Gateron Glory Red vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Mint present appealing options for enthusiasts who prefer linear switches. The Gateron Glory Red is celebrated for its lighter feel within the Glory lineup, providing a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance that ensures an enjoyable typing experience. Its design caters well to those who seek gentle feedback, making it ideal for casual typing and gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the KTT Mint is known for its satisfyingly smooth action, primarily due to its long pole stem, which delivers a poppy thockiness and a light, fleeting typing sensation. This switch embodies a 'low-pitched', 'neutral', and 'polished' feel that can appeal to users who appreciate a subtle auditory feedback coupled with a refined tactile response. While each switch has its unique merits, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
2.00 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
15mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and KTT Mint switches present distinct differences that significantly influence the sound profile and tactile experience of each switch. The Glory Red features a nylon top housing, known for its softer properties, which produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This material tends to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder audio experience, which many users may find comforting. In contrast, the KTT Mint utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is crystal clear and resonant. This inherent difference in sound quality showcases how material selection can drastically alter users’ auditory experiences while using mechanical keyboards.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Gateron Glory Red and KTT Mint employ nylon, marking a commonality in their design. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a similar deeper and fuller sound experience, making it an essential component for users who enjoy a more muted auditory feedback during typing. This similarity in the bottom housing means that regardless of the varied top housing materials, both switches will share a consistent quality in the bottom-out sound profile. Thus, while users might experience different tonal properties from the top of each switch, the tactile and acoustic characteristics brought by the nylon bottom housing will create a uniform foundation across both switches.
The combination of these materials means that each switch will deliver a unique yet distinct typing experience. For the Glory Red, the softer nylon top creates a subdued sound profile complemented by a similarly soft nylon bottom, leading to an overall mellow typing experience. Conversely, the KTT Mint, with its rigid polycarbonate top, offers a more vibrant and bright sound that contrasts with its nylon bottom. This interplay between different materials in the top and bottom housings affects how the sound is perceived during both the keypress and release phases. Ultimately, while the Glory Red and KTT Mint provide different auditory feedback through their top housings, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that users will still experience a satisfying full-bodied sound when bottoming out, bridging the gap between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, we find that both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means users will experience a similar keystroke engagement, making both switches suitable for extended typing sessions. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the KTT Mint has a specified force of 53 grams, while the bottom out force for the Glory Red remains unknown. This suggests that the Mint switch provides a firmer feel upon bottoming out, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, while both switches have the same actuation force, the KTT Mint is the heavier option due to its bottom out force, making it potentially less ideal for prolonged use for those who favor lighter switches. In contrast, the Glory Red may align more with users looking for a lighter overall experience, although the lack of a defined bottom out force means we cannot fully assess its overall weight in sensation.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch exhibit differences in their travel distances, which can significantly influence user preference and typing experience. The Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Mint's travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference means that the Glory Red can provide a quicker response time, appealing to gamers who favor shorter distances for increased speed. Conversely, the KTT Mint, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more pronounced tactile feedback, catering to those who enjoy a deeper keypress. Ultimately, if you're looking for a snappier typing experience, the Gateron Glory Red would be the preferable choice, while the KTT Mint would suit those who prefer a more traditional, substantial feel in their keystrokes.
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 Mint comes in at $2.91 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Glory Red switches have a reputation for producing a sound profile that is not explicitly defined here, but we can infer that they may fall into a category that shares qualities with other linear switches. The KTT Mint switches, on the other hand, are noted for their low-pitched and neutral sound characteristics. This means they generate a bass-heavy and mellow tone, making them versatile for various environments—from quiet offices to personal setups. The neutral sound profile is particularly appealing as it tends not to be intrusive, proving suitable for both casual and serious typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Glory Red switches are highlighted for providing a smooth keystroke with a satisfying travel distance, creating an enjoyable typing experience. This is complemented by the KTT Mint switches, which are described as mild and polished. The mild feel translates to a gentler typing experience, making these switches approachable for many users. The polished nature of the Mints suggests a smooth and refined finish, enhancing the overall typing experience by reducing friction and ensuring consistent key travel that many enthusiasts look for in a quality switch.
Overall, both the Gateron Glory Red and KTT Mint linear switches offer distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences. While the Glory Red is recognized for its smooth keystroke, the Mints stand out for their satisfying thockiness and polished feel. If you opt for either switch, you can expect a light and fluid typing experience, with unique sound profiles that can cater to different preferences. In essence, both switches can deliver a comforting typing performance, with each providing subtle variations that cater to individual ergonomic and auditory tastes.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Mint linear switches, your decision should revolve around your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you desire from your keyboard. If you favor a lighter keystroke that promises a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, the Gateron Glory Red might be more suitable for you. Its lighter feel can be particularly appealing if you engage in long typing sessions or if you enjoy rapid key presses without the added resistance. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that provides a bit more feedback with a unique poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem, the KTT Mint could be your best bet. With its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, this switch can deliver a satisfying typing experience that is both polished and mildly characterized, making it an excellent choice for both typing and gaming. Ultimately, consider the type of sound and feel you prefer in your switches; the Glory Red is known for its lightweight smoothness, while the Mint offers a neutral, low-pitched thock that balances sound and performance well. Choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and aesthetic preference for an optimized keyboard experience.
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