Gateron Glory Yellow vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound profile. The Gateron Glory Yellow, with its heavier actuation force, provides a solid and satisfying keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more substantial feedback during typing. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream distinguishes itself with the innovative use of POK materials, creating a unique buttery and creamy feel that many users find delightful. This switch not only feels smooth but also boasts a high-pitched, clacky sound that adds an auditory pleasure to each keypress. While each switch has its merits—one favoring a robust, tactile experience and the other offering a lighter, more melodic response—understanding the nuances of their design and performance is crucial. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
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
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow switches and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches, notable differences emerge, particularly in their top housing compositions. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing, recognized for its classic qualities. Nylon's softer texture contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, filtering and absorbing sound waves effectively to create a muted, rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream employs a proprietary blend of materials referred to as KTT, which yields a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. This distinction in sound profiles signals that users can expect different auditory experiences, dependent on the housing material used.
The bottom housing of both switches also illustrates a divergence in materials and their properties. The Gateron Glory Yellow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which, similar to its top counterpart, enhances the richness of sound due to nylon's inherent sound-absorbing characteristics. Alternatively, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is crafted with a POK bottom housing, known for its exceptional durability and smooth operation. The POK material's lower coefficient of friction and high wear resistance not only contributes to a smoother keystroke but also affects the overall sound signature. While both switches offer a compelling typing experience, the different bottom housing materials influence the feel and durability as well.
Ultimately, while both the Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches provide unique auditory experiences due to their distinct housing materials, they also share some similarities in the overall typing experience. Users can achieve a combination of sound characteristics from different materials, as the interplay between the top and bottom housings shapes the resulting sound and feel during key presses. The bottom housing, with its substantial impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, influences how the switches perform overall. Therefore, while users may experience varied auditory outputs from the unique combination of housings, both switches remain capable of delivering satisfying tactile feedback and sound profiles tailored to their respective designs.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, we see notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to various preferences. The Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, which makes it heavier than the Vanilla Ice Cream's actuation force of 43 grams. This means users who prefer a lighter touch might find the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream more comfortable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel might lean towards the Glory Yellow. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow switch is unknown, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a bottom out force of 48 grams, which is also relatively light. Consequently, while both switches offer a different typing experience in terms of push feel, the Glory Yellow is the heavier option, making the Vanilla Ice Cream more suited for users who prefer a lighter keystroke experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Gateron Glory Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional preference for a deeper and more hearty typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a more responsive option that is often favored by gamers seeking quicker actuation. This difference means that those who prefer a more pronounced key feel would likely enjoy the Gateron Glory Yellow, while those who prioritize speed and responsiveness may opt for the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream. Thus, if you desire a more substantial key press, the Glory Yellow would be the better choice, whereas for swifter reactions, the Vanilla Ice Cream is the way to go.
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 Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch’s acoustic profile is not specifically defined, but it is generally expected to offer a subtle and muted character typical of linear switches, which tends to be less intrusive and conducive to a quieter typing environment. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch boasts a distinctly high-pitched and clacky sound. This high-pitched sound signature provides a sharp and crisp auditory experience, appealing to those who prefer a more vibrant and resonant keystroke. As a result, if you prioritize auditory feedback in your typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream is likely to offer a more exciting sound profile compared to the Glory Yellow.
Feel-wise, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch is known for delivering a smooth keystroke with a comfortable travel distance, ensuring a pleasant typing experience that many users appreciate in linear switches. Meanwhile, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch elevates this experience with its unique POK material, providing a buttery and creamy feel. Its buttery texture allows for a seamless typing experience, while the creamy characteristic makes each keystroke feel light and fluid, akin to gliding over the keys. For typists who value the tactile sensation in addition to smoothness, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out by enriching the overall experience.
In conclusion, while both switches offer smooth keystrokes characteristic of linear switches, the Gateron Glory Yellow leans towards a traditional, quieter auditory profile with a more stable feel, making it excellent for a muted typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides not only a vibrant, engaging sound but also an exceptionally silky tactile feedback. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you will find that each switch caters to different typing experiences, allowing you to choose based on the qualities that matter most to you.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you're seeking a switch that offers a smooth keystroke with a user-friendly travel distance, and you enjoy the sensation of a heavier switch, the Glory Yellow would be the ideal choice for a satisfying typing experience. It provides a delightful feel that many typists appreciate, especially during long typing sessions where comfort is paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a uniquely delightful auditory feedback, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is worth considering. Its creamy and buttery feel enhances the typing experience, making every keystroke a pleasure, while its high-pitched, resonant sound signature sets it apart for those who enjoy distinct acoustic feedback. In essence, if you lean towards a heavier, smoother experience, reach for the Glory Yellow. But if you seek a light, creamy typing sensation with enjoyable sound, then the Vanilla Ice Cream is your best bet.
Mentioned in this article
