Gateron Glory Yellow vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Grapefruit stand out as two compelling linear options, each offering unique attributes that cater to different user preferences. The Gateron Glory Yellow, recognized for its smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance, provides a heavier feel that many typists appreciate, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit switches are notable for their light, tarty touch and a unique "baritone" sound profile, which, while not deep, contributes to a pleasant auditory feedback during use. While the Glory Yellow is ideal for those who prefer a more substantial keystroke, the Grapefruit may appeal to users seeking a softer, more refined typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Grapefruit, a key distinction is evident in their top housings. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing, recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softer characteristics, which allow it to absorb sound rather than reflect it. In contrast, the KTT Grapefruit utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, generates a sharper and crisper sound profile, contributing to a brighter auditory experience. Aesthetic considerations also come into play, as the transparency of polycarbonate makes it an appealing choice for users who want vibrant RGB lighting effects. Thus, while both switches may offer satisfying tactile experiences, the sound profiles they produce differ significantly due to the contrasting qualities of the top housing materials.
Interestingly, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Glory Yellow and the Grapefruit feature nylon constructions. This similarity means that in terms of the bottoming-out sound and feel, users will likely experience comparable characteristics. The nylon material inherently absorbs sound, leading to the deeper and rounder audio profile typical of switches that use this plastic. This commonality creates a bridge between the two switches in terms of how they respond under pressure, emphasizing the impact of bottom housing characteristics on the overall sound and feel during typing. Therefore, while the top housings provide distinct auditory experiences, the shared nylon bottom housing promotes a level of familiarity in keystrokes across both switches.
Ultimately, the differing top and bottom housings of the Glory Yellow and KTT Grapefruit highlight an interplay of sound qualities that influence user experience. The nylon top of the Glory Yellow ensures a mellower sounding keypress, while the polycarbonate top of the Grapefruit offers crispness and clarity. However, due to both switches having nylon bottoms, the deeper sound produced during the actuation lends both switches a similar essence during typing. Users seeking specific auditory feedback will need to consider carefully between the two, balancing the benefits of each top housing material while enjoying the consistent sound profile afforded by the nylon bottom. Therefore, understanding these materials provides valuable insight for users in favor of tailored auditory experiences in their keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces and bottom out characteristics. The Glory Yellow features an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Grapefruit is lighter at 45 grams, which may appeal to users seeking a more effortless typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is not provided, leaving a gap in its comparative analysis. In contrast, the KTT Grapefruit has a measurable bottom out force of 53 grams, which signifies a firmer feel upon reaching the end of the key travel. This difference indicates that while the Glory Yellow may offer a similar actuation feel, the Grapefruit provides a tangible resistance when bottoming out, suggesting a more substantial typing experience overall. Consequently, for users focused on lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Grapefruit stands out, whereas those who prefer a more pronounced feedback with a heavier bottom out force may lean towards the Grapefruit as well.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch feature the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning they provide a similar tactile experience when pressed. This equal travel distance ensures that users can expect comparable feedback and responsiveness from both switches. Whether you choose the Glory Yellow or the Grapefruit, you'll achieve the same degree of actuation, resulting in a consistent typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow 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 Yellow for $4.19.
The KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41 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
The sound produced by the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch is generally characterized as neutral. This means it has a balanced audio profile that fits well in various environments, whether you're at home or in a professional setting. In contrast, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch offers a low-pitched sound that gives it a deeper tone, described as baritone but not quite reaching bass-level depth. Essentially, while both switches aim for a pleasant auditory experience, the Glory Yellow is more versatile with its neutral sound, while the Grapefruit leans into a richer, mellow tone that can add character to your typing sounds.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow excels with its smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance, providing an enjoyable and responsive typing experience. This smoothness contributes positively to overall comfort as you type, making it suitable for extended use. The KTT Grapefruit, on the other hand, is noted for its polished feel, which adds to the overall sleekness of the typing experience. The polished nature of the Grapefruit results in reduced friction and ensures smooth key travel, potentially making it feel lighter and softer compared to the heavier Glory Yellow.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Grapefruit linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Glory Yellow's neutral sound and smooth keystroke may appeal to those seeking a versatile and satisfactory typing environment, while the Grapefruit’s low-pitched tone and polished feel provide a distinct, softer typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, you may find that while both options deliver quality, your choice will largely depend on whether you prefer a heavier, more balanced switch like the Glory Yellow or a lighter, more character-filled switch like the Grapefruit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Grapefruit linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for feel and sound. If you enjoy a smoother keystroke and an overall pleasant typing experience, the Glory Yellow might be your ideal choice, especially given its top reputation for providing a satisfying travel distance. However, if you prefer a lighter actuation force with a unique tactile experience, the KTT Grapefruit, with its soft and polished feel, could be just what you’re looking for. The Grapefruit's low-pitched and mellow sound profile might also appeal to those who appreciate a more nuanced auditory experience. In short, if you're inclined towards a heavier switch that emphasizes travel comfort, go for the Glory Yellow; but if a lightweight, smooth, and refined typing experience is what you seek, the KTT Grapefruit will better serve your needs. Thus, understanding your typing habits and preferences can guide you in picking the switch that enhances your overall keyboard experience.
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