Gateron Glory Red vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Red and TTC Gold Red linear switches each offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Glory Red is recognized for its lighter feel and smooth keystroke, providing a pleasing travel distance that enhances the overall typing experience. This makes it an excellent choice for users seeking a swift and less fatiguing typing sensation. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, striking a balance between tactile feedback and ease of use. Its distinctive snappy sound profile adds a subtle personality to your keyboard, without overwhelming the senses, appealing to those who prefer a more understated auditory experience. While both switches excel in their own right, they serve different users depending on individual linear switch preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the TTC Gold Red switches, a distinct contrast is apparent in the choice of materials for their top housings. The Glory Red utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, typists may experience a rounder and less pronounced auditory feedback while using the Glory Red. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red's top housing is made of polycarbonate—a stiffer material that produces a sharper, crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances sound clarity but also makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, as it allows light to pass through effectively, creating a more vibrant visual effect.
Both switches share the same bottom housing material: nylon. This uniformity results in a consistent auditory experience in terms of sound characteristics when bottoming out, as both switches deliver that deeper, fuller sound that nylon is known for. While the top housing of each switch contributes significantly to the overall sound profile during typing, the bottom housing retains a significant impact at the point of actuation. As such, users of either switch will notice that the sound produced when the key is fully pressed down has similar auditory qualities, as both models rely on nylon for this aspect. This resemblance leads to congruity in performance when it comes to bottom-out sounds, preserving that classic plush feeling that typists prefer.
In summary, while the Gateron Glory Red and TTC Gold Red switches differ in their top housing materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—they converge on the bottom housing, both embracing nylon as their choice. This shared characteristic ensures that users experience a consistent depth and roundness of sound when bottoming out both switches. However, the unique properties of the top housings dictate a noticeable difference in sound feedback upon key release: the Glory Red offers a softer auditory experience, while the Gold Red delivers a sharper and crisper response. For those who appreciate the RGB aesthetic, the TTC Gold Red may hold an advantage, while the Glory Red appeals to those who prefer a deeper, muted sound profile during use.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, the actuation forces reveal a slight difference in their feel and responsiveness. The Glory Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a touch heavier than the Gold Red, which has a lower actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Gold Red is better suited for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, potentially reducing finger fatigue. However, the bottom out force of the Glory Red is not available, while the Gold Red has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This provides a more substantial feedback when the key is fully pressed down, appealing to those who favor a firmer typing experience. Overall, if you prefer lighter switches, the TTC Gold Red would be the better choice, whereas if you enjoy a heavier feel, the Gateron Glory Red might suit you, pending the availability of its bottom out force data.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red and the TTC Gold Red linear switches show a clear distinction, with the Glory Red measuring at 3.6 mm and the Gold Red at 4 mm. This means that the Gold Red switch offers more depth, providing a fuller keystroke experience, which can be preferred by users who appreciate a more pronounced feedback and a traditional feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Glory Red at 3.6 mm caters to those who favor quicker response times, making it a better option for fast-paced gaming scenarios. In summary, while both switches serve distinct user preferences, the Glory Red is the shorter option and may appeal to gamers seeking agility, whereas the Gold Red's longer travel distance might satisfy those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 Gateron Glory Red switch remains unspecified, but it can be reasonably inferred that it likely embodies a smooth, subdued auditory character typical of many linear switches, aiming to provide a quiet typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is characterized by a thocky sound, producing deeper and more resonant tones reminiscent of a soft thud with each keypress. This gives the Gold Red an edge if you value a richer auditory feedback, while still maintaining an overall low-pitched and neutral sound profile that renders it versatile for various environments—whether it be at home or in an office setting.
Regarding the feel, availability of detailed information for the Glory Red switch is absent, but similar linear switches are usually known for their smooth keystrokes. The TTC Gold Red, on the other hand, is noted for its mild resistance and silky smoothness, creating a delightful tactile experience with minimal friction. Words like "subtle" and "polished" describe its refined characteristics, making each keystroke feel effortless and comfortable. Thus, while the specifics of the Glory Red’s feel remain uncertain, you can expect them to provide an enjoyable typing experience comparable to the Gold Red if they follow the common traits of linear switches.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Glory Red linear switch leaves some attributes unknown, it fits into a category of linear switches known for smooth operation, which may align with the experience offered by the TTC Gold Red. The Gold Red, with its distinct sound features and refined tactile qualities, provides a compelling choice for typists and gamers alike who appreciate a mild, silky feel and a rich sound without being overwhelming. If you prioritize these qualities, choosing either switch will likely yield a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, depending on how critical the specific sound profile is to your preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Red and the TTC Gold Red linear switches, your choice should align with your specific preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you favor an ultra-smooth keystroke with little to no resistance and want a switch that can handle rapid key presses without feeling taxing, you might find the Gateron Glory Red aligns perfectly with your needs. This makes it an excellent choice for gaming or fast-paced typing without the distraction of sound. On the other hand, if you enjoy a typing experience that offers a gentle level of resistance with a touch of personality, the TTC Gold Red may be your better option. Its thocky sound and polished feel add depth to your typing experience and make it suitable for both work and casual use, even in shared environments. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches should reflect your personal style, the environments in which you’ll be using them, and the specific tactile feedback you seek while typing or gaming.
Mentioned in this article
