HMX 1989 vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the HMX 1989 and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX 1989 and Gateron Glory Red offer distinct yet appealing characteristics for users seeking a satisfying typing experience. The HMX 1989, noted for its deep and thocky sound, is part of the HMX Film switch series and provides a tactile feedback that many gamers and typists appreciate for its pronounced feel during intense sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red switches are designed for those who prefer a lighter touch, featuring a smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, making them particularly enjoyable for prolonged typing without fatigue. While the HMX 1989 excels in delivering auditory feedback and a robust feel often favored by enthusiasts, the Gateron Glory Red stands out for its effortless actuation and comfort in everyday use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Gateron Glory Red switches present a fascinating contrast, particularly in their top housings. The HMX 1989 features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffer properties that contribute to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's translucency is also an advantageous quality for RGB lighting enthusiasts seeking to enhance their keyboard aesthetics. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which is recognized for imparting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. While the HMX 1989's polycarbonate housing amplifies higher pitches, the nylon of the Glory Red dampens sound, resulting in a fundamentally different auditory experience when key presses are executed.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, it's noteworthy that they utilize the same material: nylon. Both the HMX 1989 and the Gateron Glory Red are designed with nylon bottom housings which contribute to that deeper and rounder sound profile characteristic of switches made from this material. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in the overall feel and sound during key presses; since nylon absorbs sound more effectively than stiffer plastics, users can expect a smoother, more muted thock when bottoming out. This similarity in bottom housing materials means that despite the contrasting top housing materials, the feel of typing on both switches will share a common baseline—a deeper acoustic quality stemming from the nylon.
Overall, while the HMX 1989 and Gateron Glory Red switches exhibit distinctive qualities in their top housing materials, they converge in terms of their bottom housings. The polycarbonate top housing of the 1989 provides a bright and resonant typing experience, while the nylon top of the Glory Red offers a softer and more rounded sound. However, the shared nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that upper sound qualities are balanced by a baseline of deep, full sound, leading to a unique typing experience. Thus, while the auditory profiles of the switches will diverge when the keys are pressed, the shared characteristics of the nylon material in the bottoms ensure that users will still enjoy a certain consistency in feel and sound during their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, it becomes evident that both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which suggests that they will deliver similar typing experiences in terms of sensitivity and response. However, the HMX 1989 also has a defined bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating that it requires slightly more effort to fully depress the key, providing a more substantial feel upon bottoming out. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red does not have a specified bottom out force, leaving uncertainty about how it feels when pressed all the way down. In terms of weight, both switches are categorized as medium-light due to their actuation forces, making them ideal for users who appreciate lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, while the actuation forces are comparable, the presence of a defined bottom out force in the HMX 1989 provides a clearer choice for those who prefer a distinct tactile feedback when bottoming out, contrasting with the Gateron Glory Red's unknown specification.
Travel distance
The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch exhibit distinct travel distances, making them suitable for different preferences in key feel and responsiveness. The HMX 1989 boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which is on the traditional side and provides a more pronounced keypress experience. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who prefer quicker response times, often favored by gamers. This difference of 0.4 mm may seem small, but it can significantly impact the typing experience: the 1989's longer travel can feel more satisfying for users who enjoy the depth, while the Glory Red's shorter travel may suit users looking for a snappier response. Overall, if you prioritize a more substantial keypress, the HMX 1989 is the better choice, while the Gateron Glory Red serves those who lean towards faster actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX 1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the 1989 for $3.29.
The Gateron Glory Red 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 Red for $4.19.
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 HMX 1989 linear switch is known for its deep, thocky acoustics that create a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced sound profile. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red switches, although lighter, offer a smooth and refined sound that tends to be quieter and less impactful than the 1989. While both switches deliver a pleasant audio experience, the choice between them boils down to personal preference—whether you favor a more pronounced thockiness or a subtler and smoother sound.
For the feel, the HMX 1989 is celebrated for its robust and tactile sensations, providing a certain weightiness that is often preferred by gamers and typists who enjoy a substantial keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red offers a lighter touch, which lends itself to a smoother, less resistant experience that some users may find more comfortable for long typing sessions. Both switches cater to different styles of typing; the choice may vary based on whether you prefer a more tactile, anchored feel or a lighter, almost effortless keystroke.
In conclusion, both the HMX 1989 and Gateron Glory Red linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities that cater to various preferences. The 1989 is perfect for those who desire a deeper sound and a more substantial feel, while the Glory Red appeals to users looking for smoothness and a lightweight keystroke. Ultimately, the decision rests on your personal typing style and auditory preferences, and you can be assured that either switch will provide an enjoyable experience within their respective characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch ultimately hinges on your preferences for typing feel and sound, as well as the type of tasks you'll be engaging in. If you're seeking a switch that offers a medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, combined with a deep and thocky sound profile that adds an auditory dimension to your typing or gaming experience, the HMX 1989 is your best bet. This switch is particularly suited for users who appreciate a distinct tactile feedback and a satisfying sound, making it ideal for both gaming and extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke with a lighter touch—ideal for rapid keypresses in gaming or a more effortless typing experience—the Gateron Glory Red is the way to go. This switch provides a balanced travel distance and a sound profile that allows for quieter operation, making it great for work environments or shared spaces. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and the ambiance of your workspace, helping you find the switch that truly enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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