gateron CM switch breaks away from convention with its full nylon housing, resulting in a richer and deeper sound signature. This switch also boasts an impeccable factory lube job, providing an effortlessly smooth typing journey akin to gliding gracefully with each keystroke. With its lengthened, dual-staged spring, the CM switch offers a bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp switch strikes the perfect balance for those seeking a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance. Its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force deliver a satisfying and responsive typing feel. Furthermore, the Glimp switch adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions with its fairly clacky sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron CM Linear

KTT Glimp Linear

$4.80

$4.25 per 10

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron CM and the KTT Glimp differ in their housing materials. The CM features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic and sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Glimp has a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the Glimp's translucent top housing is ideal for RGB lighting effects. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound experiences based on their top housing materials.

In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material enhances the typing experience by eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness enables it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound profile when typing on both the CM and Glimp due to their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing.

When it comes to the impact of these housing materials, the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. The qualities of the bottom housing material will be more noticeable when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing plays a greater role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect differences in sound and feel depending on the switch's top and bottom housing materials.

Overall, the Gateron CM and the KTT Glimp offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials. The CM's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Glimp's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches, however, provide a similar typing experience with their nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The impact of the housing materials is felt differently when pressing down versus releasing a key, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel and the top housing influencing the sound when letting go of a key.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CM linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Gateron CM has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Glimp's lighter 43 grams. This means that a slightly stronger push is needed to trigger a keystroke on the Gateron CM switch. In terms of bottom out force, the Gateron CM again requires a heavier force of 63.5 grams compared to the Glimp's 53 grams. This suggests that the Gateron CM switch provides a more substantial typing experience, as more force is required to fully press down on the keys compared to the Glimp. However, it is worth mentioning that both switches fall within the medium range, so they provide a balance between responsiveness and typing comfort. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Glimp switch, as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel may find the Gateron CM switch more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CM linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, it is evident that the Glimp has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm compared to the CM's 3.6 mm. The difference may seem negligible, but it can still impact the overall user experience. Generally, a 4.0 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while the CM's 3.6 mm is slightly shallower. Some gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the CM for faster response times, as every millisecond counts in competitive gaming. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may opt for the Glimp with its longer travel distance. It ultimately boils down to personal preference, with shorter distances offering more responsiveness and longer distances providing a more satisfying depth. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer reliable performance and can deliver similar results in terms of overall travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron CM linear switch is best known for its deep and rich sound profile. The full nylon housing of the CM switches delivers a bassy sound, characterized by a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the CM switches have a thocky sound, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. This combination of a bass-heavy and mellow tone creates an enjoyable auditory experience during typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp linear switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. While the Glimp switch may not offer the same deep and bassy sound as the CM switch, its crisp, bright, and percussive sound adds an enjoyable auditory element to typing sessions. It is important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps. Overall, the CM switch provides a deeper and richer sound experience, while the Glimp switch offers a clacky and satisfying auditory experience.

In terms of feel, both the Gateron CM linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch offer a smooth and buttery typing experience. The CM switch is described as buttery, polished, and creamy. This suggests that the switch provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The application of lubricant at the factory or specific materials contributes to the smoothness of the CM switches, allowing for a silky sensation when typing. Similarly, the Glimp switch is also described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. The factory lubrication or specific materials used in the Glimp switches result in gliding fingers across the keys with ease, as each keystroke effortlessly melts into the switch. In addition to the creamy feel, the Glimp switch is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes the Glimp switch approachable to most users, as its qualities stand in a safe middle ground. Overall, both switches provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes and reduced friction.

In conclusion, the Gateron CM linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch each have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CM switch offers a deeper and richer sound, characterized by its bassy and thocky qualities. Its smooth and buttery feel is described as buttery, polished, and creamy, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the Glimp switch provides a clacky sound and a creamy feel, creating a sharp and satisfying auditory experience with smooth and buttery keystrokes. While they have different sound and feel profiles, both switches offer a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, suitable for various preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as other factors such as keyboard board and keycap choices. However, it is important to note that the provided information is subjective and may vary based on individual experiences.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a bouncy typing experience and a rich, deep sound profile, the Gateron CM linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its full nylon housing and impeccable factory lube job, this switch offers an effortlessly smooth typing journey and a sensation of gliding gracefully with each keystroke. Additionally, its bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound characteristics add a deeper and richer sound profile to your typing sessions.

On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a satisfying and responsive typing feel, the KTT Glimp linear switch is the way to go. It strikes the perfect balance between substantial typing experience and moderate resistance. Its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force provide a pleasant typing feel, while its clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions.

Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Considering your desired typing experience and the qualities described, you can make an informed decision on whether the Gateron CM linear switch or the KTT Glimp linear switch is the right fit for you.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CM Linear

$4.80

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

KTT Glimp Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

Learn more