Gateron Glory Yellow vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Lightning offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Glory Yellow switch is recognized for its heavier build, providing a smooth keystroke with a satisfying travel distance that enhances the overall typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a bit more resistance and control in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning switches are designed for speed, making them ideal for competitive gamers who rely on quick reactions, with their slick typing feel and clacky sound profile adding an element of excitement to each press. While both switches are linear, which generally means they lack tactile bumps and audible clicks, they each bring unique attributes to the table that can influence your choice. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 KTT Lightning switches, a notable distinction emerges with their top housings. The Glory Yellow utilizes nylon, which is known for its softer composition. This characteristic contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and thus yielding a rounder auditory experience. In stark contrast, the KTT Lightning is crafted from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that enhances clarity and resonance. The polycarbonate housing results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a crisper acoustic experience. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is beneficial for RGB lighting applications, providing vibrant illumination through its clear structure, unlike the opaque nylon of the Glory Yellow.
The situation is markedly different when we examine the bottom housings of both switches. Both the Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Lightning feature nylon as the material for their bottom housings. This similarity means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out. The nylon's soft properties help absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory characteristic that is consistent across both switches. This commonality in bottom housing material means that, regardless of their differing top housings, users can expect a similar bottoming-out sound and tactile feedback from both switches, reinforcing the impact of the nylon's acoustic properties in this section.
Overall, the combination of differing top housings and similar bottom housings leads to unique sound experiences for each switch. The Glory Yellow’s nylon top delivers a more muted sound, whereas the KTT Lightning’s polycarbonate top creates a sharper acoustic profile. However, the shared nylon bottom housing across both models ensures that the bottoming sound remains consistent, providing a deeper and fuller feel. Thus, while each switch offers distinct auditory sensations influenced by their top housings, the nylon bottoms create a shared foundation, making the typing experience unique yet comparably consistent where it matters most. The differences lie more in personal preference for sound qualities, while the similarities reinforce a certain expected performance in terms of key feedback and sound upon actuation.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, there are notable differences and similarities to consider. The Gateron Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the KTT Lightning offers a lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Lightning switch is better suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing or gaming sessions with less fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the KTT Lightning has a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a defined end to each keystroke, whereas the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unknown. Consequently, if you are looking for a heavier feel, the Glory Yellow might cater to that preference, as its higher actuation force suggests a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the KTT Lightning is the lighter option, while the Gateron Glory Yellow is comparatively heavier, allowing users to select based on their comfort and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, a clear difference in travel distance is notable. The Glory Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with traditional switch designs that offer a more substantial feel when pressed. In contrast, the Lightning switch has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, catering to the increasingly popular preference for quicker response times often favored by gamers. This shorter distance can enhance responsiveness, making it an appealing choice for those seeking to improve their in-game performance. However, this abrupt feel may not suit everyone, as some users prefer the more pronounced depth that the Glory Yellow switch provides. Therefore, while both switches serve distinct preferences—one prioritizing speed and the other depth—users can expect a comfortable experience based on their individual tastes. Ultimately, the Glory Yellow is the longer option, while the Lightning is the shorter, allowing for distinct tactile experiences depending on the choice made.
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 Lightning 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch presents a quieter profile compared to the KTT Lightning switch. The Glory Yellow switch is designed for a smooth and unintrusive sound emission during typing, making it suitable for environments where noise may be a concern. In contrast, the Lightning switch is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched sound, producing a sharp, crisp auditory response that many users find satisfying, though it may not be ideal for shared settings due to its more pronounced acoustic output. This dichotomy in sound means that users seeking a subdued typing experience may opt for the Glory Yellow, while those who enjoy a more vibrant auditory feedback when typing might prefer the Lightning.
In terms of feel, the Glory Yellow switch offers a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance that enhances the typing experience. This switch facilitates a seamless motion, making it appealing for those who favor a more traditional linear feel that emphasizes consistency. The KTT Lightning, on the other hand, boasts a slick typing feel with polished characteristics, ensuring minimal friction and a refined touch with each keystroke. The subtle resistance of the Lightning switch can also provide a unique typing experience, ideal for users looking for quick response times in competitive settings. Although both switches are linear, the feel of each caters to different preferences, with the Glory Yellow emphasizing comfort and smoothness and the Lightning focusing on speed and refined feedback.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Lightning switches are linear options, they diverge distinctly in sound and feel. The Glory Yellow favors a more muted sound profile and a smooth typing experience, making it apt for quiet settings, while the Lightning attracts users with its pronounced clacky sound and polished feel, appealing to those seeking efficiency in high-stakes scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual's preference for auditory feedback and typing dynamics, as each switch provides an enjoyable but uniquely different experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Lightning switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use cases. If you value a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, the Glory Yellow may be your best bet. Its unknown bottom-out force suggests it's designed for ease of use, delivering a satisfying travel distance that many typists appreciate, making it an excellent choice for long typing sessions or general use. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that prioritizes speed and responsiveness, the KTT Lightning is specifically crafted for high-performance scenarios, perfect for gamers or anyone who benefits from rapid keystrokes. With its light bottom-out force of 50 grams and a clacky sound profile, it provides an engaging and lively typing feel. Furthermore, the polished finish of the Lightning enhances smooth key travel, while the subtle resistance ensures that each keystroke feels deliberate without being cumbersome. Therefore, consider how you plan to use your keyboard—whether for typing, gaming, or a mix of both—to guide your choice between these two impressive switches.
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