KTT Darling vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of various options to suit their typing preferences. The KTT Darling and Gateron Glory Red are both linear switches that offer unique experiences, catering to different user needs. The KTT Darling is celebrated for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, making each keystroke feel immersive and engaging. Its pronounced bounciness adds a springy responsiveness, complemented by a resonant, high-pitched sound—ideal for those who appreciate a lively auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red provides a lighter touch with a smooth keystroke and a pleasing travel distance, creating an effortlessly enjoyable typing experience for users who prefer less resistance. While both switches have their intriguing features, their differing tactile feedback and acoustic profiles can dramatically influence the overall 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
45g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Darling and the Gateron Glory Red switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly affects their overall sound profiles and user experience. The Darling uses a polycarbonate top housing, well-regarded for its clarity and resonance. This material is stiffer, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched sound that can be particularly appealing for users who favor a crisp auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the Glory Red employs a nylon top housing, which is inherently softer and contributes to a duller, rounder sound profile. This material tends to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper auditory experience that may suit users looking for a more muted and fuller typing sound. Therefore, while both switches aim to deliver quality sound, the materials directly influence the type of auditory feedback a user can expect.
Both the KTT Darling and Gateron Glory Red utilize nylon for their bottom housings, creating a consistency in the sound experience at this level. Nylon, as a classic switch housing material, is known for its ability to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This shared characteristic in bottom housing means that both switches will deliver similar sound profiles regarding the bottom-out sound when pressed down. However, the impact of the bottom housing will be more pronounced in this case, enhancing the overall sound quality regardless of the differences present in their top housings. Hence, while the top housing varies, the commonality in bottom housing material ensures that both switches can provide a rich sound when bottoming out.
Ultimately, the interaction of the top and bottom housing materials creates distinct sound profiles for each switch, showcasing the importance of material choice in mechanical keyboard design. The KTT Darling's polycarbonate top pairs with its nylon bottom to yield a complex interplay of high-pitched and deep, resonant sounds, articulating both clarity and fullness in user experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red maintains an entirely nylon composition, leading to a more uniform sound characterized by depth and softness. Users seeking a crisp typing experience may prefer the Darling for its sharper auditory feedback, while those desiring a plush and subdued sound profile might lean towards the Glory Red. Thus, the material choices manifest unique auditory characteristics, catering to varying preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch offer a comparable actuation force, both requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This similarity means that users will experience a consistent feel when it comes to the initial resistance while typing or gaming. However, the Darling switch has a defined bottom out force of 53 grams, which indicates a moderate level of resistance when pressing the key all the way down. In contrast, the Glory Red's bottom out force is currently unavailable, making it impossible to draw a direct comparison in that regard. Despite this, the Darling switch is effectively heavier overall due to its higher bottom out force, and may not be as comfortable for prolonged typing sessions compared to the lighter touch that the Glory Red might potentially offer if its bottom out force were known. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gateron Glory Red could be more appealing, while those seeking a more substantial feedback with a firmer feel may lean towards the KTT Darling.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear 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 means that when pressing the keys down, the KTT Darling offers a shorter travel distance, potentially providing a quicker response time, which is often favored by gamers seeking rapid actuation. Conversely, the Gateron Glory Red, with its travel distance of 3.6 mm, may offer a more traditional feel and a bit more depth, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, while both options are relatively close in travel distance, the KTT Darling is the shorter switch, making it a better choice for those prioritizing responsiveness, whereas the Gateron Glory Red caters more to those who enjoy a deeper actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Darling stands out with its distinctive auditory profile. It produces a clacky and high-pitched sound that is both sharp and crisp, adding a lively dynamic to the typing experience. This resonant quality ensures that each keystroke resonates with a bright, percussive feedback that many users find engaging. In contrast, the sound profile of the Gateron Glory Red hasn't been specified, which leaves an unknown in this area. However, it is essential to note that sound characteristics can vary significantly depending on the keyboard, keycaps, and overall setup used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Darling is characterized by its bouncy and substantial sensation. This notable bounciness offers a springy responsiveness, which enhances the typing experience by providing a satisfying rebound with each keystroke. Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding the feel of the Gateron Glory Red, making a direct comparison impossible in this aspect. Nevertheless, if both switches were to have similar tactile feedback experiences, users might find a comparable sensation in typing.
In conclusion, while the KTT Darling offers a unique combination of a clacky sound and a bouncy feel, comprehensive information on the Gateron Glory Red is limited. The Darling's high-pitched and resonant sound appeals to those who favor a lively auditory response, while its substantial and responsive demeanor caters to users who enjoy a tactile typing experience. To make a well-informed choice between the two, one would need to consider the specific qualities most important to their typing style, especially given the gaps in the available data for the Glory Red.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences in typing feel and sound feedback. If you enjoy a medium-light keystroke with a unique, chewy sensation that offers a bouncy responsiveness and a higher-pitched, resonant sound profile, then the KTT Darling would be the ideal match for you. This switch excels in environments where an engaging auditory experience is appreciated, making it well-suited for typists seeking a tactile and acoustic dimension to their typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a straightforward and smooth keystroke without the pronounced sound and feel of the Darling, the Gateron Glory Red may be your go-to option. It provides an enjoyable typing experience with lighter resistance, making it great for those who prioritize speed and fluidity over tactile feedback. Ultimately, your decision comes down to whether you want the bounce and auditory satisfaction of the Darling or the smoothness and ease of the Glory Red – each offering a distinct take on the linear switch experience.
Mentioned in this article
