Gateron Glory Yellow vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When searching for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often encounter the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Pine, two linear switches that offer unique experiences. The Gateron Glory Yellow is celebrated for its heavier feel, providing a smooth keystroke with a satisfying travel distance that many typists find enjoyable. Its design prioritizes a solid and engaging typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more robust switch. On the other hand, the KTT Pine boasts a medium-heavy profile, characterized by its translucent forest green housing and a polished, factory-lubed finish. This results in an exceptionally smooth key travel that minimizes friction, appealing to users seeking a buttery and creamy typing sensation. While both switches cater to users aiming for a seamless and enjoyable experience, their distinct characteristics may sway your preference depending on your typing style and tactile needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right 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
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
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Pine switches, we immediately notice that they employ different types of plastics for their construction. The Glory Yellow utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its softer, more sound-absorbing properties. This design choice leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile that can feel warmer and more rounded when typing. In contrast, the KTT Pine switches feature polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings, a material recognized for its rigidity and ability to create a sharper, crisper sound. The polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a more pronounced and resonant auditory experience, resulting in a higher-pitched sound profile that some users may find more appealing, particularly in environments where clarity is paramount.
While the differences in materials yield distinct sound characteristics, they also influence the overall typing experience in complementary ways. With both the Glory Yellow and KTT Pine switches, the top housing significantly affects the sound produced upon release, while the bottom housing plays a critical role in the acoustics during the bottoming out. Users who select the Glory Yellow can expect a consistently full and dampened sound thanks to the nylon's sound-absorbing qualities, whereas those who choose the KTT Pine will likely enjoy a punchy and resonant typing experience that showcases the clear sound produced by polycarbonate. This separation of sound profiles results in a unique tactile sensation that distinctly characterizes each switch's performance, appealing to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
In scenarios where users desire similar results between the two types of switches, they might find that mixing or matching certain keycaps and dampeners can bridge the gap in sound perception. For example, pairing the Gateron Glory Yellow switches with keycaps that have sound-dampening properties can help enhance the full-bodied tone even further. Conversely, employing more resonant or lightweight keycap materials with the KTT Pine switches could soften the sharpness inherent to the polycarbonate's acoustics. Ultimately, while the differing housing materials create unique auditory profiles and tactile experiences, enthusiasts can manipulate additional factors such as keycap selection and dampening, enabling creative customization to achieve a preferred balance of sound and feel among both switch types.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Pine switch is lighter at 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is not provided, whereas the Pine switch features a bottom out force of 58 grams, classified as medium. This means that when pressing the Pine switch all the way down, users will experience a firmer resistance compared to the unavailable specification for the Glory Yellow. Overall, the Glory Yellow offers a heavier actuation force, while the Pine's lighter actuation force might appeal to those seeking a smoother typing experience. If the bottom out force of the Glory Yellow were available, it could provide additional context, but as it stands, those seeking a lighter switch for longer sessions might lean towards the KTT Pine linear switch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making them identical in this regard. This means that users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on the keys of either switch, as the distance traveled is the same in both cases. Therefore, if you switch between these two types of switches, you won't notice any difference in the depth of the keypress, providing a consistent typing 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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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
The sound profile of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch is not specified, leaving it open to interpretation based on user experiences. However, the KTT Pine linear switch is known for its bassy and low-pitched qualities. This deeper sound profile creates a more satisfying auditory experience during typing, contributing to a richer overall feedback that many users may find appealing. When combined with the right keyboard and keycap setup, the Pine switches can produce an enhanced acoustic environment that complements their tactile experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch is recognized for providing a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance. This translates to a comfortable typing experience that caters to users who appreciate a fluid motion in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch excels in feel as well, being described as buttery and creamy. This buttery sensation comes from the factory-lubed finish, which significantly reduces friction and promotes an effortlessly smooth typing experience. The combination of weight and texture in both switches makes them appealing for different user preferences, though the Pine switches may have an edge in terms of ultra-smooth transition.
Overall, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Pine linear switches are designed to offer a premium typing experience, albeit with subtle differences in sound and feel. While the Glory Yellow's sound characteristics remain unspecified, its smoothness makes it a strong contender. Meanwhile, the KTT Pine provides a unique auditory richness and an exceptionally smooth tactile feedback that many users seek in their mechanical keyboards. Both switches present excellent options for newcomers looking to enhance their typing experience, with the final choice likely coming down to personal preferences in sound and a desire for that buttery, creamy feel offered by the KTT Pine.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Pine linear switches, consider your personal preferences in typing feel, sound, and force. If you appreciate a weighted keystroke that offers a smooth transition while typing, the Gateron Glory Yellow might be your go-to choice, especially if you prefer a lighter touch and a pleasurable travel distance. However, if you desire a more substantial feedback with a medium-heavy actuation force, complemented by a buttery smooth motion and a deep, bassy sound profile, the KTT Pine is likely your best option. The Pine’s polished, factory-lubed finish ensures a creamy, effortless experience that is ideal for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the typing experience you seek, whether that’s the lighter, more fluid feel of the Gatoron Glory Yellow or the satisfying heft and richness of the KTT Pine.
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