Gateron Glory Yellow vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Strawberry present two enticing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The Glory Yellow switch, known for its heavier actuation, provides a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, making it ideal for users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch stands out not only for its attractive pink and clear housing but also for its reputation for silky and buttery smooth actuation, offering a comfortable and reliable performance. While both switches excel in providing a satisfying linear experience, the Glory Yellow caters to those who enjoy a bit more resistance, while the Strawberry appeals to users who prioritize a frictionless touch. With these generalities in mind, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond surface-level features so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Strawberry switches utilize distinctly different housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic characteristics. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing which offers a deeper, fuller sound profile due to the material's softer, more sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry employs a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its stiffness that produces a sharper, crisper sound. The inherent differences in sound profile can be attributed to the mechanical properties of these materials: nylon dampens sound, resulting in a duller tone, while polycarbonate enhances resonance, leading to a brighter auditory experience.
On the bottom side of the switches, a parallel contrast exists as both switches continue to utilize these materials. The Glory Yellow housing is made of nylon, which again aids in producing a more rounded sound, reflecting the softer texture. Conversely, the KTT Strawberry sports a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to that clearer sound signature. This distinction highlights that even when the sounds are shaped by the bottom housing, the KTT's crisp upward sound maintains its sharpness due to polycarbonate's rigidity compared to nylon's softer cushioning effect. Thus, while both switch types capitalize on nylon's full warmth or polycarbonate's bright clarity, they do so based on the specific positioning of each material within the switch design.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings of these switches allows users to experience a varied sound and feel profile. With the nylon utilized in both the top and bottom of the Glory Yellow switches, users can expect a consistent depth and warmth in typing feedback. In contrast, the two layers of polycarbonate in the KTT Strawberry create a more resonant sound throughout the typing experience. However, regardless of the materials used, both switches remain capable of delivering unique but satisfying auditory experiences, and by carefully selecting each for their qualities, enthusiasts can find advantages in each design depending on the desired typing sensation.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, the actuation forces present a noticeable difference. The Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Strawberry offers a lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons might find the KTT Strawberry more comfortable. In terms of bottom out forces, the KTT Strawberry has a specified bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls into the medium category, while the bottom out force of the Glory Yellow remains unknown. Given this information, the KTT Strawberry is the heavier option overall, making it suitable for those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing. For individuals who prioritize lighter switches for fatigue-free use, the KTT Strawberry would provide a more favorable experience compared to the Gateron Glory Yellow.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of how far each switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. This similarity in travel distance means that users can expect a comparable keypress feel and overall typing experience when using either switch. Consequently, those who prefer the characteristics of one switch over the other can anticipate similar results with respect to the actuation distance, ensuring a 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 Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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 linear switch is generally known for producing a more subtle auditory profile, although specifics on its exact sound signature are not provided. However, it is expected to be quieter than mechanical switches with tactile or clicky characteristics. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is designed to emit a low-pitched sound, yielding a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This sound profile contributes a more soothing auditory experience that many typists find appealing, especially in quieter environments. It’s essential to note that the overall sound quality of either switch can be influenced by the keyboard build and keycap material, but the Strawberry's low-pitched nature typically stands out among linear switches.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Gateron Glory Yellow is recognized for providing a smooth keystroke and a pleasing travel distance, delivering an enjoyable typing experience. However, the specifics of its tactile feedback or resistance level remain unspecified. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry excels in its frictionless feel, characterized by silky, buttery, and polished qualities. This composition allows for an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, significantly reducing any sensation of friction when pressing the keys. The seamless travel and refined finish of the Strawberry switch enhance its overall smoothness, making it a standout choice for those who prioritize a fluid keystroke.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Strawberry switches offer distinct characteristics, they both contribute to enjoyable typing experiences. The Glory Yellow is well-regarded for its pleasant keystroke and smooth travel, albeit with less detailed information on its sound and tactile feedback. Meanwhile, the KTT Strawberry shines with its low-pitched sound and exceptionally smooth feel, offering an effortless typing experience due to its frictionless and polished nature. Choosing between them will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, but both switches can provide satisfying performance for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Strawberry linear switches, consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a smooth typing experience without any resistance, the Glory Yellow switches might be the ideal choice for you. They deliver a pleasant travel distance and are well-suited for long typing sessions, making them excellent for those who prioritize comfort and ease. However, when you need a more defined tactile feedback and a slightly heavier actuation force, the KTT Strawberry switches could be your go-to option. With their medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, they provide a satisfying balance of resistance and fluidity that many users appreciate. Their low-pitched sound and frictionless feel can enhance your typing experience, particularly if you value a seamless and quiet operation. Ultimately, your decision will reflect your personal comfort and the specific tasks you’ll be using your mechanical keyboard for, whether that's for gaming, typing, or general everyday use.
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