Gateron Glory Red vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often narrows down to personal preference and typing style. The Gateron Glory Red switches shine with their lightweight design, offering a smooth keystroke and an enjoyable travel distance that ensures a pleasant typing experience. Their linear nature makes them an ideal choice for those who prefer a quieter workspace while typing or gaming, without the tactile bump found in other switch types. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning switches are designed for performance, characterized by their "speed" profile that allows for quicker actuation, making them perfect for competitive gaming where every millisecond counts. They deliver a slick typing feel accompanied by a distinctive clacky sound, appealing to users who enjoy auditory feedback during their typing sessions. While both switches cater to linear preferences, they serve different purposes: the Glory Red excels in comfort and smoothness, while the Lightning focuses on speed and responsiveness. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Lightning switches, a clear distinction emerges between their top housings, while their bottom housings share a commonality. The Gateron Glory Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer texture. This softness allows the material to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience that many typists appreciate for its warm characteristics. Conversely, the KTT Lightning features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This material not only ensures clarity in auditory feedback but also enhances the switch’s ability to showcase RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. Therefore, while both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, they occupy different auditory realms due to their contrasting top housing materials.
Interestingly, both the Gateron Glory Red and KTT Lightning incorporate nylon in their bottom housings, which leads to similarities in sound profile when it comes to bottoming out. The nylon material in both cases is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound, effectively absorbing sound waves and yielding a rounder auditory experience. This consistency in bottom housing construction means that while users will experience distinct sound profiles when pressing down on the switch, they will find a more uniform auditory sensation when the keys bottom out, regardless of the top housing used. This shared aspect of their construction helps to create an underlying foundation of sound quality that resonates similarly between both switches.
Ultimately, the unique combinations of top and bottom housings in the Gateron Glory Red and KTT Lightning switches illustrate how the choice of material influences the overall typing experience. The Glory Red's nylon top provides a warm sound profile that contrasts with the sharper clarity brought by the Lightning's polycarbonate top. However, both switches' nylon bottoms help to unify their sound experiences during key presses, especially during the bottoming-out phase. This intricate interplay of materials showcases how different housing compositions can lead to distinct results while still maintaining common ground in their design, appealing to various preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, there are noteworthy differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Glory Red features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Lightning requires a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This makes the KTT Lightning a more suitable option for users who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming, as it allows for less effort during long sessions. However, the bottom out force of the Glory Red is unknown, whereas the Lightning has a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light bottom out option. Since we do not have the bottom out force for the Glory Red, we cannot directly compare that aspect. Nevertheless, it is clear that if one seeks a lighter overall typing experience, the KTT Lightning is the preferable choice due to its lower actuation force and defined bottom out force. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red's heavier actuation force may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, the differences are notable. The Gateron Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Lightning has a shorter travel distance of 3.0 mm. This means that the Glory Red offers a slightly deeper and more pronounced feel when pressed, which may be preferable for users who favor a more tactile experience. In contrast, the KTT Lightning's shorter 3.0 mm travel distance caters well to gamers looking for quicker response times, optimizing performance with less effort during keystrokes. Therefore, those who prefer a more responsive feel might gravitate towards the KTT Lightning, while users who appreciate a fuller key press might opt for the Gateron Glory Red.
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 Lightning 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 switches are noted for their smooth and unobtrusive acoustic profile, but specific characteristics are not detailed. In contrast, the KTT Lightning switches produce a distinctly clacky sound when pressed, characterized as crisp, bright, and percussive. The high-pitched nature of the Lightning switches provides a punchy auditory feedback that may appeal to gamers and typists looking for a more engaging sound experience. The chirpy quality of the Lightning adds an additional layer, offering a unique acoustic signature that sets them apart from other switches, including the more muted sound profile of the Glory Red.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red switches are best described as smooth with a pleasant keystroke, though further details on their tactile characteristics are absent. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning switches are characterized by a subtle resistance, offering a light typing experience that does not compromise on feedback. This polished feel is achieved through either quality materials or factory lubrication, ensuring reduced friction and an enjoyable key travel experience. The Lightning’s smooth finish contributes to a slick sensation while typing, making it highly responsive for competitive gaming and fast-paced typing alike.
Overall, while both the Gateron Glory Red and KTT Lightning linear switches cater to a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, they offer different sound profiles and feedback sensations that may appeal to varied preferences. The Glory Red provides a quieter typing voice, making it suitable for office environments, while the KTT Lightning excels in speed and auditory engagement, creating a lively typing atmosphere. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize a more subtle, refined feel with a subdued sound or a faster, snappier experience with a distinct auditory punch.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Lightning linear switches largely depends on your typing needs and preferences. If you prefer an ultra-smooth keystroke with a light and enjoyable travel distance, the Gateron Glory Red might be the switch for you, especially if you enjoy a more understated sound profile while working or gaming. Its characteristics allow for a pleasant typing experience, making it suitable for those who might be typing for extended periods or in quieter environments. On the other hand, if you're looking for speed and a more tactile auditory experience, the KTT Lightning switches are designed with gamers in mind, offering a clacky, high-pitched sound that can enhance the excitement of gameplay. Their slightly heavier bottom-out force provides a touch of resistance, appealing to typists who prefer a bit more feedback with each keystroke. Ultimately, choose the Gateron Glory Red for a smooth and serene typing experience and the KTT Lightning for an energetic, responsive feel suited to fast-paced activities.
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