Gateron Glory Red vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Gateron Glory Red switches are celebrated for their linear design, providing a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance, making them ideal for users who enjoy a lightweight feel and swift, uninterrupted keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switches offer a tactile experience characterized by their gentle feedback; this subtlety ensures that typists receive just enough response without being overwhelmed, and their medium-light typing feel strikes a harmonious balance that appeals to both casual and focused typists. With a neutral sound signature, the Mallo switches are versatile enough for any setting, whether it’s a quiet home office or a bustling workspace. Both options bring unique benefits to the table—while the Glory Red caters to speed and fluidity, the Mallo excels in providing a refined tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Mallo switches, a prominent difference appears in their top housings. The Glory Red features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer texture. This material absorbs sound effectively, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience that many typists appreciate for its warm character. In contrast, the KTT Mallo employs a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its clarity and crispness. This stiffer plastic enhances resonance, contributing to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. For users who prioritize sound quality, the choice between these two materials can significantly impact the typing experience, depending on whether they prefer a muted or an articulated sound.
In terms of the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon material. This shared characteristic means that the auditory qualities associated with nylon—the deeper and more rounded sound profile—are present in both switches when bottoming out. As nylon is adept at absorbing sound, both the Glory Red and the Mallo will deliver a satisfying thock sound when a key is fully pressed down. Therefore, while the top housing's material specifies the sound upon release, the bottom housing ensures that the clarity and sharpness of the Mallo are softened to some degree by the nylon’s mellowing effect in the overall sound profile.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different housing materials results in a nuanced sound signature for each switch. The Gateron Glory Red, with its combination of nylon top and bottom housings, offers a cohesive sound experience characterized by warmth and depth. The KTT Mallo, on the other hand, contrasts this with its polycarbonate top housing that introduces clarity, while still benefiting from the familiar deep thock of its nylon bottom housing. Typists seeking a blend of these attributes may find both switches to produce enjoyable experiences, albeit with distinct auditory outcomes based on preference for typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, we find distinct differences in their characteristics. The Glory Red switch has a known actuation force of 45 grams, making it relatively light and easier to press, which is ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown, leaving a gap in understanding its total travel resistance. In contrast, the KTT Mallo has a confirmed bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light and providing a firmer feedback when keys are pressed fully down. The actuation force for the Mallo is unknown, but given its heavier bottom out force, it tends to offer a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, while the Glory Red is the lighter switch, the Mallo may be preferred by those who favor a stronger push feel. If the unknown values were to be the same in either, the typing experience would yield similar results in terms of keystroke feedback, but with the current differences, choosing between them boils down to personal preference regarding weight and feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Mallo tactile switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Mallo switch provides a deeper keypress experience, which may be preferred by users who appreciate a more substantial feel during typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Glory Red may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation with less movement. While both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Mallo's added depth makes it the longer option, whereas the Glory Red is the shorter one. Those who prefer a snappier response should consider the Glory Red, while those who value a more tactile experience might lean towards the Mallo.
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 Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 Gateron Glory Red switch is celebrated for its appealing auditory qualities that blend harmoniously with the typing experience. While the exact characteristics of its sound profile have not been detailed, linear switches like the Glory Red typically produce a smooth and quiet actuation, making them suitable for environments where noise is a concern. In contrast, the KTT Mallo switch is known for a subdued sound signature, delivering a dampened auditory response that while not completely silent, remains pleasantly discreet. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a switch that neither dominates the auditory landscape nor fades too far into the background, allowing it to adapt to different typing environments effortlessly.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Glory Red provides a smooth keystroke that is lighter compared to other switches, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy effortless typing. However, specific details about its tactile characteristics are absent. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switch presents a more nuanced experience with its gentle tactility, offering just the right amount of feedback without being overwhelming. It feels feathery and mild, allowing for extended typing sessions with minimal finger fatigue due to its light actuation force. The stepped nature of its tactile feedback combined with a subtle resistance gives the Mallo a sophisticated mechanism that remains approachable, making it a versatile option for various users.
Overall, both the Gateron Glory Red and KTT Mallo switches cater to those seeking smooth and pleasant typing experiences, albeit in different auditory and tactile manners. The Glory Red’s lighter actuation and linear feel appeal to users who prefer a seamless keystroke, while the KTT Mallo’s subtle tactility and subdued sound offer a more refined choice for those who enjoy a balance of feedback without overwhelming sensations. When considering both options, users can expect enjoyable performance in similar settings, with the primary distinguishing factors being the sound and tactile feedback, influenced by personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Glory Red linear switches and KTT Mallo tactile switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke and prefer a lighter touch with minimal resistance, the Gateron Glory Red is the ideal option. Their design facilitates a satisfying typing experience that’s perfect for rapid key presses and extended gaming sessions, making them a favorite among gamers and individuals who type frequently without the need for tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you value the slight tactile response that helps confirm key presses without disrupting your typing flow, the KTT Mallo's subtle feedback and medium-light actuation force strike an appealing balance. Their subdued sound profile further enhances their usability in shared environments, making them suited for both office setups and home use. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how much feedback you want while typing: go for the Glory Red for a streamlined, linear experience or opt for the Mallo for a gentle yet engaging tactile feel.
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