Gateron Glory Red vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Gateron Glory Red switches exemplify a linear switch with a smooth keystroke that provides an enjoyable travel distance, making them an excellent choice for users who prioritize a quiet typing experience and quick key presses, such as gamers or those who type for long periods. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic switches redefine the clicky switch category by integrating modern advancements like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, offering users the classic click sound and tactile feedback that many typing enthusiasts crave. This type of switch appeals to those who enjoy auditory cues while typing and appreciate a more traditional mechanical feel. While both switches have their distinct advantages—smoothness in the Glory Red and satisfying clicks in the Melodic—it's crucial to consider your individual needs and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and Gateron Melodic switches, the differences in their top housings are particularly notable. The Glory Red features a nylon top housing, which is known for its sound-absorbing properties that create a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Melodic utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and contributes to a sharper, crisper sound. This distinction is significant for users seeking specific auditory experiences from their mechanical keyboards, as the material of the top housing heavily influences the sound produced during key release. While both switches may appeal to different preferences in sound, the Glory Red's nylon material will deliver a more muted audio experience compared to the Melodic's brightly resonant output.
On the bottom housing front, both the Gateron Glory Red and Gateron Melodic switches utilize nylon, which leads to a similar auditory characteristic. The use of nylon in both switches results in a sound profile that is deeper and more rounded, primarily affecting the bottom-out sound and feel when the keys are pressed down. This similarity allows both switches to provide a satisfying tactile feedback while maintaining a certain level of sound consistency during operation. Thus, even though the top housings diverge in material and acoustic quality, the commonality in bottom housing composition means players will experience a level of familiarity in terms of feel and sound.
Ultimately, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials in the Gateron switches culminates in nuanced sound profiles. The Melodic switch, with its polycarbonate top, produces a bright and clear sound during release, while the nylon bottom housing rounds out the keystroke experience with its deep tones. In contrast, the Glory Red’s nylon top offers a fuller sound that is further complemented by its nylon bottom, resulting in a consistent auditory experience characterized by its muted qualities. Users seeking a specific sound profile will appreciate how these material choices influence the typing experience, whether they favor the clarity of polycarbonate or the richness of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Red switch features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option that could benefit users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended usage during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Melodic switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a heavier resistance when the key is fully pressed down. However, the actuation force for the Melodic switch remains unknown, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. The absence of a known actuation force means that while the Melodic switch may provide a more substantial feel due to its bottom out force, it’s unclear how it feels during the actuation phase. Overall, the Glory Red is the lighter switch due to its known actuation force, while the Melodic, with its heavier bottom out force, caters to those seeking a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch measures 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Melodic switch offers a deeper keypress compared to the Glory Red, making it a better choice for those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Glory Red may appeal to gamers who prioritize responsiveness and quick execution, as the reduced distance facilitates faster key actuation. Therefore, while both switches serve different user preferences, the Glory Red's 3.6 mm travel caters to those who seek quicker reactions, whereas the Melodic's 4 mm distance satisfies individuals who prefer a more tactile and profound typing experience.
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 Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch offers a subtle and unobtrusive auditory experience. While it lacks the pronounced clicks of some other switch types, its quiet nature allows for a more immersive focus on typing, making it ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept low. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic switch excels in this aspect with its resonant and crunchy sound profile. The higher-pitched, clean sounds create an engaging auditory experience that can be especially satisfying for those who enjoy the distinct auditory feedback of a clicky switch. This vibrant sound definitely makes the Melodic more suitable for users who appreciate an audible confirmation of their keystrokes.
Regarding the feel, the Glory Red switch delivers a smooth and enjoyable typing experience characterized by a pleasing travel distance. Its linear action provides a straightforward keystroke, lacking any tactile bump, which can appeal to users who prefer a consistent response without any interruptions. The Melodic switch, on the other hand, enhances this tactile aspect with its buttery feel. This means it offers a smoother and more controlled keystroke experience, combining the satisfaction of the click with an effortless typing sensation. This duality enhances not just the experience of pressing the keys, but also makes for a more engaging overall feel when typing.
In summary, the Gateron Glory Red and Gateron Melodic switches cater to different preferences and needs in terms of sound and feel. The Glory Red is perfect for those who favor a silent and unobtrusive typing experience, while the Melodic stands out with its resonant auditory feedback and a buttery feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to whether you prioritize a quiet experience or prefer the satisfying click and tactile feedback. Both switches deliver great typing sensations, yet their unique qualities create distinctly different user experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize a smoother typing experience with a lighter touch, the Glory Red is an excellent option, especially for long typing sessions or gaming where speed and fluidity matter most. Its smooth keystroke and pleasant travel distance make it ideal for those who wish to minimize finger fatigue while enjoying a streamlined feel. Conversely, if you enjoy the nostalgic and engaging auditory feedback of typing with a clicky switch, the Melodic is the way to go. Its resonant and crunchy sound profile, combined with its buttery keystroke feel, adds an enjoyable tactile experience to your typing, making it particularly satisfying for those who appreciate pronounced feedback. Ultimately, think about your typing style and what you value more—smoothness and ease with the Glory Red or tactile sound and feedback with the Melodic—as you make your decision.
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