Gateron Glory Red vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between different options that cater to various preferences and typing styles. The Gateron Glory Red switches stand out for their lightweight design, offering a smooth keystroke with an enjoyable travel distance that makes typing feel effortless. Their popularity among typists comes from their ability to provide a responsive and satisfying experience, making them an excellent choice for users who prefer a lighter touch. In contrast, the KTT Pine switches, known for their unique translucent, forest green aesthetic, provide a medium-heavy resistance that manifests as buttery smoothness during use. With their polished, factory-lubed finish, KTT Pine switches excel in minimizing friction, ensuring seamless key travel that feels both creamy and low-pitched. Each switch has its own appeal: the Glory Red for those seeking a lighter, more agile typing feel, and the KTT Pine for users who desire a heavy yet smooth experience. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Pine switches showcase contrasting housing materials that greatly influence their acoustic and tactile characteristics. The Glory Red employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a classic switch material known for its soft properties. This softness allows the nylon to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile which many typists appreciate for its muted and rounded acoustic qualities. In contrast, the KTT Pine utilizes polycarbonate for its top and bottom housings, a much stiffer material that offers a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in material composition means that while the Glory Red provides a rounded sound, the KTT Pine delivers clarity and resonance, making them distinctly different in auditory experiences.
Aesthetic considerations also play a significant role in the comparison between these switches. The nylon housing of the Glory Red is typically opaque, contributing to its subdued sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch's polycarbonate housing is often clear or semi-transparent, which not only enhances its visual appeal but also optimizes it for RGB lighting. This quality makes polycarbonate a favored choice for gamers and enthusiasts who value light diffusion and vibrant aesthetics alongside the auditory experience. The visual advantages of the Pine further emphasize how material choices impact not just sound, but also the overall user experience in keyboard lighting setups.
Despite the differences in their housing materials, both the Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Pine can lead to satisfying typing experiences, albeit with unique characteristics. If one were to mix and match components, such as using a nylon bottom with a polycarbonate top, the end result would still be a blend of the attributes from both materials. In this hypothetical scenario, the sound produced when pressing down on the key would have the depth contributed by the nylon bottom, while the release would yield the clarity attributed to the polycarbonate top. Thus, regardless of the combination of materials, enthusiasts can customize their typing experience to cater to their specific sound and feel preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for a similar typing experience when it comes to triggering keystrokes. This consistency means that users can expect a light touch for actuation, which is beneficial for longer typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. However, the bottom out force differs significantly; the KTT Pine has a bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a heavier feel when pressing the key all the way down, while the bottom out force for the Gateron Glory Red is unknown. This means that the Pine switch contributes to a more substantial typing experience, which some users may prefer for a tactile feedback sensation. Overall, the Glory Red is the lighter switch in terms of actuation, while the Pine switch is heavier at bottom out, catering to different preferences in typing and gaming dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, the Gateron Glory Red measures at 3.6 mm, while the KTT Pine has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Glory Red the shorter option, which could appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, as shorter travel distances often provide that quick actuation. On the other hand, the KTT Pine’s 4 mm travel distance offers a more traditional and deeper feel, catering to users who prefer a less abrupt keypress and a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you value responsiveness 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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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, the Gateron Glory Red switches are relatively quiet, making them a great choice for those who prefer a more subdued acoustic experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switches are known for their bassy and low-pitched sound profile, which delivers a deeper, richer acoustics during key presses. This tonal quality can provide a more satisfying auditory feedback, especially for users who enjoy a fuller sound while typing. It's important to note that the overall sound experience can vary based on the keyboard construction and keycap material, so while the Pine may offer that bass depth, the Glory Red's quieter operation will certainly appeal to users who need discretion.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Glory Red switches are recognized for their smooth keystrokes and pleasant travel distance, promoting a comfortable typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Pine switches are described as buttery and creamy, benefitting from a polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction and enhances the sensation of gliding across the keys. The seamless and effortless typing experience provided by the Pine switches contrasts nicely with the smoother, but potentially less luxurious feel of the Glory Red. Ultimately, both switches promise a degree of smoothness, but the lush tactile experience of the Pine is aimed at users seeking an incredibly fluid keystroke.
In summation, both the Gateron Glory Red and KTT Pine linear switches cater to users looking for a smooth typing experience, yet they present distinct qualities that may appeal to different preferences. The Glory Red offers a quieter operation suitable for stealthy environments, while the Pine provides a richer sound and an exceptionally buttery feel, making it ideal for those who value auditory and tactile pleasure. Choosing between the two will largely depend on individual priorities regarding sound and feel; however, both switches can deliver satisfying performance, ensuring newcomers will find a rewarding typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a very light keystroke that offers an enjoyable and smooth typing experience, the Gateron Glory Red may be the better choice for you. It's particularly suitable for those who engage in fast-paced typing or gaming, where quick response and minimal fatigue are crucial. On the other hand, if you appreciate a medium to heavy resistance that provides more tactile feedback, the KTT Pine is the way to go. Its buttery and creamy feel, coupled with a deeper and bassy sound profile, may enhance your overall typing experience, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more substantial keypress, perhaps in both typing and gaming scenarios. Your final choice should reflect how you prioritize factors like keystroke weight, typing feel, and sound preference, aligning them with your personal keyboard usage.
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