Gateron Glory Red vs. Neo Lavender HE

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Red and the Neo Lavender HE offer distinctive characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. The Gateron Glory Red, a linear switch, is celebrated for its lighter tactile feedback, providing a smooth keystroke with a pleasant travel distance, making it ideal for those who prioritize a seamless typing experience without any tactile bumps or audible clicks. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE, classified as a hall effect switch, delivers a unique advantage with its clean, low sound profile, setting it apart from conventional switches. Compatible with Wooting keyboards, this switch utilizes magnetic technology for enhanced responsiveness, which can be particularly appealing to gamers seeking precision and rapid input. Both switches profess their own unique benefits, whether it's the silky performance of the Glory Red or the innovative feel of the Lavender HE. 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

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$4.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Glory Red and Neo Lavender HE both feature nylon as their material for the top and bottom switch housings. This shared choice reflects the manufacturers' intent to capitalize on nylon’s acoustic properties, which help create a deeper and fuller sound profile. Given that nylon is a softer plastic, it effectively absorbs vibrational sound waves, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic signature. As a result, users can expect a similar auditory experience when typing on either switch, characterized by a muted tone that could be viewed as pleasing and more tactile compared to switches made with harder plastics.

While the external characteristics and acoustic contributions of both the Glory Red and Lavender HE switches appear consistent due to their identical nylon housings, subtle differences may arise from other design elements not explicitly covered in the housing material itself. The way each switch engages with the user during operation might vary based on factors like internal mechanisms, actuation points, or even lubrication applied within the switch. Nonetheless, when focusing solely on the housings, both switches promise analogous typing experiences in terms of sound and a smooth feel, owing to nylon’s cushioning qualities.

In terms of bottom-out feel and sound, both the Glory Red's and Lavender HE's nylon bottom housings are expected to produce a similar result due to the consistent material. Since the bottom housing plays a substantial role in the tactile feedback felt during the actuation and the bottom-out sound, users will likely find that both switches echo comparable auditory characteristics while typing. Overall, the consistent incorporation of nylon in both the top and bottom housings leads to an expected uniformity in typing sensations and sounds, reinforcing a harmonious typing experience regardless of the switch choice between the Glory Red and Neo Lavender HE.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, we find noticeable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Gateron Glory Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, which offers a moderately firm feel, suitable for users who enjoy a heavier typing experience. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer to type for extended periods without fatigue. However, the bottom out force of the Glory Red is unknown, while the Lavender HE has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it provides a more definitive feel when fully pressed down. This means that while the Lavender switch is lighter for actuation, it ultimately requires more force to bottom out, giving it a firmer overall feedback. In summary, the Glory Red is heavier in actuation compared to the Lavender HE, and the contrast in their bottom out forces adds another layer to their distinct typing experiences.

Travel distance

The Gateron Glory Red linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys, users will experience a travel distance that measures 0.2 mm more with the Lavender HE compared to the Glory Red. For individuals who favor a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the shorter travel distance of the Glory Red may be more appealing as it allows for quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Lavender HE offers a deeper travel experience that might be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial feel beneath their fingers. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference regarding key travel dynamics.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch is characterized by a smooth and relatively quiet keystroke, which contributes to a pleasant typing experience. Users often appreciate the subdued tones it produces during use, making it suitable for both quiet environments and prolonged typing sessions. Conversely, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch emits a clean, low sound that sets it apart from traditional switches. While the overall acoustics of the Glory Red are somewhat muted, the Lavender HE's unique sound profile, being designed for compatibility with Wooting keyboards, may deliver a distinct auditory experience. However, it is important to note that the sound of any switch can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red offers a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, making it ideal for those who enjoy a consistent and unbroken typing experience. This smoothness is appreciated by many users who seek a linear switch that doesn’t disrupt their flow. On the other hand, the Lavender HE is designed to provide a responsive feel, leveraging the hall effect technology to ensure reliable actuation. While the specifics of its tactile feedback were not detailed, its unique mechanism is likely to result in a distinctive typing sensation that may differ from the linear characteristics of the Glory Red.

In summary, both the Gateron Glory Red and the Neo Lavender HE offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Glory Red excels in delivering a smooth and quiet typing experience, while the Lavender HE boasts a clean sound profile with potentially unique feel attributes stemming from its hall effect technology. For those who prioritize a more traditional linear feel, the Glory Red might be more appealing, whereas users looking for an innovative switch with a distinct auditory presence may gravitate towards the Lavender HE. Ultimately, both switches can provide enjoyable typing experiences, albeit with their individual characteristics shining through.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance without worrying about exact actuation force, the Glory Red would be an excellent choice—especially if you enjoy a lighter touch and a delightful typing experience overall. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that combines a light yet defined bottom-out force with a clean, low sound—and if you appreciate the added uniqueness that hall effect technology offers—then the Lavender HE would be your ideal pick. Ultimately, consider what you value more: the lightweight and smooth characteristics of the Glory Red or the distinctive feel and sound of the Lavender HE. Each switch has its unique strengths, so weigh those against your personal typing style and the atmosphere in which you'll be using your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$4.50 per 10

Learn more