KTT Ash Gray vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and the KTT Ash Gray and Gateron Glory Red offer distinct options tailored to different preferences. The KTT Ash Gray is a tactile switch crafted for those who appreciate a satisfying yet subtle feedback with each keypress. Its design strikes a balance, providing a light touch that avoids overwhelming feedback while still ensuring a clear actuation, making it ideal for both typing and gaming enthusiasts who crave precision without distraction. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red switch delivers a smooth and linear keystroke, characterized by its effortless travel distance, which many users find enhances their overall typing enjoyment and speed. This switch is perfect for those who prefer an uninterrupted flow, particularly in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to whether you value tactile feedback or prioritize a smooth, linear experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and Gateron Glory Red switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles during operation. The Ash Gray utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffer properties that yield a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This quality is particularly beneficial for those who prefer a more pronounced acoustic feedback from their typing experience, especially in RGB lighting setups where the transparency of the polycarbonate accentuates the illumination effect. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red features a nylon top housing, a material recognized for its softer composition. This yielding nature of nylon results in deeper, fuller sound production, absorbing more sound and lending a dampened quality to the auditory experience. Consequently, the Gateron Glory Red will emit a noticeably rounder and less resonant sound when compared to the Ash Gray, appealing to users who favor a muted acoustic feedback while typing.
While the top housings diverge in material and resulting audio characteristics, both the KTT Ash Gray and Gateron Glory Red switches share nylon for their bottom housing. This commonality ensures a consistent impact on the bottom-out sound and feel during key presses. As nylon absorbs sound effectively, both switches will deliver a deeper and fuller auditory experience when the key is fully engaged. The presence of this softer material in the bottom housing means that users will find an element of similarity in the feel of both switches, adding a layer of comfort and tactile satisfaction when bottoming out, despite the differences in sound profile provided by their respective top housings.
When assessing the overall performance of these switches, users can expect a tailored typing experience based on the varying effects of the two housing materials. With the Ash Gray delivering a crisper, more pronounced sound upon release due to its polycarbonate top housing, the typing experience may be perceived as livelier and more energetic. Conversely, the Glory Red stands out for those who appreciate a quieter typing environment without the sharp acoustic feedback, thanks to its nylon top that contributes to a warmer sound profile. Both switches excel in providing an enjoyable experience, with a nuanced difference where the top housing defines the release sound while the bottom housing keeps the core feel grounded and familiar. Therefore, users can select either switch based on their preferred sound and tactile experience, with confidence that they will enjoy a comfortable typing journey.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation forces. The Ash Gray requires a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, which is ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Glory Red has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel when typing. However, while the bottom out force of the Ash Gray is set at 53 grams—indicating a defined endpoint when fully pressed—the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown. If the bottom out force were to be comparable, users could anticipate similar tactile feedback upon bottoming out. Overall, the Ash Gray is the lighter option, enabling longer typing sessions with less effort, while the Glory Red offers a heavier feel for those who appreciate a firmer keystroke response.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Glory Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm means that the Ash Gray is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel, which is often preferred by gamers seeking faster actuation times. Conversely, the Glory Red, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying depth for those who enjoy a fuller key press. While both switches are relatively close in distance, those who find shorter travel distances too abrupt might favor the longer-throw Glory Red for a more gradual typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch produces a sound that can be characterized as neutral, combining a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate acoustic profile. This quality makes it versatile for a variety of environments, appealing to both beginner and experienced typists, whether they are working from home or in an office setting. On the other hand, the acoustic qualities of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch are currently unknown. Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that the overall sound of a switch is influenced by factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap material, which can affect the final auditory experience for both types of switches.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Ash Gray shines with its easy-to-press design, providing gentle resistance that requires minimal force for activation, making it comfortable for long typing sessions. Its mild tactile feedback offers a gentle and approachable experience, striking a balance that appeals to a wide range of users. Contrastingly, the tactile and emotional feel of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch is unspecified, leaving a gap in understanding how it measures up against the Ash Gray in terms of user experience. Without concrete details about the Glory Red, we can't compare the desired tactile aspects directly, although linear switches typically prioritize smoothness over tactile engagement.
In summary, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile and an enjoyable tactile experience with its easy-to-press, mild feedback characteristics, catering well to typists looking for comfort during extensive use. The Gateron Glory Red linear switch remains a mystery in terms of sound and feel, which leaves us with the understanding that while the Ash Gray is well-rounded and versatile, further information about the Glory Red is required to form a comprehensive comparison. Nevertheless, if you're looking for a blend of tactile feedback and sound suitable for varied settings, the Ash Gray is a reliable choice, while the Glory Red's performance awaits further insights.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, consider your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a balanced feedback that isn’t too aggressive, the Ash Gray is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force combined with a neutral sound profile makes it versatile, whether you’re typing at home, in an office, or gaming. The gentle resistance and pleasant tactile feel make it particularly suitable for long sessions, helping to minimize finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more fluid typing experience with less friction during key presses, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch may be more to your liking. The linear design offers an uninterrupted keystroke, which is great for fast-paced gaming or for those who prefer a quieter, less tactile experience overall. Ultimately, it all comes down to your personal preference for either a gentle tactile response or a smooth linear feel; select the switch that best aligns with your comfort and intended use.
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