Gateron Glory Yellow vs. KTT Kang White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Kang White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch that suits your typing preferences, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Kang White both stand out as intriguing options within the linear switch category. The Glory Yellow is renowned for its heavier feel, providing a smooth keystroke with an enjoyable travel distance, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Kang White is celebrated for its poppy, low-pitched sound and self-lubricating material, which contributes to an unparalleled smoothness during typing, appealing to users who prioritize acoustics and an ultra-smooth action. While both switches excel in delivering a satisfying typing experience, they cater to different preferences when it comes to weight and sound profile. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
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
No
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 Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Kang White switches, an interesting distinction emerges in the materials used for their top housings. The Glory Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is largely due to the softer nature of nylon, allowing it to absorb more sound and result in a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Kang White switches are constructed with polycarbonate for their top housing, a material known for its stiffer properties. This stiffness generates a sharper and crisper sound profile, making it particularly appealing for users who prefer a brighter typing experience. Thus, while both switches deliver unique auditory feedback, the materials directly influence the overall sound qualities these switches produce.
Both the Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Kang White switches sport nylon for their bottom housings, which means they share a common characteristic in terms of sound profile at the bottom of the keystroke. The nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and more robust sound when the switch is fully engaged, lending a consistent auditory experience. Since both use nylon here, the bottom-out sound will generally evoke a similar sensation for users, regardless of the top housing material. This shared characteristic helps balance out the differences introduced by their respective top housing materials, ensuring that both switches can offer a compelling typing experience, albeit through distinct auditory pathways.
When considering the overall performance and user experience of these switches, one must take into account how the differing top housings affect their functionality. The nylon top housing of the Glory Yellow emphasizes a softer, more muted sound on release, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Kang White enhances higher frequencies for a more piercing sound during key release. Since the bottom housing remains consistent in both switches, users will experience a moderated auditory profile at bottoming out, but the release will feel markedly different. Thus, while each switch has a unique character shaped by its materials, the nylon bottom housing serves to harmonize the auditory experience at the keystroke’s conclusion.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unspecified. The Glory Yellow requires an actuation force of 50 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Kang White, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Kang White more comfortable. In terms of bottom out force, the Kang White's force is quantified at 58 grams, providing a sense of resistance when fully pressed down, which some users may appreciate for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, since the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unknown, it's unclear how it would feel upon bottoming out, hindering a direct comparison. Overall, the Kang White offers a lighter actuation force and a defined bottom out force, while the Glory Yellow may appeal to those who prefer an unquantified experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they have identical travel characteristics when pressed. This similarity in travel distance means that users can expect a similar tactile response and key feel, resulting in a consistent typing experience across both switches. Consequently, whether using the Glory Yellow or the Kang White, the depth of key actuation remains the same, ensuring that keystrokes feel equally smooth and responsive.
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 Kang White comes in at $1.99 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 considering the sound profile of these switches, the Gateron Glory Yellow embraces a smoother auditory experience, though it lacks a definitive description to characterize its unique acoustic signature. The KTT Kang White, on the other hand, presents a more defined soundscape with low-pitched tones that offer a bass-heavy and mellow essence. In addition to its low-pitched quality, the Kang White features a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office. Ultimately, while the Glory Yellow offers a pleasant sound experience, the Kang White clearly excels in delivering a distinctive auditory character that stands out.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and optimal travel distance, contributing to an enjoyable typing experience. This smoothness, combined with its heavier switch resistance, allows for a satisfying feedback as you type. In contrast, the KTT Kang White boasts unparalleled smoothness due to its self-lubricating material, elevating the typing experience even further with a consistent feel across the keypress. Although both switches provide a linear feel, the Kang White’s unique material may offer an edge in terms of fluidity during prolonged use.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Kang White deliver enjoyable typing experiences, each with their distinct sound and feel characteristics. The Glory Yellow leans towards a smoother sound experience with gratifying keystrokes, while the Kang White stands out with its captivating low-pitched sound and superior smoothness thanks to its self-lubricating properties. If you're looking for a satisfying linear switch experience, both options are solid, but your choice may depend on whether you prioritize auditory distinctiveness or material-driven smoothness.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Kang White linear switches ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a smooth keystroke with an enjoyable travel distance without the burden of a pronounced bottom-out force, the Gateron Glory Yellow is your ideal choice, offering a lightweight feel that allows for swift and effortless typing sessions. This can be especially beneficial for gamers or typists who prefer a lighter touch and longer hours of use without strain. On the other hand, if you favor a switch that provides a more tactile feedback with a medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, the KTT Kang White will cater to your preferences effectively. It delivers a satisfying poppy sound profile and incorporates self-lubricating materials, which contribute to its unparalleled smoothness—making it suitable for both intensive typing tasks and a pleasant auditory experience. Ultimately, whether you're a gamer seeking speed and lightness with the Glory Yellow or a typist valuing a balanced feel and sound with the Kang White, both switches bring their unique advantages to the table, allowing you to tailor your mechanical keyboard experience to fit your specific needs.