Gateron Glory Yellow vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both present compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a smooth linear experience. The Glory Yellow switches are renowned for their heavier feel and satisfying travel distance, making them an excellent choice for users who appreciate a more substantial keystroke that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches shine with their progressive spring and unique dry-lube design, providing a buttery smooth sensation that appeals to those who favor a gentler touch. While both switches excel in creating a linear typing feel, their distinct characteristics cater to different preferences: the Glory Yellow is ideal for typists who enjoy a firmer response, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon is perfect for those who prefer a lighter, more refined keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches highlight distinct differences in sound profiles, which are critical for users prioritizing audio feedback during tactile interaction. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound that absorbs more sound waves due to its relatively softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile that can create a more subdued auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that fosters a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances sound resonance, producing a higher-pitched and more bright feedback that can be particularly appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience when pressing keys.
Interestingly, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a consistent auditory characteristic despite the differences in their top housing materials. The nylon bottom housing is known for delivering that deeper, rounder sound profile, contributing to a more muted bottom-out feel. This shared material means that typing on either switch will elicit similar sensations in terms of bottom-out sound, ensuring that users experience a cohesive auditory interaction during the act of keystroke. Therefore, even though the top housings diverge in material and resulting sound profile, the nylon bottom components act as a common ground that enhances the overall experience.
When it comes to overall performance, the split between the top and bottom housing materials results in a unique balancing act for each switch interaction. For the Glory Yellow, the impact of the nylon top housing predominantly influences the sound upon key release, while the bottom housing governs the bottom-out experience. Conversely, for the Sea Salt Lemon, the stiffer polycarbonate top highlights the sound profile when letting go of a key, emphasizing clarity and brightness, while the nylon bottom ensures consistency across interactions. Consequently, if users wish to achieve a cohesive auditory experience while also enjoying the benefits of distinct sound profiles, both switches can deliver satisfaction by leveraging the characteristics of their respective materials to create a nuanced, multifaceted typing environment.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we see notable differences in actuation forces and bottom out characteristics. The Glory Yellow features an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that for users who prefer a lighter touch, the Sea Salt Lemon may offer a more comfortable typing experience, particularly during extended use, while the heavier Glory Yellow could provide a more robust feel that some users crave for tactile feedback. However, the bottom out force of the Glory Yellow is unspecified, making it impossible to compare directly. The Sea Salt Lemon's bottom out force is 53 grams, classified as medium-light, adding further distinction. If the Glory Yellow's bottom out force were similar to that of the Sea Salt Lemon, users would experience a similar punch at the end of keystrokes, but due to the lack of that data, we cannot confirm this. Overall, the Sea Salt Lemon is the lighter option with its 45 grams actuation force, while the actuation force of the Glory Yellow suggests it caters to those who prefer a slightly heavier switch feel.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on the keys. This equal travel distance ensures that both switches will provide comparable feedback and responsiveness during use, making them suitable options for those who prefer a consistent key feel. With both switches sharing the same measurement, it’s evident that users will achieve similar results in terms of key actuation depth and overall typing experience. In summary, neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, as they both feature the same travel distance.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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
The sound profile of the Gateron Glory Yellow switch remains unspecified; however, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is characterized by a low-pitched and neutral sound. The low-pitched nature of the Sea Salt Lemon provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone, which can contribute to a more subdued auditory experience, making it suitable for both quiet environments and normal typing settings. Its neutral sound profile further enhances versatility, allowing it to adapt well in various situations, from casual gaming to professional workspaces. It’s worth noting that the overall sound can be influenced by the keyboard design and keycap material, so while the Sea Salt Lemon has a defined profile, the Glory Yellow's sound may vary based on external factors.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Yellow switch is known for its smooth keystroke and an enjoyable travel distance, providing a highly satisfying typing experience. In comparison, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon boasts a mild feel, which emphasizes a gentle typing experience that is generally approachable for users of all skill levels. This smoothness in both switches indicates that both are designed to facilitate a comfortable typing experience, with the Sea Salt Lemon perhaps leaning slightly more towards a balanced and less pronounced feedback compared to the slightly more engaging feel of the Glory Yellow.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches share a focus on delivering a smooth typing experience, their sound profiles diverge, with the Sea Salt Lemon offering a more defined acoustic character. The Glory Yellow provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, while the Sea Salt Lemon maintains a gentler approach. Each switch's unique characteristics cater to different preferences, and your choice may ultimately depend on whether you prefer a slightly heavier and engaging feel or a softer, more versatile typing experience. Both switches, if paired with the right keyboard and keycaps, will provide satisfying results for your typing or gaming needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a smoother keystroke with a pleasing travel distance and seek an enjoyable typing experience without a defined bottom-out force—ideal for a more casual or fun approach to typing—the Glory Yellow might be your go-to option. However, if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force with a more pronounced tactile feedback and appreciate the nuanced low-pitched sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon would suit you better, especially if you're working in an environment where a softer, low-key sound is desirable. The Sea Salt Lemon's mild characteristics make it approachable for both beginners and seasoned users alike, striking a balance that can complement a variety of uses—whether at home or in an office. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you prioritize sheer smoothness or a balanced typing experience; consider trying both to find which aligns more closely with your typing habits and preferences.
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