Gateron Glory Red vs. KTT Purple Star

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the Gateron Glory Red and KTT Purple Star offer distinct advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The Gateron Glory Red is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and comfortable travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a light and enjoyable typing experience. Its design caters to users who prefer a responsive feel without any tactile feedback, ideal for both gaming and typing alike. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star boasts an all-POM construction that enhances its buttery smoothness, coupled with a neutral sound signature that won't disrupt your environment. The very light 45g bottom-out on the Purple Star makes it particularly suitable for light typists, providing ease and comfort during prolonged use. While both switches are linear and prioritize smoothness, their unique characteristics cater to different preferences in typing style and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Glory Red Linear

KTT Purple Star Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$4.88 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Glory Red and KTT Purple Star switches offer distinct yet comparable auditory experiences founded on their housing materials. The Glory Red features a nylon top housing, known for its soft and sound-absorbing properties, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This characteristic leads to a duller and rounder auditory experience, enhancing the overall typing feel. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star utilizes a POM top housing, which generates a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper and more muted spectrum. While both materials provide a muted sound, the nylon of the Glory Red produces a sound that is slightly warmer and rounder, while POM exudes a crisper, albeit still muted, auditory profile.

In addition to the differences in top housing, the bottom housing materials of the two switches further affect their sound and feel during use. Both switches use nylon for the Glory Red's bottom housing, reinforcing the softer characteristics associated with the material and contributing to the rounded, deep sound profile. The Purple Star's POM bottom housing contrasts this, offering a more unique and muted response that still aligns with the overall deeper sound but introduces a different texture to the typing experience. While the nylon bottom of the Glory Red excels in producing a fuller sound, the POM housing of the Purple Star, while different, still offers a satisfying feel with a solid auditory experience.

Despite the differences in materials, both switches can produce similar outcomes in sound and typing experience through their unique trade-offs. The nylon of the Glory Red tends to absorb more sound, creating a warmer response—ideal for users seeking a soft and enveloping sound. Meanwhile, the Purple Star's POM provides a distinct yet equally pleasing auditory experience, leaning towards a more modern feel even though it's softer than traditional plastics. When engaging with either switch, typing sensations will vary based on the material used for each housing, but both are designed to offer enjoyable sound profiles that satisfy a range of preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, their actuation forces are quite similar, with the Glory Red requiring 45 grams to activate a keystroke and the Purple Star needing slightly less at 43 grams. This means that the Purple Star is the lighter option, which may be more comfortable for those looking to minimize fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the bottom out force of the Purple Star is 50 grams, which indicates a firmer resistance when the key is fully pressed down—this feature is currently unknown for the Glory Red, making a direct comparison impossible. However, for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Purple Star's heavier bottom out force may appeal to them. Overall, the Glory Red is generally lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Purple Star offers a heavier feel at the bottom, catering to different user preferences regarding keypress resistance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, we find that the Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Purple Star has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Gateron Glory Red the longer option by 0.1 mm. For gamers looking for quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the Purple Star may be more appealing, providing a more immediate tactile feedback. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial keypress might gravitate towards the Glory Red for its greater depth, which can contribute to a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference for either a swifter response or a richer tactile engagement.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Glory Red switches deliver a moderate auditory experience that is generally well-balanced but lacks distinct characterization, making them relatively neutral in tone. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star switches exhibit a low-pitched sound signature that gives them a deeper, bass-heavy quality, providing a mellower auditory experience. This difference in sound can significantly influence the typing ambiance, as the Purple Star may offer a more satisfying auditory feedback for users who prefer a richer tone, while the Glory Red caters to those seeking a more understated sound profile. It's important to remember that the overall sound will also depend on factors like the choice of keyboard case and keycap material.

In the feel department, the Gateron Glory Red switches are recognized for their smooth keystroke and agreeable travel distance, essentially offering a pleasant typing experience without any unexpected feedback. Conversely, the KTT Purple Star switches provide a mild and easy-to-press sensation, allowing for gentle resistance and minimal force during activation. This makes the Purple Star particularly well-suited for lighter typists who prioritize comfort, as it reduces finger fatigue over prolonged typing sessions. Overall, while both switches promote a smooth feel, the Purple Star might be favored by those who prefer a more effortless typing experience.

In summary, the Gateron Glory Red and KTT Purple Star switches present distinct auditory and tactile characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Glory Red leans towards a neutral sound and smooth actuation, the Purple Star offers a low-pitched sound and a notably gentle feel. If you're seeking a straightforward typing experience, the Glory Red may be your go-to, whereas the Purple Star shines for those who prioritize a rich auditory experience and exceptionally comfortable typing. Depending on your requirements, both switches can be a great addition to your mechanical keyboard setup, providing enjoyable and reliable performance.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Purple Star switches comes down to your specific preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a smooth keystroke and a light touch, the Gateron Glory Red offers an effortless typing experience, making it ideal for gamers or typists who prefer low resistance in their keys, as it allows for rapid keystrokes without feeling fatigued. However, if you prefer a more robust and slightly weightier feel while still retaining a smooth experience, the KTT Purple Star is the better option. Its 50g bottom-out force strikes a balance that appeals to those who enjoy a bit more feedback without compromising comfort, and its low-pitched sound signature contributes to a quieter typing environment. Therefore, if you're someone who prioritizes a lightweight feel and easy actuation for long typing sessions, go for the Glory Red. Conversely, if you desire a slight tactile feedback with a mellow sound profile, the Purple Star would suit you better. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing habits and personal preferences to create the most enjoyable keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

KTT Purple Star Linear

$4.88 per 10

Learn more