Gateron Glory Yellow vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between different options, such as the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Rose. The Glory Yellow is celebrated for its heavier feel, providing a smooth keystroke and an enjoyable travel distance that many typists appreciate for its responsive feedback. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prefer a more deliberate typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Rose switches, known for their striking aesthetics, offer a unique typing sensation thanks to their progressive springs. This design delivers a substantial yet not overly heavy feel, accompanied by a satisfying bassy sound reminiscent of raindrops, which can enhance the overall typing experience. While both switches are linear—meaning they lack tactile bumps and audible clicks—each has its own distinct charm that caters to different preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Rose switches, one can identify key differences between their top housings, which significantly influence the sound profile during usage. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound due to its relatively softer composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing, offering a more subdued auditory experience that many users find appealing. In contrast, the KTT Rose incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, recognized for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. The clarity of polycarbonate lends itself to a more resonant sound, producing a higher-pitched typing experience that contrasts with the Glory Yellow's more muted tones.
On the other hand, when we look at the bottom housings, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Rose utilize nylon materials. This similarity in their bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a rich and rounded sound profile at the point of bottoming out. The deeper characteristics experienced by users typing on either switch stem from the nylon material's sound-absorbing qualities, which means that regardless of the distinct top housings, the overall auditory experience retains some consistency due to the common bottom housing material. Thus, when pressing down on either switch, users will experience a comparable feel and sound, grounded in the deeper notes that nylon brings.
The differing top housings, however, suggest that the overall sound experience of each switch is uniquely enhanced by their respective materials. With the nylon top on the Glory Yellow producing a softer overall sound, and the polycarbonate top on the KTT Rose delivering more expressive and higher pitches, users will notice distinctive differences as they engage with each switch. These contrasts play a critical role in how each switch is perceived, particularly when released, as the top housing's characteristics come into play after the key is pressed. Therefore, while both the Glory Yellow and the KTT Rose share nylon in their bottom housing which contributes to a fuller sound during key presses, the unique top housing materials lead to unique typing experiences that highlight the strengths of each switch individually.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, there are distinct differences in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The Gateron Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, which indicates it requires a moderate amount of pressure to register a keystroke. However, the bottom-out force for this switch is unknown, leaving a gap in its overall feel during extended use. In contrast, the KTT Rose switch features a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy; however, its actuation force is also unknown. As a result, we cannot make a direct comparison regarding their overall typing experience. Based on the known values, the Gateron Glory Yellow is the lighter option due to its 50-gram actuation force, appealing to those who prefer a softer touch that could facilitate extended typing sessions. Meanwhile, the KTT Rose, with its heavier bottom-out force, may cater to users seeking a more substantial push feel, but without knowing its actuation force, it's difficult to determine how it compares in terms of overall lightness or heaviness.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch both have an identical travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they will provide a similar tactile experience when pressed. This equal travel distance means that users can expect a comparable feel in terms of key actuation and bottoming out, regardless of which switch they choose. Since both switches feature the same 4 mm travel distance, the typing experience will likely be very close, allowing for consistent performance across both options.
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 Rose comes in at $3.01 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch offers a pleasant auditory experience, characterized by a moderately low-pitched sound that leans towards a soft, subdued tonality. This creates a typing environment that is neither harsh nor overly distracting, making it suitable for a variety of settings. The KTT Rose, on the other hand, produces a distinctly low-pitched, bassy thump akin to raindrops when typing, which adds a nice character and warmth to the sound profile. This contrast between the Glory Yellow's more muted tones and the Rose's bass-heavy resonance can significantly influence the user's typing experience depending on personal preference and the desired ambiance.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow is lauded for its smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance, providing a balanced typing experience that feels enjoyable and fluid. In contrast, the KTT Rose switch is designed with progressive springs, offering a mild and polished typing sensation. The mild feel makes the Rose switch approachable for most users, while its polished nature ensures a sleek key travel experience with reduced friction. Together, these qualities position the Rose switch as a comfortable option but may not present the same level of definitive keystroke feedback that some users might seek, such as what the Glory Yellow might provide.
In summary, while both the Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Rose linear switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, they cater to slightly different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Glory Yellow favors a muted auditory profile paired with a smooth keystroke, whereas the KTT Rose is characterized by its bassy sound and mild, polished touch. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal taste; if you prefer a softer sound with a straightforward typing sensation, the Glory Yellow might be the better fit, while those seeking a richer auditory experience with a gentler touch may favor the KTT Rose.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Rose linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you seek a smoother keystroke with a lighter touch, the Gateron Glory Yellow may be your ideal option. It excels in delivering an enjoyable typing experience, perfect for gamers and typists who prefer swift, effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, if you desire a moderate resistance that provides a bit more feedback and satisfaction upon bottoming out, the KTT Rose could be the better fit for you. With its unique progressive spring design, it offers a polished and mild typing experience, complemented by a low-pitched, soothing sound profile that many find appealing for both work and relaxation. In summary, consider the Gateron Glory Yellow for a quicker, more streamlined interaction and opt for the KTT Rose if you appreciate a touch of weight and a refined acoustic presence during your typing sessions.
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