Gateron Glory Red vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Red and Gazzew LT offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Glory Red switches are celebrated for their smooth keystrokes and enjoyable travel distance, making them an excellent choice for those who prioritize a lightweight feel and a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switches stand out with their captivating lilac hue and distinctive auditory profile, known for their deep, resonant thockiness that can enhance the tactile feel of each keystroke. While the Glory Red emphasizes a lighter touch and fluidity, the LT leans towards a bassy sound and satisfying feedback. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you value a more understated typing experience or are drawn to the rich acoustics of a thocky switch. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red switches and the Gazzew LT switches, it is essential to recognize that both switches utilize softer plastics that contribute to their sound profiles. The Glory Red features nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a classic material revered for its ability to absorb sound effectively. This type of nylon not only contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile but also dampens the harshness often associated with harder plastics. In contrast, the Gazzew LT uses a proprietary blend often referred to as "boba plastic," which similarly promotes a rich and deep sound experience due to its softness. While the materials differ, their shared characteristic of softness means they will yield similar auditory results, particularly in creating a muffled and rounded sound profile.
Furthermore, the impact of the housing materials on the overall feel and sound when typing is noteworthy. The nylon bottom housing of the Glory Red switches is responsible for the bottom-out sound and feedback, ensuring that users experience a satisfying and subdued keystroke feedback. In comparison, the Gazzew LT's proprietary blend bottom housing offers a similar benefit, likely producing a comparable tactile feedback and auditory experience. Both switches maintain a balanced sound profile as they lie on the softer end of the material spectrum, but the exclusive characteristics of Gazzew's "boba plastic" might introduce subtle differences in how they feel during longer typing sessions.
Ultimately, although the Gateron Glory Red and Gazzew LT switches utilize different materials for their housings, the overarching design intent leads to comparable user experiences relating to sound and feedback. They both aim for a quiet and comforting typing experience through the use of softer housing materials that efficiently absorb sound. Users can expect similar results in terms of auditory and tactile responses, with nuances in feel potentially arising from the specific characteristics of each material. Therefore, whether one opts for the nylon of the Glory Red or the Gazzew's "boba plastic," the overall performance will align closely in creating a satisfying and pleasant typing environment.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch to the Gazzew LT linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Red switch has a defined actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a relatively light touch required to register a keystroke, which is ideal for prolonged typing sessions or intense gaming marathons. In contrast, the Gazzew LT switch has an unknown actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorized as medium-heavy. This suggests that once fully pressed down, it requires a more substantial effort, appealing to those who prefer a firmer feel while typing. Consequently, the Gateron Glory Red is the lighter option between the two, while the Gazzew LT leans towards a heavier experience, making it better suited for users who favor a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, the Glory Red measures 3.6 mm, while the LT has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This indicates that if you're seeking a more responsive feel, the Gazzew LT may be the better choice due to its shorter actuation distance, which can enhance gaming performance with quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a deeper, more substantial typing experience. Therefore, while the LT offers a more immediate response, the Glory Red provides a more pronounced tactile feedback for users who appreciate a heartier depth in their key presses.
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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch remains relatively neutral, likely leaning towards a quieter operation compared to tactile or clicky switches, resulting in an unobtrusive typing experience that won't disturb those around you. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch is characterized by its deep, resonant thockiness, producing a rich and bassy sound that vibrates in the lower frequency range. This auditory profile provides a satisfying auditory feedback, making each keystroke sound fuller and more impactful, reminiscent of a soft "thud" as the key is actuated and released. The differences between the two in terms of sound might appeal to different users, with the Glory Reds offering a more muted approach while the LTs create a more immersive audio experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red switch is renowned for its smooth keystrokes and pleasing travel distance, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience. The keys glide seamlessly, allowing for a fluid typing motion that makes the Glory Red appealing for extended use. In contrast, the Gazzew LT switches also provide a seamless glide, allowing the fingers to navigate fluidly across the keys. While the LTs are designed to deliver a tactile experience that might be perceived differently than the Gaters, both types offer a consistent push throughout their travel, truly accommodating typists who favor smoothness in their switch feel.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Red and Gazzew LT switches have unique qualities catering to different user preferences. The Glory Red excels in a quieter, smoother typing experience, making it suitable for those who appreciate minimal sound. Meanwhile, the Gazzew LT presents a richer audio experience with its thocky resonance while also ensuring a smooth feel with swift keystrokes. Ultimately, selecting between them will come down to individual priorities regarding sound and feel; however, those who appreciate a subdued typing experience may lean towards the Glory Reds, while fans of a deep, rich sound may gravitate towards the Gazzew LTs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch ultimately hinges on what you're seeking in your typing experience. If you prefer a smooth, light keystroke that feels effortless and enhances your speed, the Glory Red might be the right fit for you. It's particularly suitable if you're into gaming or fast-paced typing, where the lighter actuation could provide an edge. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more tactile experience with a pronounced auditory feedback, the Gazzew LT excels with its deep, thocky sound profile that adds a pleasing auditory element to your typing. The medium-heavy actuation force of the LT can also provide a satisfying resistance that many users find enjoyable, especially for prolonged typing sessions or when producing more deliberate keystrokes. Ultimately, consider your preferences in actuation weight, sound, and feedback when making your decision, as both switches offer unique benefits tailored to different styles of use.