KTT Glimp vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Glimp linear switch to the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, it becomes apparent that both offer distinct advantages for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Glimp switch is renowned for its medium-light actuation force and tactile feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience without excessive resistance. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switch excels in delivering a creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump that elevates tactile typing to an art form. While the Glimp switch offers a clacky sound profile, the Ice King Tactile switch provides a more subdued and polished typing experience. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
68g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The KTT Glimp and the Durock Ice King Tactile both feature nylon bottom housings, which are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to housings made from harder plastics. However, the Glimp's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic material. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound similar to its bottom housing, creating a consistent typing experience across the entire switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the Glimp's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. This allows for a visually appealing customization option that the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing lacks. However, both switches share the classic nylon bottom housing, which offers a timeless typing experience with its deeper and fuller sound profile. While the Glimp focuses more on a clear and resonant sound with its polycarbonate top housing, the Ice King Tactile provides a consistent typing feel and sound with its nylon top and bottom housings.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Glimp and the Durock Ice King Tactile will come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. The Glimp offers a crisper and higher-pitched sound thanks to its polycarbonate top housing, while the Ice King Tactile provides a more consistent and fuller sound with its nylon top and bottom housings. Both switches showcase the unique qualities of their respective housing materials, allowing users to select the option that best suits their typing style and preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch differ significantly. The Glimp switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. The Glimp switch is ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience to prevent fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile switch provides a more substantial push feel, which may appeal to users seeking a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Glimp linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Glimp has a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feeling. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile offers a shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Glimp being on the longer side and the Ice King Tactile slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Durock Ice King Tactile has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Tactile for $4.20.
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 produces a fairly clacky sound when pressed, offering a sharp and snappy auditory experience that can add an enjoyable element to typing sessions. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch provides a more subdued sound, creating a dampened and more subtle sound signature when compared to most switches. The choice between the two switches in terms of sound will depend on personal preference and the overall sound profile you prefer in your typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Glimp linear switch offers a creamy typing experience, providing a smooth and buttery sensation when typing. This switch falls into the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, as it stands in a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch is described as providing a silky and frictionless typing experience, enhancing overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Ice King Tactile also offers a stepped and polished feel, providing a switch that is refined and sleek in its typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of both sound and feel. The Glimp switch provides a clacky sound profile and a creamy typing experience, while the Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued sound and a silky, frictionless typing feel. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, so choosing between the two will ultimately depend on what kind of typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a more tactile and pronounced typing experience, the Ice King Tactile switch may be the better option, while the Glimp switch is a solid choice for those seeking a balanced and responsive typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a medium-light switch with a satisfying tactile feedback and clacky sound profile, the Glimp may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy switch with a creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, the Ice King Tactile could elevate your typing to a whole new level. Ultimately, the decision boils down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you're looking for. Whichever switch you choose, both the Glimp and the Ice King Tactile offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles in the mechanical keyboard world.
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