KTT Ash Gray vs. Gateron Glory Yellow

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Ash Gray and Gateron Glory Yellow provide two distinct options that cater to different typing preferences and styles. The KTT Ash Gray is celebrated for its substantial yet unobtrusive tactile response, striking a balance between light pressure and crisp actuation. This mild tactile feedback makes it ideal for those who appreciate an engaging typing experience without overwhelming sensations, allowing for extended use without fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow excels in delivering a smooth and responsive keystroke, characterized by its pleasing travel distance, making it perfect for those who seek fluidity in their typing or gaming sessions. While the Ash Gray is suited for typists who enjoy feedback without distraction, the Glory Yellow appeals to users who prioritize a seamless keypress. Ultimately, the choice hinges on individual preferences for tactile feedback versus linear smoothness; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Ash Gray and Gateron Glory Yellow switches feature distinct housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The KTT Ash Gray utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. This rigidity enhances clarity and resonance, making polycarbonate an ideal choice for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow employs a nylon top housing, a material known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer characteristics of nylon facilitate sound absorption, yielding a duller and rounder acoustic experience compared to the Ash Gray's more vibrant output. This fundamental difference in top housing materials results in contrasting auditory experiences for users.

When examining the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which leads to a similar outcome in terms of sound absorption and fullness. The nylon bottom housing in both the KTT Ash Gray and Gateron Glory Yellow creates a deeper sound when a key bottoms out, giving users a consistent tactile feedback that is round and soft. This shared housing material suggests that, while users will sense a differentiation in sound characteristics due to the top housing disparity, they will attain comparable bottom-out experiences across both switches. This combination highlights how the interplay of distinct top and bottom materials can innovate sound profiles while still achieving consistent tactile sensations.

Ultimately, the differences in the top housings of the KTT Ash Gray and Gateron Glory Yellow underline how material choice can dramatically alter the playability of keyboard switches. With the Ash Gray presenting a crisper and more daylight-expressive feel due to its polycarbonate top, and the Glory Yellow offering a more muted and rounded experience through its nylon cap, users can choose a switch based on their sound and tactile preferences. However, with both switches featuring nylon in the bottom housing, they do maintain a degree of similarity, particularly in the sensation felt during key bottoming out, showcasing how diverse housing materials can complement each other in creating distinctive yet balanced typing experiences.

Weight

The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch present distinct differences in their actuation forces, with the Ash Gray requiring a lighter force of 38 grams compared to the 50 grams needed for the Glory Yellow. This means that users who favor a lighter touch may prefer the Ash Gray for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as it can help reduce fatigue over time. In terms of bottom out force, the Ash Gray has a measured force of 53 grams, while the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is currently unavailable. The Ash Gray's additional bottom out force might provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for users who enjoy a substantial typing experience, whereas the unknown bottom out force of the Glory Yellow leaves room for uncertainty. Therefore, for those seeking a lighter switch, the KTT Ash Gray is the clear choice, while the Gateron Glory Yellow is heavier, catering to those who prefer a stronger push feel.

Travel distance

The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Ash Gray the shorter option, appealing to gamers and those who prioritize quicker response times, as a shorter travel distance can enhance gaming performance. On the other hand, the Glory Yellow, with its longer travel distance, might be more suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing, as it provides a deeper and more traditional experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for response time versus tactile depth, with the Ash Gray catering to those seeking immediacy and the Glory Yellow serving those who favor a more pronounced keypress.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch presents a neutral acoustic profile. Its moderate actuation force requirement ensures that it produces a sound that is neither overly loud nor too quiet, making it versatile enough for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. This balance allows it to cater to both beginners and advanced users alike. Conversely, the sound characteristics of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch remain unspecified. However, it’s important to note that the sound produced by any switch can vary considerably based on the keyboard construction, the type of keycaps used, and personal preferences.

When it comes to the feel of the two switches, the KTT Ash Gray delivers an easy-to-press experience that is characterized by gentle resistance and requires minimal force for actuation. This light actuation force reduces finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions, creating an overall comfortable and responsive typing experience. Additionally, the Ash Gray's tactile feedback strikes a balance that avoids overwhelming sensations, appealing to a wide range of users. In contrast, the feel characteristics for the Gateron Glory Yellow are not detailed, leaving a gap in our understanding of its keypress feedback and overall typing comfort.

In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch stands out with its neutral sound profile and comfortable, user-friendly feel, making it an excellent choice for novices and seasoned typists alike. While the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch's sound and feel attributes are not specified, it is important to consider that they may not stray too far from a neutral or standard typing experience typical of linear switches. Ultimately, both switches might accommodate users looking for reliable and enjoyable typing experiences, though the tactile nature of the Ash Gray will offer a distinctly different sensation compared to the smoothness of the Glory Yellow.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, your personal preferences and typing habits will largely dictate the best fit for you. If you appreciate a tactile feel that balances feedback without being overly pronounced, the Ash Gray is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force of 53 grams makes it easy to press, allowing for extended typing sessions without excessive finger fatigue. The neutral sound profile and mild characteristics offer a versatile experience suitable for both home and office environments, making it a great option for those who value comfort alongside subtle tactile cues. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother keystroke and a more streamlined typing experience, the Gateron Glory Yellow might be more up your alley. While the bottom-out force detail is unavailable, users often praise the smooth travel and enjoyable keystroke it provides, making it ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing where you may not want the distraction of tactile feedback. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you seek a gentle tactile experience with the Ash Gray or a sleek, linear feel with the Glory Yellow.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more