Gateron Glory Red vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options in the linear category are the Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon. The Glory Red switch is celebrated for its light actuation force, providing a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance that many typists find enjoyable. This switch is perfect for users who prioritize a swift and effortless typing experience, making it an ideal choice for fast typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon stands out with its progressive spring design and innovative dry-lube treatment, offering a buttery smooth typing experience that is especially appealing for those seeking a more refined touch. Additionally, it is characterized by its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which can be less distracting in quieter environments. Each switch has its own distinct advantages, catering to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.

By the numbers

Gateron Glory Red Linear

KTT Sea Salt Lemon Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches, notable differences emerge, particularly at the top of the switch. The Glory Red switch utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes to its deeper and warmer sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic properties. This characteristic results in a sound that is rounded and less resonant, effectively absorbing sound waves and creating a more muted auditory experience. On the contrary, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon features a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for its rigidity, generating a sharper and more pronounced sound profile. The polycarbonate’s translucency also enhances the aesthetic appeal of RGB lighting, providing a vibrant glow that emphasizes its crisp auditory qualities.

At the bottom of the switches, both the Glory Red and Sea Salt Lemon utilize nylon as their material of choice. This similarity means that when pressing down on either switch, users can expect a similar sound profile characterized by a deeper, fuller resonance that nylon provides. The softer nature of nylon ensures that this aspect of the sound experience remains consistent across both models. However, the differences in top housing material indicate that the overall auditory experience will still vary when the key is released, as the nylon top of the Glory Red will contribute more to the muted sound, while the polycarbonate top of the Sea Salt Lemon will yield a clearer and more resonant sound.

In conclusion, while the bottom housings of the Gateron Glory Red and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches share nylon as a common material, the contrasting top housings—nylon for the Glory Red and polycarbonate for the Sea Salt Lemon—lead to distinct auditory experiences. Users can anticipate a full and rounded sound when bottoming out both switches due to the nylon properties. However, the released sound will differ significantly, with the Glory Red maintaining a softer, muffled quality, while the Sea Salt Lemon produces a sharper and crisper auditory note. Therefore, even with one shared material, the overall sound profile remains unique for each switch based on their top housing compositions.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means users will experience similar keystroke activation, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the key difference lies in the bottom out force: the KTT Sea Salt Lemon has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which indicates a firmer feel upon fully depressing the key compared to the Glory Red, whose bottom out force is unknown. As a result, while both switches share the same initial actuation feel, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a heavier experience when bottoming out, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial typing feedback. Overall, the Gateron Glory Red is the lighter option, making it suitable for prolonged use with less strain, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, being heavier at bottom out, suits those who appreciate a more robust typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The Gateron Glory Red has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it suitable for users who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers who benefit from a more responsive feel. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon boasts a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm, which aligns with the traditional preference for more depth and a potentially more satisfying tactile experience for those who enjoy a substantial keypress. Thus, while the Gateron Glory Red offers a faster, more abrupt response, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon provides a more generous travel distance for users who favor a hearty keypress sensation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Gateron Glory Red switch is typically not mentioned, leaving it somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound that tends to be more mellow and bass-heavy, along with a neutral overall tone. This makes the Sea Salt Lemon suitable for various environments, be it at home or in the office, providing a versatile auditory experience. However, it's essential to remember that the sound of any switch can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard plate, housing, and keycap material.

When it comes to the feel of each switch, the Gateron Glory Red's subjective qualities remain unspecified, but the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is recognized for its mild feel. This means that it offers a more gentle and approachable typing experience compared to switches with sharper characteristics. The smoothness provided by the Sea Salt Lemon can make it appealing to a wide range of typists, from casual users to more experienced ones. The gentle compliance and pleasant resistance can lead to an enjoyable keystroke without feeling overwhelming.

In summary, while the Gateron Glory Red switch may lack specific qualitative descriptions, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon boasts a satisfying low-pitched sound and a moderate, mild feel that makes it an appealing choice for many users. Although the feelings related to the Glory Red are not detailed, it can be presumed that its reputation for smoothness may lead to a similar typing experience. Thus, if sound or feel is crucial to your typing preference, the Sea Salt Lemon clearly shines in those aspects, whereas the Glory Red remains a somewhat unknown quantity but still promising potential for a delightful typing experience.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches, consider your priorities in typing experience and force preference. If you appreciate a smooth keystroke and a lighter touch, the Glory Red switches are your go-to. They provide a delightful typing experience with an enjoyable travel distance, making them ideal for prolonged typing sessions where comfort is paramount. On the other hand, if you seek a buttery smooth switch with a bit more resistance, the Sea Salt Lemon may be better suited for you, especially with its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams. This switch also offers a low-pitched sound profile, making it versatile enough for both home and office environments. Additionally, its mild feel can appeal to users looking for an approachable linear switch that strikes a balance between experience and effort. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and any specific use cases you have in mind.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

KTT Sea Salt Lemon Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more