TTC Bluish White vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Glory Red represent two distinct approaches to the typing experience. The Bluish White, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its gratifyingly poppy typing feedback, characterized by a snappy sound profile that enhances the interaction with each keystroke. Its unique tactile bump gives users a satisfying sensation and auditory response that many typists crave. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red switches lean towards a smoother experience, with a linear design that boasts a pleasing travel distance and effortless keystroke, making it an attractive choice for gamers and fast typists seeking a fluid action without interruptions. Each switch has its dedicated fanbase, with the Bluish White's tactile feedback appealing to those who enjoy a more interactive typing experience, while the Glory Red caters to users who prioritize swift and silent keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and Gateron Glory Red switches present a fascinating contrast, especially when examining the top housing components. The Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its clarity and rigidity. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, allowing for a crisper acoustic experience. Polycarbonate's translucent nature not only enhances the aesthetic appeal, particularly under RGB lighting, but also contributes to a more resonant sound. In stark contrast, the Gateron Glory Red sports a nylon top housing. This classic material is characterized by its softer composition, which results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that is more subdued and rounded. This fundamental difference in the top housing materials sets the tone for how each switch will perform acoustically when in use.
Analyzing the bottom housings of the respective switches reveals a different yet noteworthy similarity. Both the TTC Bluish White and Gateron Glory Red switches utilize a nylon bottom housing, which emphasizes a similar deeper and more rounded sound profile in both cases. The nylon material's property of sound absorption means both switches will present a comfortable and muted bottom-out experience, conducive to softer acoustics during typing. This shared aspect of their construction allows users to expect a comparable tactile feel at the actuation point when bottoming out, even if the overall auditory characteristics differ greatly due to the contrast found in their top housings.
Ultimately, the combined effects of both the top and bottom housing materials yield a singular user experience when interacting with either switch, but distinct nuances remain. The TTC Bluish White’s polycarbonate housing predominates the initial sound profile, resulting in a brighter acoustic signature, while the nylon bottom housing grounds the experience with a fuller sound during bottoming out. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red delivers a more consistent sound profile between top and bottom due to its completely nylon structure, providing a cohesive yet deeper auditory feedback. Thus, while both switches may yield satisfying results in terms of typing experience and sound absorption, the interplay of materials ultimately shapes how each switch feels and sounds in a multifaceted way.
Weight
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch have distinct characteristics concerning their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bluish White switch features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, but its bottom out force is not specified, which means we cannot comparison on that aspect. Generally, lighter switches like the Bluish White are favored by those who type or game for extended periods, as they require less effort to press down, while the Glory Red's heavier actuation force might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the TTC Bluish White is the lighter choice, while the Gateron Glory Red is heavier but lacks a defined bottom out force for comparison.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Glory Red linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Bluish White switch provides a marginally shorter actuation than the Glory Red, which could appeal to gamers who prefer quicker key presses for faster response times. On the other hand, those who favor a deeper, more deliberate keystroke may find the additional 0.1 mm of travel in the Glory Red more satisfying. Ultimately, if you select the Bluish White, you'll appreciate its shorter travel distance for speed, while the Glory Red caters to those who seek a more substantial feel in their key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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
The sound profile of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is characterized by a low-pitched tone, delivering a more bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience while typing. This quality provides a satisfying and snappy feedback that resembles the pleasant pops often associated with tactile switches. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch are unspecified, which leaves an ambiguity surrounding its auditory experience. Nonetheless, it's essential to note that the overall sound produced by either switch can be influenced by various factors, including the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Bluish White offers a complex experience. It has buttery, mild, subtle, stepped, and polished traits, meaning that it provides a smooth and fluid keystroke while also maintaining a gentle resistance. The use of tactile elements accentuates the typing experience without overwhelming the user, making it both accessible and enjoyable. In contrast, while details for the feel of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch are not provided, linear switches typically feature consistent keystrokes without a tactile bump, which may result in a fluid typing sensation.
In conclusion, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch stands out with its distinct low-pitched sound and multifaceted tactile feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate a lively typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red's sound characteristics remain unknown, but as a linear switch, it likely provides a smoother keystroke without the tactile feedback found in the Bluish White. Users looking for a satisfying pop might gravitate towards the Bluish White, while those who prefer a seamless and quieter experience may lean towards linear options like the Glory Red. Ultimately, each switch can cater to different preferences, so personal experimentation will be key to finding what fits best for your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between TTC Bluish White tactile switches and Gateron Glory Red linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a tactile feel with a satisfying pop and snappy sound, the Bluish White switches are the way to go. Their light bottom-out force and buttery, polished feel make them ideal for those who enjoy a more dynamic and engaging typing experience, especially in quieter environments where the low-pitched sound won’t disturb others. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke free from tactile feedback, the Gateron Glory Red switches promise a fluid and effortless feel that can enhance your typing speed and comfort during long sessions. Although they’re not available at the moment, keep an eye out for them if you're in search of a linear switch that prioritizes a pleasing travel distance without the distraction of noise. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how you want your keyboard to feel and sound as you type, ensuring you select the switch that complements your style best.
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