Gateron Glory Red vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often weigh the nuances between different options to find the perfect fit for their typing or gaming needs. The Gateron Glory Red switches are lauded for their lighter feel within the Glory lineup, delivering a smooth keystroke with a pleasant travel distance that enhances the overall typing experience. In comparison, the KTT Orange switches offer a distinct bouncy sensation due to their 22mm long spring, complemented by a polycarbonate milky top housing and a slick POM stem that ensures a frictionless typing experience. The KTT Orange also features a low-pitched sound profile, making them a quieter choice for those who prefer subtle auditory feedback. Both switches proudly present their unique attributes: the Glory Red for its lightweight and smooth action, and the KTT Orange for its overall bounciness and refined key travel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
46g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Red and KTT Orange switches have distinct differences in their housing materials that contribute significantly to their sound characteristics and tactile experiences during typing. The Glory Red utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing. Nylon is recognized for its softer nature, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback. In contrast, the KTT Orange employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing. Polycarbonate’s stiffness produces a sharper, crisper sound, resulting in a more pronounced and resonant typing experience. This fundamental difference in material choice sets the two switches apart in terms of auditory response, making them preferable for different typing preferences and sound aesthetics.
In terms of aesthetic appeal, the materials also play a defining role. The translucency of polycarbonate in the KTT Orange makes it particularly advantageous for users who wish to incorporate RGB lighting into their keyboards. The clear housing showcases the lighting effects beautifully, enhancing the visual experience while typing. In comparison, while the nylon used in the Glory Red offers a more muted sound profile, it doesn't possess the same aesthetics in terms of light diffusion. Therefore, users looking for a visually captivating switch experience may lean towards the KTT Orange, while those prioritizing a softer auditory touch might favor the Gateron Glory Red.
The impact of each housing material's characteristics manifests differently depending on how the switch is engaged. With the Glory Red, the nylon components contribute to both a softer bottom-out sound and a muted release, resulting in an overall quieter typing experience. Conversely, the KTT Orange's polycarbonate construction ensures that both the bottom-out and return sounds are sharp and clear, reflecting its firmer design. This divergence means that while both switches may provide satisfying typing experiences, they cater to different user preferences—either the muted warmth of nylon or the clarity and brightness of polycarbonate. Depending on which elements a user values more, they may find satisfying results in either housing design.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch to the KTT Orange linear switch in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, there are noteworthy differences. The Gateron Glory Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly lighter than the KTT Orange, which has an actuation force of 46 grams. This difference in actuation force indicates that the Glory Red may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unavailable, whereas the KTT Orange has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is classified as medium-light. This means that users of the KTT Orange will experience a more substantial resistance when pressing the key all the way down, providing a different typing experience compared to the undefined bottom out of the Glory Red. Overall, while the Gateron Glory Red is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, the KTT Orange offers a more defined bottom out force, resulting in a heavier and more tactile experience when fully depressing the key.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, the distinctions are relatively minimal. The Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Orange features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Glory Red offers a bit more travel, providing a small degree of depth that some users may find more satisfying for typing, while the KTT Orange might appeal to those who prefer quicker, more responsive key presses favored by gamers. With only a 0.1 mm difference, the two switches are quite similar in performance, but the Glory Red's longer travel distance may be favored by those who appreciate the tactile feedback of a deeper press, whereas the KTT Orange is better suited for users seeking a snappier experience.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 characteristics, the Glory Red switches do not have a specific description available, leaving a gap in their acoustic profile. In contrast, the KTT Orange switches are characterized by a low-pitched sound, delivering a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This lower frequency can be more subdued and less intrusive during typing, creating an overall pleasant audio experience. However, it’s essential to remember that the final sound output will also be influenced by the keyboard case, plate material, and keycap choices, which can affect how each switch’s sound feels in practice.
In terms of the tactile feel, the Gateron Glory Red switches are known for their smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, which contribute to an enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches stand out with their bouncy feel, due to a 22mm long spring that provides an elastic and dynamic feedback sensation upon pressing. This rebound makes the KTT Orange feel lively and responsive, while also boasting a frictionless action that ensures a seamless typing experience devoid of resistance or drag. In contrast, the smoother yet less vibrant feedback of the Glory Red creates a different typing sensation that may appeal to those who prefer a straightforward linear operation.
In summary, while both the Gateron Glory Red and KTT Orange switches aim for a smooth typing experience, their sound and feel characteristics diverge significantly. The Glory Red might be ideal for those favoring a more traditional linear feel with an emphasis on smooth key travel, even if its sound profile remains unspecified. In contrast, the KTT Orange appeals to individuals who enjoy a lively and bouncy typing sensation, underpinned by a low-pitched acoustic signature. Ultimately, both switches will offer a satisfying linear typing experience, but your preferences for sound and tactile feedback will guide your choice between them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, your preferences and typing style will play a crucial role. If you value an ultra-smooth keystroke and find comfort in a lighter switch, the Glory Red is an excellent choice, especially for casual typing or gaming sessions where fast, uninterrupted actions are essential. Its pleasant travel distance ensures an enjoyable experience, making it ideal for those who seek a more effortless typing sensation. Conversely, if you prefer a medium-light feel with a bouncier feedback, the KTT Orange switch might be your go-to. Its vibrant spring provides that satisfying elasticity with each press, making it suitable for users who enjoy tactile response while still relishing a smooth keystroke. The Orange’s low-pitched sound profile also complements a quieter environment, perfect for shared workspaces or late-night typing. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a silky, lightweight experience or a lively, bouncy feel—both have their own unique charm that caters to different typing preferences.
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