Gateron Glory Yellow vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Matcha. The Gateron Glory Yellow, categorized as a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more fluid typing experience without tactile bumps. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha, a tactile switch, offers a delightful snappy feel with a pronounced tactility that provides feedback with each keystroke, complimented by a clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem. While the Glory Yellow is ideal for users who enjoy uninterrupted key presses, the Matcha may appeal to those who find satisfaction in tactile responses as they type. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Matcha switches, a significant contrast lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Gateron Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing, while the KTT Matcha uses a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is known for its softer composition, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile upon typing. This soft plastic characteristic allows nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller, rounder acoustic quality that many users appreciate for a subdued typing experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the KTT Matcha produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enables a more resonant and clear sound, particularly when RGB lighting is in use. Therefore, the tonal qualities differ significantly between the two, with the Glory Yellow providing a warmer sound and the Matcha offering a crisp, bright experience.
The bottom housing materials further accentuate the differences between these two switches. Like the top housing, the Glory Yellow's bottom housing is also made of nylon, which means it is consistent with the top housing's acoustic properties, contributing to a cohesive sound profile that remains deep and full throughout the keypress. Conversely, the KTT Matcha pairs its polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom. While the material mix is less conventional, it allows for a blend of qualities: the bottom may absorb sound and provide some warmth while the top resounds sharply. While the nylon materials may dull some of the polycarbonate's higher frequencies, typing on a KTT Matcha may yield an interesting juxtaposition of tones, giving a distinct yet nuanced experience compared to the more uniform acoustics of the Glory Yellow.
Finally, the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience cannot be understated. In both switches, the top and bottom housings contribute unique sound profiles, meaning that tactile feedback during key presses will be influenced by the compositions. The Glory Yellow will provide a consistent, solid feel with a duller sound when bottoming out due to its all-nylon structure, while the KTT Matcha delivers a more complex auditory experience: the high-pitched clarity of the polycarbonate on release contrasted with the softer bottom sound resulting from the nylon. Users looking for a rounded sound profile will gravitate towards the Glory Yellow, while those seeking a crisp and bright sound may prefer the KTT Matcha, especially given its interesting dual-material structure. Overall, regardless of the differences, both switches will bring unique typing experiences that can satisfy diverse user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow remains unknown. The Gateron Glory Yellow requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, compared to the KTT Matcha's lighter 40 grams. This means that users who favor a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming might prefer the Matcha, while those seeking a more substantial feel may gravitate towards the heavier Glory Yellow. Regarding bottom out forces, the Matcha switch has a defined bottom out force of 45 grams, suggesting a more defined feedback upon pressing down fully. In contrast, since the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unknown, we cannot draw any conclusions about its full keystroke experience. Overall, the KTT Matcha is the lighter option, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged use, while the Gateron Glory Yellow offers a heavier actuation for those who enjoy a sturdier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making them identical in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users can expect the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. As a result, users will experience similar keyfeel and responsiveness whether using the Glory Yellow or the Matcha switch.
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 Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 profile of the Gateron Glory Yellow switch is typically characterized by a smooth and subdued experience, contributing to a quieter typing atmosphere, which can be beneficial in shared environments. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch emits a more pronounced, clacky sound. This sharp, snappy auditory feedback adds a bright and percussive element to the typing experience, making it more engaging but potentially louder than the Glory Yellow. While the sound produced by each switch varies, factors like the keyboard casing and keycap material will also play a significant role in shaping the overall acoustics of the setup.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow offers a seamless, smooth keystroke that results in effortless typing, making it a perfect option for users who value a consistent linear experience without interruptions. Contrastingly, the KTT Matcha is noted for its tactile response, presenting a comfortable yet snappy feel, creating an engaging typing experience with its defined tactile bump. With its stepped design, the Matcha allows for a nuanced feedback sensation that balances between being noticeably tactile and easy to navigate, enhancing the interaction further through its responsive characteristics, while also ensuring comfort for extended use.
Considering the overall characteristics, the Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Matcha switches cater to different preferences. With the Glory Yellow focusing on a smooth and quieter operation, it appeals to those who prioritize a seamless typing experience. Meanwhile, the KTT Matcha is designed for users seeking tactile feedback and a more audible response, making it suitable for typing enthusiasts who enjoy the sensation and sound of their keystrokes. Depending on your typing style and desired sound profile, one of these switches may resonate with your needs, or you might find benefits in sampling both to discover your ultimate preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch fundamentally hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prioritize smoothness in your keystrokes and enjoy a lighter touch, the Glory Yellow is an excellent choice, particularly for fast-paced gaming or long typing sessions where you want minimal resistance and fatigue. Its lack of a defined tactile bump makes it ideal for those who prefer an uninterrupted linear experience. Conversely, if you appreciate a more tactile response with a pleasantly snappy feel, the KTT Matcha would be your go-to option. Its deliberate tactile feedback is well-suited for typists seeking a satisfying sense of engagement with each keystroke, making it particularly enjoyable for writing or coding tasks. Additionally, with its clacky sound profile, the Matcha creates an engaging auditory experience that many find rewarding. Thus, consider what aspects of a switch matter most to you—smoothness and speed versus tactility and sound—when making your decision.
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