Gateron Glory Red vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Red and KTT Wine Red both present unique qualities that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Gateron Glory Red switches are designed for a smooth keystroke with a lighter feel, offering an enjoyable travel distance that enhances the overall typing experience—perfect for those who value speed and responsiveness in their typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red switches provide a pillowy light typing sensation complemented by a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, attracting users who appreciate a more tactile auditory feedback alongside a velvety feel. While both switches are linear, meaning they do not provide the tactile bump associated with clicky switches, their distinct characteristics may appeal to different users. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and KTT Wine Red switches, a prominent distinction arises between the types of plastics employed in their construction. The Glory Red switch utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, while the KTT Wine Red incorporates polycarbonate for both. Nylon, known for its softer texture, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its sound-absorbing properties create a rounded tonal quality that many typists consider pleasant and satisfying during use. In contrast, polycarbonate offers a stiffer and more resonant structure, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This fundamental difference between the two materials establishes a clear divergence in the auditory experience one can expect when typing on these switches.
Additionally, the bottom housing significantly influences the overall typing experience, and this is where the differences between the two switches become even more distinct. The Glory Red’s nylon bottom housing continues the theme of fuller sound, thus promoting a cohesive sound profile throughout both the top and bottom switch assemblages. On the contrary, the KTT Wine Red, with its polycarbonate base, promotes clarity and crispness in key notes. This means that while bottoming out on the Wine Red switches will generate a pronounced and bright sound, the Glory Red will maintain a more subdued and blended auditory experience. Consequently, each switch offers a unique typing experience that reflects their distinctly different material properties.
Despite the differences in materials, there are also some notable similarities to consider. Both switch types can effectively cater to typists seeking particular sound profiles, but they cater to different preferences. Users who prefer a softer typing experience with emphasis on warmth and depth may be drawn to the Glory Red, while those who favor clarity and brightness may lean toward the KTT Wine Red. Interestingly, if one were to utilize RGB lighting, the KTT Wine Red’s polycarbonate housing would provide a visually striking display, as polycarbonate's translucence allows light to shine through effectively. However, because both switches utilize soft plastics in different forms, it's plausible to achieve a balanced typing experience across both switches—but with a variance in sound and feel that caters to individual preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch exhibit some differences in actuation and bottom-out forces that may influence user preferences. The Glory Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, slightly heavier than the Wine Red's actuation force of 44 grams, making the Glory Red marginally heavier overall. However, the bottom-out force for the Glory Red is unavailable, making it impossible to draw a direct comparison in that category. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red features a bottom-out force of 55 grams, classified as medium-light, which suggests a more substantial feeling when the switch is fully pressed down compared to the unknown value for the Glory Red. For users who prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions, the Wine Red could be more appealing, while those who favor a stronger, more tactile push may lean towards the Glory Red, despite its heavier actuation force. Overall, the minor difference in actuation force, combined with the known bottom-out force of the KTT Wine Red, suggests that both switches may cater to different preferences in typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The Glory Red offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option between the two. In contrast, the Wine Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and might be preferred by users who enjoy a deeper key press sensation. This added depth can provide a more tactile feedback experience, which some users find beneficial for typing, though it may be less responsive for gaming compared to the shorter travel distance of the Glory Red. Ultimately, if you prioritize quicker response times and a more abrupt feel, the Glory Red would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a little extra depth may lean towards the Wine Red.
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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
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 switch offers a smooth and pleasant sound profile that is less emphasized compared to more bass-heavy options, allowing for a typing experience that is less distracting and more focused. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red switch is characterized by its deeper, richer sound profile, which is bassy and low-pitched. This creates a more substantial auditory feedback during key presses, reminiscent of the deeper tones often associated with bass instruments. The sound quality, however, can still be affected by factors like the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, meaning that while the Wine Red provides a unique auditory experience, the actual sounds can vary significantly in different setups.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Glory Red switch is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and comfortable travel distance, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer a linear switch that feels consistent throughout the keypress. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch delivers a pillowy light typing feel. This sensation adds a layer of softness to the keystrokes, potentially making it more comfortable for extended typing sessions. While both switches are linear, the differing textures in feel may lead to varied experiences for users, with the Glory Red focusing more on a straight, smooth travel and the Wine Red providing a plush tactile touch.
Overall, both the Gateron Glory Red and KTT Wine Red switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, with the Glory Red offering a smoother, less intrusive auditory experience and a straightforward keystroke, while the Wine Red focuses on a richer, bassier sound and a softer typing feel. Ultimately, your choice between them will greatly depend on whether you value a clean and light typing experience or prefer the luxurious depth and plushness offered by the Wine Red.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch primarily depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you appreciate a lighter keystroke with a smooth, consistent travel distance, the Glory Red may be the right choice for you, offering a more effortless typing experience that can be particularly beneficial during long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-light actuation and a richer auditory feedback, the Wine Red is likely to be more appealing. These switches not only provide a pillowy feel but also produce a deeper, bassy sound that many find satisfying and comforting. Ultimately, consider your typing style and sound preferences when making your decision, as both switches excel in their own unique ways.
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