Gateron Glory Red vs. Kailh BCP

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Red and Kailh BCP offer distinct experiences, each catering to different preferences among typists and gamers. The Gateron Glory Red, known for its lighter actuation force, provides a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who seek a comfortable and efficient typing experience without the weight of heavier switches. In contrast, the Kailh BCP reimagines the iconic Black Cherry Pie switches with a custom design that boasts a creamy, elastic feel, offering a bounce that many users find pleasurable. This switch is well-regarded for its unique combination of tactile feedback and a distinct, clacky sound profile, which can add an engaging auditory element to your typing. While both switches excel in their own right—Glory Red for its lightweight smoothness and BCP for its bouncy, vibrant feedback—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Glory Red Linear

Kailh BCP Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the Kailh BCP switches, both utilize nylon for their construction. The use of nylon as a top housing material in both switches results in a richer sound profile during typing, as it is inherently a softer plastic. This softness helps to absorb sound, which leads to a deeper and fuller auditory experience when the switches are engaged. Thus, for users of both switches, the nylon top housing contributes to a distinctively muted and round sound that many typists find pleasurable, enhancing the overall typing experience and providing similar acoustic results, regardless of brand.

Additionally, the bottom housings of both switches are also made from nylon, which further reinforces their sound profile. Similar to the top housings, the nylon material in the bottom housing dampens vibrations, resulting in a pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the keys are pressed down. This shared use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings suggests that both switches will deliver outstanding sound absorption and a satisfying tactile feedback experience. Consequently, users can expect a comparable bottom-out sound that is both soft and rounded, instilling confidence in the building qualities of both switch brands.

In considering the overall performance of the Gateron Glory Red and Kailh BCP switches, the fact that both switch designs employ nylon for both top and bottom housings means that their sound and tactile characteristics will likely converge in several aspects. The distribution of sound qualities between the top and bottom of the switches could result in varied typing experiences; however, the consistent nylon construction points to an underlying similarity. This uniformity in material characteristics could produce similarly enjoyable typing experiences, making both options attractive for enthusiasts who prioritize acoustic quality and feedback in their keyboard preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, there is a clear distinction in their actuation forces. The Glory Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter and potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Kailh BCP features a heavier actuation force of 52 grams, offering a more substantial feel that might appeal to those who prefer a firmer key press. While the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown, the BCP’s bottom out force is specified at 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy and further emphasizing its denser typing experience. This difference in actuation and bottom out forces suggests that users seeking a lighter and smoother keystroke may gravitate towards the Gateron Glory Red, while those favoring a heavier, more tactile response might choose the Kailh BCP.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, the Gateron Glory Red features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Kailh BCP has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Glory Red provides a more substantial depth when pressed, which can appeal to users who prefer a richer tactile experience. Conversely, the Kailh BCP's shorter distance may be more appealing to gamers seeking quicker response times in their keystrokes. The differences, though minimal, suggest that users favoring deeper travel might lean towards the Glory Red, while those looking for a snappier feel might opt for the Kailh BCP. Both switches, falling within modern preferences for shorter travel distances, still cater to distinct user likes based on their travel characteristics.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch is relatively quiet, producing minimal noise while offering a smooth keystroke, making it suitable for quiet environments or for users who prefer a more muted typing experience. In contrast, the Kailh BCP linear switch features a distinctively poppy and clacky sound profile that adds a layer of auditory stimulation to the typing experience. This sound profile can enhance the overall satisfaction for users who enjoy audible feedback with each keystroke.

When it comes to feel, the Glory Red switch excels with its smooth keystroke and a pleasing travel distance, allowing for a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience that is ideal for long sessions. The Kailh BCP switch, on the other hand, offers a creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy feel that engages the user with each press, making it a unique typing experience. While both switches provide satisfying tactile responses, the characteristics of their respective feels cater to different preferences.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Red and Kailh BCP linear switches provide distinct experiences that can appeal to different types of users. The Glory Red offers a quieter and smoother typing experience, ideal for those who prioritize a serene atmosphere, while the BCP enhances auditory interaction with its clacky sound and bouncy feel. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you value a subtle or more expressive typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a smooth keystroke and an enjoyable travel distance, the Glory Red is your go-to option. It is ideal for long typing sessions where comfort is essential, and it provides a quieter experience which can be beneficial in shared workspaces. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy feel and appreciate tactile feedback in the form of a poppy and clacky sound profile, the Kailh BCP might be more suited to your needs. Its unique creamy and bouncy operation can enhance the typing experience, particularly for gaming or fast-paced tasks where responsiveness and engagement are key. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a lightweight, quiet typing experience or a more tactile, lively one.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Kailh BCP Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn more