KTT Glimp vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Glimp and the Gateron New North Pole V2 are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and benefits. The Glimp switch is best known for its medium-light weight and tactile feedback, providing a satisfying and responsive typing experience. With its clacky sound profile, it adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2s have done away with a rubber dampener, resulting in a crisper typing experience. However, they still maintain the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup, offering a frictionless typing feel with a seamless glide and smoothness. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics and advantages, but to make the best decision for your needs, let's delve deeper into their specifics.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The KTT Glimp and the Gateron New North Pole V2 both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, creating a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the lights to shine through. This means that both switches will provide a similar sound experience and aesthetic appeal when it comes to their top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, there is a difference between the two switches. The Glimp features a nylon bottom housing, which brings a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in bottom housing material will impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, with the Glimp offering a deeper and softer typing experience compared to the New North Pole V2.
Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in the two switches results in a unique typing experience. While both switches share the benefits of using polycarbonate for their top housings, the contrasting use of nylon and polycarbonate for their bottom housings creates distinct differences in sound and feel. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and fuller typing experience, both switches offer their own unique qualities that cater to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there are notable differences. The Glimp has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, making it more responsive and requiring less effort to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, providing a slightly stronger push feel.
In terms of bottom out force, the Glimp has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is slightly heavier than its actuation force. This means that there is a noticeable resistance when fully pressing down the key, offering a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, slightly heavier than the Glimp. This indicates that pressing down the keys on the New North Pole V2 requires a bit more strength and provides a more pronounced typing feel.
Although the actuation and bottom out forces of the two switches differ, they both fall into the medium range. This means that both switches offer a balanced typing experience, neither too light nor too heavy. Thus, individuals looking for a similar result in terms of force requirements could opt for either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preferences. If a lighter switch is desired for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, the Glimp may be the better choice. However, if a more robust and substantial typing experience is preferred, the New North Pole V2 may be the ideal option.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, both switches will provide a similar tactile experience, as the distance traveled from the top to the bottom is equal. Therefore, users can expect comparable results in terms of the travel distance when using either of these switches. However, it's worth noting that other factors such as actuation force and switch feel may still differ between the two switches, impacting the overall typing or gaming experience.
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 Gateron New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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, the KTT Glimp linear switch is best 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 sound profile of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is unknown, as no specific descriptors are provided. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Overall, if you're looking for a clacky sound, the Glimp switch would be the recommended choice, while the sound profile of the New North Pole V2 remains uncertain.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Glimp linear switch is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. This sensation is achieved through factors such as factory lubrication or the use of specific materials. Typing on a creamy switch gives a silky feeling, as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys with each keystroke. It is also described as mild, meaning that it provides a gentler typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. These qualities make the Glimp switch approachable and comfortable for most users. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch offers multiple descriptors for its feel. It is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, it is also described as creamy, offering a similar smooth and buttery typing experience as mentioned earlier. Lastly, the New North Pole V2 switch is described as frictionless, indicating an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. In terms of feel, both switches offer appealing characteristics that provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Glimp being slightly milder and the New North Pole V2 offering additional polished and frictionless options.
Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that both the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch have their own unique subjective qualities. The Glimp switch provides a medium-light typing experience with tactile feedback, a satisfying and responsive feel, and a clacky sound profile. Meanwhile, the New North Pole V2 switch offers a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, a frictionless typing feel, and descriptors such as polished, creamy, and frictionless for its sound and feel. Although the sound profile of the New North Pole V2 is unknown, it is clear that both switches aim to provide a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience. If you prefer a clacky sound and medium-light feel, the Glimp switch is a suitable choice, while the New North Pole V2 offers a range of qualities to cater to different preferences. However, keep in mind that individual preferences may vary, and it is always recommended to try out switches firsthand or seek further information to make an informed decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-light switch with tactile feedback and a satisfying typing experience, the KTT Glimp linear switch is the way to go. With its moderate actuation force and clacky sound profile, it strikes the perfect balance between resistance and responsiveness. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium switch with a crisper typing experience and a frictionless feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is your best bet. Despite the removal of the rubber dampener, it retains the seamless glide and smoothness that the North Pole lineup is known for. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile.
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