Gateron Glory Red vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Red and KTT Grapefruit both present compelling options, each tailored to distinct typing preferences. The Glory Red switch is celebrated for its lighter touch, offering a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance that results in an enjoyable typing experience, making it a choice for users seeking a more nimble and swift response. In contrast, the KTT Grapefruit switch stands out with its soft and light typing feel, coupled with a unique "baritone" sound profile that adds a pleasant auditory dimension to each keystroke. While both switches are linear, catering to those who prefer a more seamless actuation without tactile bumps, their distinct characteristics set them apart. Ultimately, choosing between the two comes down to whether you prioritize a lighter keystroke and satisfaction in travel or a rich auditory experience with a polished feel. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Grapefruit, one can immediately notice a distinct difference in the composition of their top housings. The Glory Red features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This softer plastic absorbs sound waves more effectively, resulting in a sound that is rounder and less piercing. In contrast, the KTT Grapefruit employs a polycarbonate top housing that is stiffer, producing a sharper and more resonant sound profile. The increased rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a clarity that contributes to a crisper auditory feedback, which is particularly advantageous for users who enjoy RGB lighting effects, as the transparent nature of polycarbonate enhances light diffusion.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Gateron Glory Red and KTT Grapefruit use nylon, thus sharing similar acoustic characteristics in this component. With nylon being a classic material for switch bottoms, it lends itself to a consistent sound experience characterized by a deeper and fuller auditory feel. This is significant since the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feel during use. As a result, regardless of the differing materials in the top housings of the two switches, users can expect a comparable sound profile when bottoming out on either switch due to the nylon material present in the bottoms.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials utilized in the top housings of the Gateron Glory Red and KTT Grapefruit dictate the differences in sound profiles when the switches are engaged. Users of the Glory Red can expect a sound that is more subdued and rounded, while those who opt for the Grapefruit will enjoy a bright and vibrant auditory experience. However, since both switches share nylon for their bottom housings, they will produce similar results when it comes to the bottom-out sound. This dual material approach highlights how the properties of each housing contribute uniquely to the overall typing experience, allowing for personalized preference based on sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that users can expect a similar ease of keystrokes with both switches. This shared actuation force allows for a comparable typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a lighter touch for long typing sessions or gaming. However, the bottom out force of the two switches reveals a distinction; the KTT Grapefruit has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which introduces a slightly heavier tactile resistance compared to the Gateron Glory Red, for which the bottom out force is unavailable. This indicates that the Grapefruit offers a more substantial feeling upon bottoming out, catering to users who enjoy a firmer push-back with each keystroke. In summary, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Gateron Glory Red is the lighter option overall, while the KTT Grapefruit provides a heavier bottoming out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, the differences are notable. The Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option between the two, while the KTT Grapefruit has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered more traditional and offers a more pronounced depth. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances like that of the Glory Red for quicker response times, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial feel might favor the Grapefruit's longer travel distance. This distinction highlights the balance between rapid actuation and tactile feedback, catering to different typing and gaming preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41 per 10 switches.
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 Gateron Glory Red switch delivers a clean and linear tone that is generally subdued, making it ideal for both casual and professional environments where noise levels need to be maintained. Its sound profile is smooth and unobtrusive, allowing for a pleasant typing experience without being overly distracting. In comparison, the KTT Grapefruit switch features a low-pitched sound with a baritone quality. This unique sound profile offers a depth that is not necessarily overpowering but provides a mellow auditory experience, which some users might find appealing for its richness. While both switches produce relatively muted sounds, the Grapefruit's slightly deeper tone adds a layer of character that sets it apart.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red switch offers a smooth keystroke, making it conducive for extended typing sessions, as the linear nature means there’s no tactile bump to break your rhythm. However, the exact feel may not be explicitly detailed. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit switch boasts a polished finish, providing a sleek and refined typing experience characterized by reduced friction and smooth key travel. This polished feel allows each keystroke to glide seamlessly, resulting in a soft and light typing sensation. The Grapefruit may feel somewhat more refined, while the Glory Red is likely to provide a more straightforward linear experience.
In summary, both the Gateron Glory Red and KTT Grapefruit linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Glory Red presents a clean, muted sound with a smooth, uncomplicated feel, making it a go-to choice for many typists. Meanwhile, the Grapefruit introduces a deeper, mellower sound alongside a polished, smooth keystroke that adds refinement to the typing experience. Choosing between these two switches will largely depend on whether you prefer the straightforward nature of the Glory Red or the unique character and polish of the Grapefruit, but both will provide an enjoyable typing experience nonetheless.
Conclusion
To conclude, when you’re deciding between the Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Grapefruit linear switches, consider your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you favor a lightweight and smooth keystroke, the Glory Red switches may be your best choice, particularly if you're looking for a delightful typing experience that doesn’t require much force. These switches are ideal for those who enjoy a more effortless keypress and want a pleasant, speedy feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force and appreciate a soft, tarty feel combined with a low-pitched sound profile, then the KTT Grapefruit switches will suit you better. They provide a polished finish that not only enhances the typing experience but also offers a deeper auditory feedback that some users might find more satisfying. Ultimately, choosing between these two switch types largely comes down to whether you prioritize lightness and smoothness or a medium-light feel with richer sound and tactile feedback.
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