Gateron Glory Red vs. Keygeek Keylin

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Red and the Keygeek Keylin linear switches both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Glory Red is celebrated for its lighter feel, providing a smooth keystroke with a satisfying travel distance, which many users find enhances their overall typing experience. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin stands out for its premium feel, utilizing new molds that create rich acoustics and an exceptionally smooth action, making it ideal for those who prioritize sound and tactility in their keystrokes. While both switches fall under the linear category, appealing to users who prefer uninterrupted keypresses without tactile bumps or audible clicks, they each bring their own flair to the table. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a lighter keystroke or a richer acoustic profile in your typing experience. However, 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

Keygeek Keylin Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Gateron Glory Red and the Keygeek Keylin switches utilize nylon for their housings, both top and bottom. This shared material choice is significant, as nylon is renowned in the mechanical keyboard community for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent properties of nylon, being softer than other plastics, allow it to absorb sound waves effectively. As a result, both the Glory Red and Keylin switches deliver a duller and rounder acoustic experience during typing. This similarity in housing materials suggests that users can expect comparable auditory feedback when typing on either switch, making them effective choices for those seeking a rich sound profile.

While both switches employ nylon in their construction, it is essential to consider how sound characteristics are influenced by the design of the switches. In a typical mechanical switch, the bottom housing often plays a larger role in defining the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback experienced when the key is fully pressed down. Conversely, the top housing dominates the sound profile when releasing the key. Since both the Glory Red and Keylin feature identical nylon housings, the distinctions in the sound and feel during actuation and reset would largely arise from other design elements, such as springs or stem configurations, rather than the housing material itself.

In conclusion, the consistent use of nylon in both the Gateron Glory Red and Keygeek Keylin switches assures users of a certain level of sound quality and tactile experience. Even though the materials used for the top and bottom housings are the same, different switch designs could still offer unique sensations during operation. Therefore, while users can expect a generally similar result due to the nylon composition, nuances in typing experience may arise from the specific engineering choices made by each manufacturer. This indicates that the choice between the Glory Red and Keylin switches should factor in not only the material but also personal preferences for switch feel and overall design.

Weight

The Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch present an intriguing comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Red features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Keylin has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, such as those looking for ease during extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. However, the key distinction lies in their bottom out forces; the Keylin boasts a bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating a firmer feel when the key is fully depressed. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown. Overall, the Keylin is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, while it also offers a tangible, heavier bottoming experience, which may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing feel. In contrast, the Glory Red's missing information leaves its heaviness ambiguous, suggesting it may cater to a different user preference that aligns between light and heavy actuation.

Travel distance

The travel distance of both the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is 3.6 mm, indicating that they have identical travel distances. This means that users can expect a similar key feel when pressing down on either switch, providing a consistent typing or gaming experience. Since both switches travel the same distance, those seeking a linear switch will find that neither offers a shorter or longer travel; their performance in terms of actuation depth will be equivalent.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Red switch is known for its relatively quiet operation, producing a subtle thock when bottoming out, which makes it a solid choice for those who prefer minimal typing noise. The Keygeek Keylin switch, on the other hand, is noted for its rich acoustics. This implies that it has a more pronounced sound profile than the Glory Red, potentially offering a deeper and fuller sound that enhances the overall typing experience. However, it's important to keep in mind that the sound produced by each switch can vary significantly based on the keyboard it’s paired with and the choice of keycaps, meaning that both switches can yield different auditory results depending on their specific configurations.

When it comes to feel, the Glory Red switch is characterized by a smooth keystroke, making it a pleasure to type on for extended periods. It offers a lightweight touch that allows for quick and effortless key presses. In comparison, the Keylin switch boasts exceptional smoothness as well, thanks to its new molds, ensuring a refined tactile experience. While both switches prioritize smoothness— a key trait for linear switches— the Keylin may provide a slight edge with a more premium feel that could enhance the experience further, but personal preference will play a significant role in the overall feel.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Red and Keygeek Keylin switches offer their own unique strengths, with the Glory Red's light keystroke and subtle sound appealing to users seeking a quiet and smooth typing experience, while the Keylin's rich acoustics and premium smoothness cater to those who appreciate a more robust auditory feedback and tactile sensation. Ultimately, while their qualities are similar in several aspects, attempting both can help fine-tune your typing preferences for an ideal keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a lightweight feel and smooth keystrokes, the Glory Red, with its lighter action, may be the ideal choice for you, especially if you enjoy a swift and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more substantial bottom out force that provides a tactile feedback and a richer acoustic profile, the Keylin switch would be the better option. It excels in delivering a premium typing experience characterized by its exceptional smoothness, which can enhance your overall satisfaction whether you’re gaming, coding, or typing lengthy texts. Therefore, consider what aspects of a switch are most important to you—whether it’s weight, sound, or overall typing feel—as these factors will guide you to the switch that best fits your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Keygeek Keylin Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more