Gateron Glory Red vs. HMX KD200
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the HMX KD200 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often compare switches based on their tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing experience. The Gateron Glory Red, part of the Glory lineup, stands out as a lighter linear switch that offers a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX KD200, while also a linear switch, is renowned for being the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, delivering a more pronounced auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience for users who appreciate a satisfying sound with their keystrokes. Both switches cater to different preferences: if you're looking for a subtle and pleasant typing experience, the Glory Red may be your best bet, while the KD200 could be appealing for those who enjoy an engaging auditory element. 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
45g
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
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials for both the Gateron Glory Red and the HMX KD200 are notably identical, as both switches feature a nylon composition for both the top and bottom housings. This use of nylon—a classic switch housing material—means that users can expect a similar typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent properties of nylon, being a softer plastic, result in enhanced sound absorption compared to harder plastics. Consequently, both the Glory Red and KD200 produce a duller and rounder sound, making them appealing to users who prioritize acoustic characteristics in their typing experience.
Despite the similarity in material, the effects of the nylon housing are manifested differently in each switch depending on the overall design and mechanical features inherent to the switches themselves. Although both switches utilize nylon, the design elements like spring characteristics and stem configurations can influence the actual feel and acoustic output at different stages of keystroking. For instance, while the nylon materials themselves provide a consistent sound absorption quality, the bottom-out sound and feel are also dictated significantly by the interaction between the contact points and the overall mechanics of the switch. Therefore, while both offer comparable sound profiles due to their nylon compositions, the experience might differ slightly based on their other mechanical attributes.
In conclusion, typing on both the Gateron Glory Red and the HMX KD200 will yield similar results concerning sound quality and feel attributable to their nylon housings. Typing on these switches will elicit that deep, full sound which is characteristic of nylon, making them particularly suited for users seeking that plush auditory experience when typing. However, users may wish to consider the other mechanical nuances that might set the experience apart despite the shared material advantage, ensuring they can choose a switch that aligns best with their personal preferences and typing style.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, there are some similarities and differences worth noting. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means that users will experience a similar keypress feel when triggering a keystroke. However, the bottom out force diverges, as the KD200 has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Glory Red's bottom out force is currently unknown. This indicates that the KD200 provides a heavier feel at the bottom of the keystroke, offering users a more substantial typing experience, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push. In contrast, without a defined bottom out force for the Glory Red, it is challenging to determine its overall weight feel at the bottom of the travel. Consequently, the Glory Red could be considered lighter in feel despite having the same actuation force since it lacks a heavier bottom out measure. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on whether one prefers the lighter essence of the Glory Red or the more substantial experience of the KD200.
Travel distance
The comparison between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch reveals a slight difference in their travel distances. The Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KD200 offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you prioritize faster response times in your gaming or typing, the KD200 might be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance. However, for those who appreciate a more substantial feel with a bit more depth while typing, the Glory Red's longer travel distance could provide a more satisfying experience. Both switches reflect the trend of shorter travel distances catering to modern gaming demands, but the Glory Red offers a touch more depth for users who enjoy a more tactile sensation.
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 HMX KD200 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the KD200 for $3.29.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Red switch is noted for its relatively quiet operation, contributing to a pleasant typing experience without excessive distraction. Users often appreciate its subdued acoustic profile, making it a suitable choice for environments where noise levels need to be kept in check. On the other hand, the HMX KD200 switch is characterized as the clackiest within its lineup, which means it produces a more pronounced audio feedback. This can be appealing to those who enjoy the auditory response of their keystrokes, but it may not be preferable in quieter settings. Overall, while the Glory Red offers a more muted sound, the KD200 brings a lively, pronounced clack that could enhance the tactile experience for some.
Regarding feel, the Gateron Glory Red switch is recognized for its smooth keystroke, allowing for a seamless typing experience as the key travels with little resistance. The relatively light actuation force makes it easy to type quickly, making it a favored option for typists and gamers seeking rapid responses. Conversely, the HMX KD200 switch, while also linear, may possess a distinct tactile sensation due to its clackiness, which can contrast with the smoothness found in the Glory Red. This tactile quality can enrich the overall experience for users who enjoy a bit of feedback in their keystrokes, despite both switches belonging to the linear category.
In conclusion, when comparing the Gateron Glory Red and the HMX KD200 linear switches, it becomes clear that both switches offer distinct yet enjoyable experiences. The Glory Red excels in providing a quieter, smooth keystroke conducive to focused work environments, while the KD200 shines in delivering an engaging auditory feedback with its clackiness. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and tactile feel, as each can cater to different typing styles and environments. If you're after a smoother and quieter experience, the Glory Red would be ideal, while the KD200 caters to those who might appreciate a more dynamic acoustic feedback during their typing sessions.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that offers a smooth keystroke with a lighter feel, the Glory Red would likely be your best bet. It excels in delivering an enjoyable typing experience with its pleasing travel distance, making it suitable for long typing sessions or for gaming scenarios where speed and smoothness are crucial. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a more tactile experience with a bit more resistance, the KD200 is the switch for you. Known for being the clackiest member of its family, it provides an enjoyable auditory feedback which can be satisfying for those who appreciate sound while typing. Additionally, the 50-gram bottom-out force offers a satisfying response without being overly heavy, making it a great choice if you enjoy a bit more resistance in your keystrokes. Therefore, choosing between these two switches comes down to whether you value a super-smooth experience with the Glory Red or the engaging auditory feedback and tactile sensation offered by the KD200.
Mentioned in this article
