Gateron Glory Red vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, understanding the nuances between options can greatly enhance your typing experience. The Gateron Glory Red switch, known for its light actuation force, offers a smooth keystroke and an inviting travel distance, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize speed and a comfortable typing feel. In contrast, the Dareu Master switch strikes a balance with its medium weight and a distinct clacky sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy tactile feedback combined with exceptional smoothness during operation. While both switches fall under the linear category, they cater to different preferences, with the Glory Red excelling in a lighter touch and the Master embracing a beautifully refined auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the Dareu Master keyboards illustrate distinct approaches to achieving unique sound profiles and tactile sensations. The Glory Red incorporates a nylon top and bottom housing, which is renowned for producing a fuller, deeper sound. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a nuanced auditory experience that can feel more rounded and less harsh. In contrast, the Dareu Master utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housings. POM is known for providing a more muted quality while still delivering a pleasing sound profile. Its characteristics enable it to create a distinct yet similarly deep tone, suggesting that while the materials differ, they may yield comparable auditory results due to their shared focus on depth and richness in sound.
When examining the tactile sensations offered by these two switches, it becomes apparent that the differences in housing materials contribute significantly to how each feels during use. The nylon present in both housings of the Glory Red yields a consistent typing experience with a softer, more cushioned feel, which can enhance comfort during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the POM material of the Dareu Master, while also providing a muted touch, may feel slightly different due to its hardness compared to nylon. As a result, users will have a different tactile feedback experience, even if both switches ultimately deliver a deep and enjoyable sound profile.
Ultimately, while the Gateron Glory Red and Dareu Master switches employ different housing materials, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience characterized by depth in sound. The nylon of the Glory Red emphasizes a cushioned, rounded feel while producing a rich sound, whereas the POM in the Dareu Master allows for a more unique yet similarly muted auditory experience. Users may find their preferences swayed by the tactile feel of the materials, but both switches possess qualities that contribute to a satisfying sound, ensuring each offers its own version of a fulfilling typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch exhibit interesting similarities in their actuation force, both requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This parity suggests that users will experience a similar level of responsiveness when typing or gaming with either switch, making them well-suited for lengthy sessions. However, information regarding the bottom out force for both switches is unavailable. Without this data, we cannot draw a complete comparison regarding the feel of pressing the switches all the way down. For those who appreciate a lighter touch, the 45-gram actuation force of both switches could be ideal, especially for extended use in work or gaming environments. However, for users seeking a more substantial typing experience, they may need to look for options with a higher actuation force. In summary, while both switches have an identical actuation force, their bottom out forces remain unknown, preventing a full analysis of their tactile feedback upon bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, it is evident that the Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Master has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Gateron Glory Red the longer option, providing a slightly deeper keystroke, which some users may find preferable for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Dareu Master, with its shorter travel distance, offers a more responsive feel that can benefit gamers looking for quicker reactions. As such, while both switches cater to different preferences, choosing between them depends on whether one prioritizes response speed or the sensation of depth in keypresses.
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 Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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
When considering sound, the Gateron Glory Red switches are relatively quiet, providing a smooth and subdued auditory experience that allows for focused typing without distractions. In contrast, the Dareu Master switch is characterized by a clacky sound profile, which delivers a bright and percussive audio feedback with each keystroke. This distinction means that while the Glory Red is excellent for those who prefer a quieter environment, the Master switch caters to users who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic response when typing, adding a layer of engagement to their overall experience.
Regarding feel, the Glory Red switch is noted for its smooth keystroke and pleasant travel distance, which results in an enjoyable and fluid typing experience. The Dareu Master switch, on the other hand, strikes a balance with a medium weight and presents mild characteristics, which makes it approachable for many users. Additionally, the polished nature of the Master switch signifies a refined finish, offering reduced friction and effortlessly smooth key travel. While both switches emphasize smoothness, the Glory Red might appeal more to those seeking a lighter touch, whereas the Master provides a more robust yet gentle feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch each offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Glory Red excels in a quieter typing environment with a smooth keystroke, making it suitable for those who prefer a subtler sound profile. Conversely, the Dareu Master offers a clackier sound and a mild yet polished feel, giving users an engaging typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether sound or sensation takes precedence in your keyboard experience, but both will deliver solid, enjoyable performance in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Glory Red and the Dareu Master linear switches, your decision should hinge on what you prioritize in your typing experience. If you prefer a smooth keystroke with a lighter feel, the Gateron Glory Red is an excellent option. This switch is designed for comfort and offers an enjoyable typing experience, making it ideal for extended periods of typing or gaming, especially if you appreciate a seamless key press without any harsh feedback. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that strikes a balance with a moderate actuation force and a distinctive, clacky sound, then the Dareu Master is likely to suit you better. This switch offers a polished feel, providing a refined typing experience that is approachable for most users. Its clacky sound adds an enjoyable auditory feedback for those who appreciate the sharp and snappy signature. Ultimately, consider your priorities: go for the Glory Red if you value smoothness and lightness, or choose the Master if you prefer a more classic feel with recognizable sound characteristics.