Gateron Glory Red vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, Gateron Glory Red and TTC Gold Red Pro stand out among linear options, each offering unique advantages tailored to different user preferences. The Gateron Glory Red is lauded for its lighter actuation force and smooth keystroke, providing a delightful typing experience with a pleasing travel distance, making it ideal for those who prioritize a responsive feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro showcases versatility, catering to a broader audience with its ease of press and neutral sound signature. This switch not only excels in gaming scenarios but also suits office environments and casual typing sessions, thanks to its adaptable nature and balanced audio profile. While both switches offer fluid, linear experiences, the choice between them often comes down to what you value most in your typing setup. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
When it comes to the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches, there is a distinct contrast in their top housings that significantly influences the auditory experience during use. The Gateron Glory Red features a nylon top housing, which is known for its soft texture and sound-absorbing qualities. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that contributes to a more muted type of key press, making it ideal for users seeking an understated auditory experience. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its rigidity and translucency. This material emits a sharper, crisper sound that enhances the clarity of key presses, particularly when RGB lighting is involved. Thus, users will appreciate a markedly different sound experience based on the housing choice, with the Gateron providing a rounder tone compared to the Gold Red Pro's brighter, more pronounced acoustics.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both switches share a common characteristic in their bottom housings, as both utilize nylon. This similarity in material results in a consistent deep sound profile for the bottom-out feel, meaning that users of both switches will experience a softer, more forgiving landing sound. The nylon material in the bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, leading to a duller auditory feedback when a key is fully pressed down. Consequently, while the typist may notice a variation in sound and acoustics during the release of a key due to the top housing differences, the fundamental bottom-out feel and sound remain similar across both switches.
In summary, while the Gateron Glory Red and TTC Gold Red Pro switches differ in their top housing materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—they both favor nylon in their bottom housings, resulting in a fuller landing sound regardless of the top housing’s influence on release characteristics. This duality allows typists to enjoy a satisfying typing experience that balances the contrasting sound profiles from the different top materials, culminating in a nuanced and well-rounded auditory journey. Therefore, while each switch offers unique qualities, they also share a foundational similarity that can produce comparable results in terms of sound feedback when pressing down on the keys.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, the Glory Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the Gold Red Pro has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This difference indicates that users may find the Gold Red Pro easier to type on during extended periods, enhancing comfort for long work or gaming sessions. However, both switches have unknown bottom out forces, making it difficult to compare their performance during deep presses. Since the bottom out force is unavailable for both switches, we cannot analyze how they feel when bottomed out. Overall, the Gateron Glory Red is the heavier switch, while the TTC Gold Red Pro is the lighter option, making the latter more suitable for those who prefer less resistance while typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, there is a distinct difference. The Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gold Red Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that gamers and users seeking faster response times may prefer the Gateron Glory Red due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate quicker key presses. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing might gravitate towards the TTC Gold Red Pro, as its longer travel distance of 3.8 mm provides a deeper, more satisfying keypress experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding key feel and responsiveness.
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 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 Red 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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Glory Red switch lacks a defined auditory character in the provided context, leaving it open to interpretation based on personal experience or specific board configurations. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch is recognized for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile. This switch delivers a deep, rich sound that is both satisfying and well-balanced, making it suitable for a variety of environments. With its neutral sound signature, the Gold Red Pro offers a harmonious blend that ensures it won’t dominate the sound landscape, making it a versatile choice for users, whether in gaming sessions or office settings.
On the tactile front, the feel of the Gateron Glory Red switch is also not explicitly defined, which leaves newcomers curious about its performance. However, the TTC Gold Red Pro is characterized by several appealing tactile qualities. It boasts a polished and silky texture, promoting a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal friction. The mild and subtle resistance of the Gold Red Pro ensures that users enjoy a gentle yet responsive typing experience, making it user-friendly for both beginners and seasoned typists.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Glory Red’s specific sound and feel qualities remain undefined, the TTC Gold Red Pro excels in delivering a refined auditory and tactile experience. The Gold Red Pro's deep, thocky sound and smooth, polished feel contribute to its versatility, appealing to a wide range of users across different activities. Both switches can yield pleasant typing experiences, but those seeking specific auditory and tactile characteristics may find the Gold Red Pro offers a more defined and enjoyable experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and intended usage. If you're looking for a lighter, more enjoyable keystroke that emphasizes a smooth typing experience, the Glory Red may suit you well, particularly if you relish a more subtle sound and feel. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize a pleasant typing sensation without too many distractions, making it suitable for everyday typing tasks or those who simply enjoy a softer response when typing. Conversely, if you value versatility and a more robust auditory experience, the TTC Gold Red Pro would be your switch of choice. Its thocky, low-pitched sound signature adds a layer of satisfaction to your typing, while its polished and silky feel ensures a seamless experience across a range of activities, from gaming to office work. This switch's adaptability makes it a reliable option regardless of your setup, making it particularly fitting for mixed-use environments. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your priorities—light touch versus auditory depth—and understanding these nuances will help you select the switch that best aligns with your typing needs.
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