Gateron Glory Yellow vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between different offerings that cater to various typing preferences. The Gateron Glory Yellow switch stands out for its heavier feel, providing a smooth keystroke with a satisfying travel distance, making it an ideal choice for those who favor a more deliberate typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Orange switch is known for its bouncy type feel, thanks to its longer 22mm spring, and features a well-crafted construction that ensures a slick, frictionless typing experience accompanied by a low-pitched sound profile. While both switches are classified as linear, they offer unique characteristics that cater to distinct typing styles – the Glory Yellow excels in delivering substantial tactile feedback, while the KTT Orange prioritizes smoothness and minimal friction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
46g
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
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Orange switches differ significantly in their housing materials, which in turn affects their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This conclusion stems from nylon's ability to absorb sound waves owing to its softer composition. Consequently, switches utilizing nylon tend to provide a more muted and rounded auditory experience, which could be desirable for users seeking a less harsh typing sound. Comparatively, the KTT Orange sports a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows it to resonate more clearly, leading to a more pronounced and crisp typing sound. Those who prefer a brighter, more articulate auditory response may thus lean towards the KTT Orange for their typing satisfaction.
Both switches also have differing materials in their bottom housings, further accentuating their unique auditory characteristics. The Glory Yellow employs nylon for its bottom housing as well, and similar to the top housing, this choice enhances the overall muffled sound profile during key presses. This reinforces the deeper and fuller auditory experience, as the bottom housing's material significantly affects the sound produced when the keys bottom out. In contrast, the KTT Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing leads to a brighter sound profile during key presses, emphasizing the crisper resonance characteristic of polycarbonate. Therefore, while both switches can offer satisfying experiences, their different material compositions dictate the sound and feel associated with each key press.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both the top and bottom housings of the Glory Yellow and KTT Orange creates distinct typographical experiences. The interaction between nylon's sound-absorbing qualities and polycarbonate's resonant properties means that typing on these switches will yield notably different results in terms of auditory feedback and tactile feel. If the aim is to achieve a more uniform experience, one might consider switches that maintain consistent material compositions throughout, but in this case, the divergence in housing materials gives each switch its unique identity. Therefore, while users may find similarities in terms of general switch feel and performance, the differences in housing materials will play a crucial role in determining personal preferences for sound and typing satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces that can influence a user's typing or gaming experience. The Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the KTT Orange is lighter, requiring only 46 grams to actuate a keystroke. This makes the Orange switch more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, enabling longer typing sessions with reduced finger fatigue. However, the KTT Orange also features a bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating that it requires a stronger push to fully engage the switch compared to the Glory Yellow, for which the bottom out force is unavailable. Therefore, while the Glory Yellow offers a heavier actuation force which can give a more substantial typing feel, the lighter KTT Orange provides a more nuanced balance between ease of actuation and the need for a firmer bottoming out sensation. In summary, if you favor the lighter option for comfort during extended use, the KTT Orange would be the preferable choice, while the Glory Yellow may appeal more to those seeking a stronger feedback during typing.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distance suggests that the Glory Yellow provides a deeper press, which may be appealing to users who prefer a more substantial tactile feel when typing. In contrast, the KTT Orange's shorter 3.5 mm travel distance caters to those who favor quicker, more responsive keystrokes, often preferred by gamers seeking faster reaction times. Therefore, if you prioritize a more pronounced depth in your typing experience, the Gateron Glory Yellow is the better choice; however, if you prefer a snappier response, the KTT Orange would be more suitable for your needs.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 comparing the sound of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch to the KTT Orange linear switch, an interesting distinction arises. The Glory Yellow's audio characteristics remain undefined, leaving its auditory appeal somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the KTT Orange is noted for its low-pitched sound profile, which typically offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a softer auditory experience that can be particularly pleasing in quieter environments. This difference suggests that while the Gateron switch may produce a sound that is yet to be evaluated, the KTT Orange is a more consistent choice for those preferring subdued acoustic qualities in their mechanical keyboards.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch is recognized for providing a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, promoting an enjoyable typing experience. However, specific tactile qualities for the Glory Yellow are not detailed. On the other hand, the KTT Orange excels in offering a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, characterized by its 22mm long spring, which yields an elastic feedback sensation and minimizes resistance. This creates a lively, greatly fluid feel as the key is pressed, enhancing the overall typing satisfaction. Thus, if you prefer a more tactile, bounciness in your keystrokes, the KTT Orange stands out for delivering this quality.
In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Orange switches can greatly affect your typing experience. The Glory Yellow promises a smooth keystroke and satisfying travel, while the KTT Orange prioritizes a delightful bouncy and frictionless feel paired with a low-pitched sound profile. If auditory response is a priority, the KTT Orange is a clear winner; however, if you appreciate a smooth action, the Glory Yellow may still be a commendable option. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience, offering distinct qualities that cater to different preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Orange linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance and a heavy feel that delivers a satisfying tactile experience, the Gateron Glory Yellow is a great option. It’s tailored for those who enjoy a more substantial bottom-out force, making it ideal for users who appreciate a robust typing experience. Conversely, if you prefer a bouncy and elastic response with a lighter bottom-out force, the KTT Orange is the better choice. Its low-pitched sound profile and well-engineered factory-lubing provide a slick, frictionless typing experience that can enhance your productivity and comfort, especially during long typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you prioritize a heavier and more solid feel or a bouncy, glide-like typing feedback. Consider the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard, the types of tasks you'll be performing, and your overall ergonomic needs before making your selection.
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