Gateron Glory Red vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, especially between the Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Laurel, both of which are linear switches but offer distinct experiences. The Gateron Glory Red is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and lighter touch, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a swift, unobtrusive typing experience. With its pleasing travel distance, it caters well to gamers and typists alike who appreciate precision and speed. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel presents a medium-light linear option characterized by its innovative full POM housing and long pole design, delivering a responsive and comfortable typing experience, complemented by a subtly low-pitched sound profile. This switch is designed for users who enjoy a snappy tactile feel while maintaining a quiet operation. Both switches have their unique strengths, making them appealing to different types of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
When analyzing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and KTT Laurel switches, a striking difference emerges. The Glory Red utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, while the Laurel features POM for its upper housing and a nylon bottom housing. This choice of nylon in the Glory Red creates a consistently deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature, which effectively absorbs sound. As a result, the switches produce a more muted and rounded auditory experience when compared to the sharper notes commonly generated by harder plastics. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel's combination of POM and nylon results in a unique sound profile that is vibrant yet equally deep. POM is known for delivering a pleasing sound, adding complexity to the acoustic characteristics of the switch.
The contrasting materials impact the acoustic and tactile experiences significantly in these two switches. With both of the Glory Red's housings composed of nylon, the switch provides a uniform, muted sound profile throughout the entire striking motion. This means users can expect a consistently soft and deep tonal quality whether they are bottoming out the key or releasing it. Meanwhile, the KTT Laurel’s POM top housing plays a crucial role in shaping its distinct sound. When pressing the switch, the lower nylon housing contributes to the smooth bottom-out feel, while the POM top housing enhances the sound during release, resulting in a different sonic experience that blends the properties of both materials.
In practice, while the Gateron Glory Red and KTT Laurel switches employ different materials for their housings, their overall sound profiles trend toward the deeper end of the spectrum. Both switches are designed to elicit a more muted auditory response, albeit through varying materials and construction strategies. Users can expect a satisfying tactile sensation complemented by the rich soundscape produced by these switches, even if they feel slightly different in use. Ultimately, those seeking a softer and more rounded sound experience will find satisfaction in both options, even as each switch exhibits its own unique personality influenced by its material choices.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation force. The Glory Red switch boasts an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Laurel is slightly lighter at 43 grams. This means that those who prefer a lighter key feel and potentially longer typing sessions may find the Laurel more suited to their needs. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown, leaving a gap in the comparison regarding how firm the key feels when fully pressed down. The Laurel, on the other hand, has a clearly defined bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a more substantial push experience upon full activation. Therefore, while both switches offer unique features, the KTT Laurel is the lighter option overall, with a heavier bottom out force, appealing to users who like a more pronounced typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, the Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Laurel features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Laurel the shorter option between the two, providing a marginally quicker actuation that may appeal to gamers or those seeking more responsive keystrokes. Meanwhile, the Glory Red offers a bit more depth, which may be preferable for users who enjoy a fuller tactile experience when typing. While the difference in travel distance is minimal, those who favor heightened responsiveness might gravitate towards the Laurel, whereas those who appreciate additional depth may lean towards the Glory Red. Thus, the choice ultimately hinges on the individual's preference for either speed or a more substantial key feel.
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 Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 offers a relatively discreet auditory profile. While specific descriptors of its sound characteristics are not provided, it tends to produce a quieter output compared to tactile or clicky switches, making it suitable for environments where noise might be a concern. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel switch exhibits a subtly low-pitched sound profile, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This lower pitch can create an overall pleasant auditory experience, particularly for those who prefer a softer, more muted acoustic environment while typing. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by either switch can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Gateron Glory Red switch is known for its smooth keystroke and appealing travel distance, contributing to an enjoyable typing experience. While more specific descriptions of the tactile feedback are not available, its linear nature suggests a consistent and uninterrupted key press without any tactile bump. In contrast, the KTT Laurel switch boasts a snappy feel, providing an engaging typing experience characterized by responsiveness. This sensation is likely enhanced by the longer or dual-staged springs used in its design, which can give the user a lively and connected feeling while typing. These differences make each switch appeal to different preferences, with the Glory Red focusing on smoothness and the Laurel emphasizing a more dynamic feedback.
Combining the available information, both the Gateron Glory Red and KTT Laurel switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts but with distinct sensory experiences. The Glory Red emphasizes a quieter and smoother typing experience, while the KTT Laurel promotes a snappier key press and a low-pitched auditory feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences for sound and tactile response, as both can create an enjoyable typing environment but with varying nuances.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, your preferences and intended usage will guide your decision. If you prefer a switch that offers a smooth keystroke and an enjoyable typing experience, the Glory Red is a suitable choice, especially if you value lighter actuation and a pleasing travel distance. This switch can be particularly advantageous for gaming where rapid key presses are essential. On the other hand, if you find comfort in a snappier response with a bit more resistance, the KTT Laurel might be your best bet. Its medium-light actuation force and low-pitched sound give it a unique character that's both responsive and satisfying, ideal for prolonged typing sessions where a slightly more felt actuation can reduce typing fatigue. Ultimately, depending on whether you favor a smoother and lighter feel or a more alive and snappy tactile experience, either switch can enhance your mechanical keyboard setup in distinct ways.
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