Gateron Glory Yellow vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Wine Red are two standout options for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience. The Glory Yellow switches are renowned for their heavier feel and smooth keystroke, providing a satisfying travel distance that enhances the overall typing experience. This makes them an excellent choice for those who prefer a more substantial feedback without the noise associated with clicky switches. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red switches offer a light and pillowy touch, complemented by a deep and rich sound profile that many find particularly pleasant. This makes them ideal for users who enjoy a quieter typing experience while still wanting the benefits of linear feedback. Both switches have their unique advantages, catering to different preferences in both tactile feel and auditory feedback. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
When examining the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Wine Red switches, one of the most noticeable differences lies in their top housing materials. The Glory Yellow features nylon, which is renowned for its softer texture and ability to absorb sound. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a more muted auditory experience when typing. Conversely, the KTT Wine Red is constructed with polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that enhances sound clarity and resonance. This use of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a lively auditory feedback while typing. While both materials serve as housing options, their intrinsic properties yield distinct sound experiences that cater to different typing preferences.
The contrast continues with the bottom housing of each switch. The Glory Yellow's bottom housing, also made from nylon, reinforces its characteristic deeper sound profile, enhancing both the auditory feel and response during key presses. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red, incorporating polycarbonate for its bottom housing, promotes a clearer sound, especially during the act of bottoming out. This difference in material not only affects the sound but also the tactile experience; where the Nylon of the Glory Yellow provides a softer feel, the polycarbonate structure of the Wine Red contributes to a more snappy and pronounced key response. Therefore, while both switches will exhibit distinct characteristics, the experience of bottoming out between the two will deeply reflect the material orientation of each.
Despite the evident differences in housing materials, both switches can still produce satisfying results depending on user preferences. If one were to use the Glory Yellow and Wine Red switches in a keyboard, the overall sound experience would reflect the unique traits of their respective housings; the Glory Yellow offering a deep resonance while the Wine Red maintains a sharp clarity. Keyboard enthusiasts often mix and match these switches to create a harmonious blend of sounds, leveraging the properties of nylon and polycarbonate. Thus, while the sound profile and tactile feedback may vary for each switch, both can deliver a compelling typing experience based on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different typing preferences. The Glory Yellow requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Wine Red has a lighter actuation force of 44 grams. This makes the Wine Red easier to press, which can be advantageous for those who desire a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the Glory Yellow's lack of specified bottom out force means we don't have comparable information for that aspect. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which classifies it as medium-light. This means that while both switches are linear and offer a smooth typing experience, the Gateron Glory Yellow is overall heavier due to its higher actuation force, making it potentially preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial feel in their keystrokes. Those seeking a lighter typing experience would find the KTT Wine Red more appealing, particularly given its substantially lower actuation force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch both possess the same travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on the keys. This equal travel distance suggests that both switches will provide an identical tactile experience, allowing for consistent performance whether typing or gaming. Consequently, those who prefer one over the other can enjoy the same actuation depth, ensuring that either choice will yield comparable results in terms of key travel.
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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch isn't specifically detailed, but given its reputation for a smooth keystroke, one might expect it to produce a clean and consistent sound profile during use. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch is characterized by its deep and rich, bassy sound profile, which offers a compelling auditory experience that many enjoy. The low-pitched quality provides a satisfying tone that enhances the typing experience, making it particularly appealing for those who appreciate a more substantial acoustic feedback. Overall, if you prefer a punchier sound, the Wine Red may make a more favorable impression, while the Glory Yellow might offer a more understated auditory experience.
In terms of tactile feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch shines with its smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, making it a joy to type on, suitable for extended use without discomfort. The KTT Wine Red, however, is noted for its pillowy light touch, providing a different sensation that combines softness with a satisfying response. This contrast in feel offers distinct typing experiences; while Glory Yellow focuses on a more direct and smooth feedback, the Wine Red leans towards a cushioned effect, making it ideal for users who enjoy a gentler touch.
In conclusion, the Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Wine Red switches offer two unique experiences tailored to different types of typists. While the Glory Yellow is celebrated for its smoothness and potentially more subdued sound, the Wine Red entices with its bassy, rich sound and pillowy feel. Depending on your preferences—whether you seek a clean and smooth typing experience or a deeper auditory feedback and softer touch—you can find satisfaction in either switch. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference, as both can yield enjoyable results while maintaining their distinct qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Wine Red linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smooth, effortless keystroke with a lighter touch, the Gateron Glory Yellow would be your ideal choice. Its characteristics provide an enjoyable typing experience, making it well-suited for those who enjoy rapid key presses or long typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more tactile experience with a medium-light resistance and a rich, deep sound, the KTT Wine Red is the way to go. The pleasant, pillowy feel and satisfying bassy sound profile of the Wine Red can offer a compelling auditory feedback that many users find appealing. In summary, your decision should center around whether you value a lighter and smoother keystroke or a slightly more resistant feel coupled with a rich audio experience. Ultimately, both switches have unique features that cater to different preferences, so consider what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard.
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