Gateron Glory Red vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, both the Gateron Glory Red and the TTC Gold Brown Pro offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Glory Red, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and lighter actuation force, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who value rapid, uninterrupted key presses without any tactile resistance. Its appealing travel distance enhances the overall typing experience, allowing for quick and fluid movements. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro, a tactile switch, provides a more nuanced feedback experience with its gentle tactile bump. This subtle tactility enables typists to engage deeply with their work while maintaining a whisper-quiet sound profile, making it perfect for office settings or shared workspaces where distractions should be minimized. As such, those who seek a more immersive yet tactile typing experience may gravitate towards the Gold Brown Pro. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
NPI
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the TTC Gold Brown Pro, a notable difference arises in their top housings. The Glory Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which provides a distinct deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This material not only contributes to the overall auditory experience but also absorbs sound, leading to a more muted and rounded tone. In contrast, the Gold Brown Pro sports a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper, crisper sound profile. The stiffer characteristics of polycarbonate allow for a clearer resonance, producing a more pronounced auditory feedback that some users may prefer for its brightness and clarity, particularly in environments where distinctive keypress sounds are desired.
On the other hand, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, which means they share similar acoustic properties in this regard. The nylon bottom housing in both the Glory Red and Gold Brown Pro facilitates a deeper and rounder sound when the key is bottomed out. Since this part of the switch has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, users of either switch can expect a tactile and subdued auditory experience at the key's lowest point. As both switches utilize the same material for this housing, the performance remains comparably robust in terms of sound absorption and response at the point of actuation.
When comparing the overall experiences these switches provide, the key distinction lies in their top housings. The unique characteristics of the nylon and polycarbonate materials affect the sound profile during key release, resulting in different auditory experiences. While users may appreciate the deeper sound signature offered by the Glory Red due to its nylon top, those who value clarity and sharpness may gravitate towards the Gold Brown Pro with its polycarbonate top. Ultimately, while both switches feature a nylon bottom housing contributing to their similar bottom-out experience, the choice between these switches will resonate largely with individual preferences for sound profiles created by their distinct top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch to the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, both switches exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that users will experience a similar resistance when pressing the keys to register a keystroke, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions as it allows for a consistent feel. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to determine how they will feel when pressed all the way down. Since both switches share the same actuation force, they can be considered equal in terms of this characteristic, appealing to those who prefer a lighter touch for longer durations of typing or gaming. However, without knowing the bottom out force, it's challenging to compare their overall tactile response when bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, there's a notable difference. The Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Gold Brown Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that for users who prioritize responsiveness and quicker key presses, the Glory Red may provide a more immediate feel, which can be advantageous for gamers or those who prefer a snappier response. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro's longer travel distance may appeal to users who favor a more substantial keypress, offering a tactile experience that some may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on individual preferences regarding depth and responsiveness in key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Glory Red and the TTC Gold Brown Pro, the Glory Red's specific auditory characteristics are not defined, leaving its sound profile open to interpretation based on the build of the keyboard and materials used. Conversely, the Gold Brown Pro is noted for its thocky sound, delivering a deep, rich auditory response with each keystroke. This subtle sound, however, remains neutral enough to not intrude on the overall environment, making it suitable for both home and office settings. Users can expect the Gold Brown Pro to produce a pleasant, understated keystroke sound, while the Glory Red's auditory experience may vary based on the keyboard assembly.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Glory Red offers a smooth keystroke with a comfortable travel distance, although specific descriptors of its tactile feedback and resistance haven't been provided. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro boasts several appealing characteristics, including a polished and silky smoothness that leads to a refined and effortless typing experience. Its mild and subtle tactile feedback, emanating from a gentle bump, allows users to type without feeling overwhelmed by resistance or excessive feedback. The stepped design contributes to a soft transition between keystrokes, which enhances typing fluidity. Therefore, while users of the Glory Red can expect a generally smooth experience, the Gold Brown Pro provides a more nuanced tactile sensation that sets it apart.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Glory Red and TTC Gold Brown Pro switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they offer distinct experiences. The Gold Brown Pro's subdued auditory signature and refined tactile feedback contrast with the more variable sound profile of the Glory Red, which emphasizes smoothness in travel. For those prioritizing a tactile typing experience with minimal distraction, the Gold Brown Pro stands out as a refined option, while the Glory Red may suit users seeking a straightforward, smooth journey without specific expectations regarding sound or tactility.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience, perhaps for gaming or typing fast, the Glory Red would be your ideal choice. Its lighter touch and pleasant travel distance make it an enjoyable option, especially in high-speed scenarios where speed and fluidity are paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a more measured typing experience with subtle feedback, the Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is the way to go. Its gentle tactile bump provides just enough resistance to enhance your typing rhythm without being overly intrusive, perfect for long typing sessions or work environments where concentration is key. Furthermore, the Gold Brown Pro’s subdued sound profile ensures a quieter typing experience, making it suitable for shared spaces. In essence, if you lean towards speed and seamlessness, go for the Glory Red; but if you appreciate nuance and a hint of tactility, the TTC Gold Brown Pro will meet your needs more effectively.
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