Gateron Glory Red vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between two standout options: the Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream. The Gateron Glory Red, known for its lightweight design, offers a smooth keystroke and a pleasing travel distance that cultivates an enjoyable typing experience, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a straightforward and efficient feel. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch elevates the typing experience through its innovative use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, providing a uniquely smooth and creamy sensation with an enticing high-pitched and clacky sound signature that appeals to those who appreciate an aural element to their typing. While both switches fall under the linear category, they cater to different preferences—whether it’s the focus on ergonomics with the Glory Red or the sensory experience of the Vanilla Ice Cream. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
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
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches, a notable distinction arises in the materials used for their top housings. The Glory Red features a nylon top housing, which is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of the material. This quality allows for greater sound absorption, resulting in a sound profile that is rounder and less harsh. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary blend called KTT, which is a combination of "special mixed materials." This blend offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, suggesting a crisper auditory experience that differs significantly from the mellow characteristics of nylon.
The differences continue with the bottom housings of both switches. The Glory Red boasts a nylon bottom housing, retaining the same benefits of sound dampening and creating a cohesive deeper profile from the sound produced during keystrokes. Conversely, the Vanilla Ice Cream employs a POK (polyketone) bottom housing, which is celebrated for its remarkable durability and smoothness due to its lower coefficient of friction. POK’s resistance properties—being significantly stronger and more shock-resistant than nylon—enhance the overall performance and longevity of the switch, contributing to a different tactile experience and acoustic output when bottoming out.
Overall, while both switches incorporate housing materials that bring unique properties to the typing experience, their contrasting designs lead to different auditory and tactile outcomes. The Glory Red, with its nylon construction, provides a consistently softer sound profile, ideal for those seeking a muted experience. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's mixed materials create a more vibrant and dynamic soundscape due to its clackier signature and superior durability. Even though they offer different tactile experiences, the combination of their materials illustrates how nuanced sound and feel can be achieved through thoughtfully engineered housings, leading to varied yet enjoyable typing results for different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Glory Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that users accustomed to a lighter switch may prefer the Vanilla Ice Cream for extended typing or gaming sessions. The bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown, while the Vanilla Ice Cream’s bottom out force is recorded at 48 grams, indicating that it provides a more substantial feel when fully pressed down. As the bottom out force for the Glory Red is not specified, it remains unclear how it compares in that aspect. Overall, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is the lighter switch, while the bottom out experience may differ significantly due to the unknown specification for the Glory Red. Thus, if you're looking for a switch that feels more substantial when fully actuated, the Vanilla Ice Cream would be the better choice, whereas you might find the Glory Red suitable if you prefer a lighter touch, assuming its bottom out force may align with that preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, we note that the Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This makes the Glory Red the longer option, providing a more substantial depth feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile and deliberate keystroke. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream, with its shorter travel distance, can lead to quicker response times, catering to gamers or those who favor a more rapid keypress. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference: those seeking a deeper experience may gravitate toward the Gateron Glory Red, while those prioritizing speed might opt for the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream.
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 Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches, it becomes clear that they occupy different auditory landscapes. The Glory Red switches, although not explicitly described in the provided information, are typically considered to be relatively quiet and subtle, making them ideal for environments where noise might be a concern. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches are characterized by a high-pitched, clacky sound signature, which is both resonant and marbly. This creates a sharp, clear auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Glory Red might be more suitable, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream will definitely provide an engaging sound profile.
In terms of feel, the two switches present distinct experiences. While the exact description of the feel of the Glory Red is not provided, it is known for a smooth keystroke and a pleasant travel distance that generally aligns with the expectations for a linear switch. This makes it a comfortable choice for continuous typing. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches are celebrated for their buttery and creamy sensations. This combination results from the high-quality materials used in their construction, granting a silky smoothness that enhances the overall typing experience. For those who value a seamless and effortless feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream switches are likely far more appealing, while the Glory Red offers reliability and satisfaction in its smoothness.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Red and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches provide unique tactile and auditory experiences suited to different preferences. The Glory Red is more understated in sound while still delivering a pleasant typing experience. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream excels with its distinctive sound and luxuriously smooth feel. Knowing your personal preferences in terms of noise level and tactile sensation can help guide your decision between these two linear switches, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience tailored to your liking.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches, your decision should align with your specific preferences and typing style. If you favor an exceptionally smooth keystroke with an unknown bottom-out force and enjoy a pleasant travel distance that emphasizes ease and enjoyment, the Glory Red switch may be the ideal choice for you. It is designed to deliver a straightforward typing experience that’s perfect for both casual users and gamers seeking quick response times without unnecessary resistance. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile and auditory experience while typing, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch should capture your attention. With its light bottom-out force of 48 grams and buttery, creamy feel, it not only offers a remarkable tactile sensation but also produces a distinctive high-pitched and resonant sound. This switch is particularly suited for those who enjoy a more textured and immersive auditory typing experience. In essence, your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize a smoother, more effortless keystroke or a more engaging and textured typing experience.
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