Gateron Glory Red vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that cater to different preferences in feel and responsiveness. The Gateron Glory Red switches, known for their lighter touch, provide a smooth keystroke with a comfortable travel distance, making them ideal for users who seek an airy, effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red switches, while also linear, present a medium-heavy actuation due to their unique single-stage spring design. These switches are celebrated for their seamless keystrokes and the high-precision molds used in their construction, along with their aesthetically pleasing softer backlight effects, perfect for those who value a consistent and refined typing experience. Both options exhibit the hallmark characteristics of linear switches, showing that personal preference plays a crucial role in the decision-making process. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Red and Gateron Jupiter Red switches exhibit distinctive differences in their housing materials, particularly in their top housings. The Glory Red features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This characteristic allows nylon to absorb sound effectively, leading to a muted and rounded auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red employs a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate enables it to resonate more clearly, making it an optimal choice for those who prefer a higher-pitched, vibrant typing sound. This fundamental divergence in materials results in varied auditory experiences, tailoring each switch to different user preferences.
Despite their differences in top housing materials, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This commonality ensures that both the Gateron Glory Red and Jupiter Red switches possess a similar foundational sound profile when bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing, characterized by its softer nature, lends itself to a deep and full sound that may create a cohesive auditory experience regardless of the top housing material. This shared foundation means that while users may notice the differences in sound when actuating the key (due to the top housing's influence), both switches will generate a consistent overall auditory effect when the key is fully pressed down.
In summary, while the Gateron Glory Red and Jupiter Red switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, sharing nylon for their bottom housing results in a combination of sounds that can be enjoyed by users. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a rich and rounded sound profile at the bottom of the stroke, while the varied top housing catches attention during actuation and release. Ultimately, those who appreciate the nuanced differences may find satisfaction in the overall typing experience of both switches, leveraging the absorbing qualities of nylon in tandem with the distinct tonal characteristics offered by either nylon or polycarbonate at the top.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they require an equivalent amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This similarity means that both switches can provide a comfortable typing experience for long durations, ideal for extended work or gaming sessions. However, the contrast lies in their bottom out forces; the Glory Red switch has an unknown bottom out force, while the Jupiter Red features a bottom out force of 60 grams. This suggests that users of the Jupiter Red may experience a firmer feedback upon bottoming out, which can contribute to a more substantial typing sensation. As a result, if the bottom out force of the Glory Red were known, it could potentially either align with or differ from that of the Jupiter Red's more robust feel; nonetheless, at present, the Jupiter Red is considered the heavier option due to its specified bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, there is a notable difference in their travel distances. The Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it a shorter option, while the Jupiter Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer. This difference suggests that the Glory Red may provide a more responsive experience that gamers often seek for quicker reaction times. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red’s longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial and satisfying feel when pressing down on a key. Thus, your choice between these two switches would ultimately depend on your preference for either a quicker response or a more traditional feel.
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 Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 Gateron Glory Red linear switch features a sound profile that is yet to be specified, but it is widely recognized for providing a pleasant auditory experience, likely in line with most linear switches that tend to be quieter than their tactile or clicky counterparts. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red is characterized by a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate actuation force that makes it suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in an office setting. This neutrality in sound makes the Jupiter Red versatile, accommodating both beginners and experienced typists alike.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Red is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance, making typing enjoyable. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red boasts a range of tactile descriptors, including polished, creamy, silky, and mild. This indicates that the Jupiter Red offers an exceptionally refined typing experience with reduced friction, allowing for effortless key presses. The combination of these qualities results in a silky sensation, making each keystroke feel smooth and inviting. While the Glory Red provides a great typing experience, the Jupiter Red seems to take the feel to another level with its superior smoothness and overall texture.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Red and Jupiter Red linear switches offer smooth typing experiences, but the Jupiter Red excels with its additional refined feel descriptors, while the actual sound quality of the Glory Red remains undefined. The Jupiter Red’s neutral sound profile makes it broadly suitable for various environments, which may also apply to the Glory Red given its anticipated pleasant auditory characteristics. Ultimately, those choosing between these two switches will find decent similarities in their smoothness, though the Jupiter Red promises an elevated level of sophistication in both feel and versatility.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Glory Red and the Gateron Jupiter Red should reflect your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. The Glory Red, with its lighter keystroke and smooth travel, can be ideal for those who enjoy a soft and effortless typing experience, making it a great choice for fast-paced gaming or extensive typing sessions where minimal resistance is preferred. On the other hand, if you appreciate a medium-heavy actuation force and seek that polished and creamy feel during your keystrokes, the Jupiter Red would be the better fit for you. This switch not only maintains a consistent and refined typing experience but also offers a neutral sound profile that suits both home and work environments without being intrusive. Ultimately, consider what feels most comfortable for you in terms of force and feedback; the lighter, more casual feel of the Glory Reds might appeal to casual users, while the Jupiter Reds cater to those who value a bit more resistance and refinement in their typing.
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