Gateron Glory Red vs. Gateron Ink Black V2

Overview

When exploring the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Red and Gateron Ink Black V2 stand out as notable choices, each catering to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Glory Red, known for its smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for users who favor rapid keystrokes and a comfortable typing experience. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 has earned its reputation as a long-time community favorite, delivering a smooth downstroke paired with a rich and satisfying sound profile characterized as low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy. This makes it a compelling option for those who appreciate both tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction while typing. Each switch presents unique advantages—whether it's the lightweight ease of the Glory Red or the robust auditory experience of the Ink Black V2. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Glory Red Linear

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and Gateron Ink Black V2 switches diverge significantly in terms of composition and the auditory experiences they offer. The Glory Red utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, a classic material that is noted for its softer characteristics. This nylon housing absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The inherent properties of nylon create a richer auditory experience, fostering a duller and rounder sound that appeals to users preferring a more muted typing experience. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 employs a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings, which is designed to produce a higher-pitched and clackier sound profile. The INK blend generates more pointed sound characteristics, ensuring that users enjoy a thinner, yet satisfying auditory feedback during key presses.

In the context of typing feel, the differences in housing materials contribute to how users perceive each switch. For the Gateron Glory Red, the nylon housing not only influences sound but also contributes to a softer overall feel when the keys bottom out. The combination of both the nylon top and bottom housing ensures a cohesive auditory environment that leans towards a more subdued experience. Meanwhile, the Ink Black V2’s INK blend achieves a contrasting effect: its design emphasizes a sharper, crisper sound and feel, creating a more pronounced response during key presses. While both switches provide tactile feedback, the differences in sound profiles reflect their unique housing materials, with nylon promoting a fuller feel and the INK blend emphasizing a lively clack.

Despite these differences, users can still achieve similar typing outcomes when focusing on specific attributes shared by the switches. For instance, both switches possess distinct sound profiles that result from the interplay of their top and bottom housings. The sound generated when bottoming out in the Ink Black V2 may be heightened due to its sharper materials, whereas the Glory Red's softer nylon aids in producing a more rounded sound. Ultimately, while the Gateron Glory Red delivers a deeper and fuller auditory experience through its nylon composition, the Ink Black V2 presents a lively and high-pitched response due to its unique INK blend, showcasing how diverse materials can influence not only the sound but also the overall typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, clear differences in actuation force emerge. The Glory Red switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter and potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming, while the Ink Black V2 requires a stiffer actuation force of 60 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Additionally, the Ink Black V2’s bottom out force is measured at 70 grams, which provides a definitive resistance when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unavailable, creating uncertainty in its bottoming out experience. Overall, users favoring lighter switches may gravitate towards the Glory Red, whereas those seeking a stronger push should consider the Ink Black V2 for its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, we see a notable difference. The Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ink Black V2 has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Glory Red offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. In contrast, the Ink Black V2, with its deeper 4 mm travel, may provide a more cushioned experience that some users prefer, as it allows for a more substantial feel during key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the individual's preference for either responsiveness or depth in their typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch is characterized by its smooth keystroke, which may result in a more muted sound profile. While specific sound attributes for the Glory Red are not provided, users often find lighter linear switches to possess a quieter sound compared to their heavier counterparts. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 boasts a rich and varied sound profile. It delivers a low-pitched, bassy tone that offers a deeper auditory experience during keystrokes, complemented by a chirpy quality that adds a unique acoustic signature. The difference in sound between these two switches is significant, with the Ink Black V2 providing a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to the potentially quieter typing of the Glory Red.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red is noted for its smooth keystroke and pleasant travel distance, creating an enjoyable typing experience. Unfortunately, specific descriptors for feel are not provided. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 switch is described as mild and polished. The mildness ensures a gentle typing experience that is accessible to most users, while the polished characteristic indicates a highly refined, smooth finish. This results in reduced friction and a more effortless keystroke, making the Ink Black V2 not only smooth but also comfortable for extended typing sessions.

In summary, the Gateron Glory Red and Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switches offer differing experiences in both sound and feel. The Glory Red leans towards a quieter and smoother experience, ideal for those who may prefer less auditory feedback, while the Ink Black V2 provides a richer and bassier sound alongside a polished feel that provides a luxurious typing experience. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, as you can expect a smoother experience from both but with notable differences in their sound profiles.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Red and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switches, consider your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you’re looking for a lighter key feel with an enjoyable and smooth typing experience, the Glory Red may be your best choice. Its kiestroke is designed to be pleasant and forgiving, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions or casual gaming where quick key presses matter. However, if you prefer a more robust typing experience with a tactile feedback and a heavier bottom-out force, the Ink Black V2 is likely the better fit. Described as having a rich, low-pitched sound profile and a polished feel, this switch caters to those who seek a deeper auditory feedback during typing or gaming, and can handle a medium-heavy pressure. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the typing style and sound profile you find most enjoyable—whether it’s the smooth and light touch of the Glory Red or the substantial and bassy touch of the Ink Black V2.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more