Gateron Glory Red vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the Gateron Glory Red and the Cherry MX Brown offer unique characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Gateron Glory Red, known for its smooth keystroke and enjoyable travel distance, falls under the linear switch category, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who appreciate unimpeded keystrokes without tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown, a tactile switch characterized by its subtlety, provides a relatively light typing experience coupled with gentle tactile feedback and low-pitched audio, making it ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced key response while typing. While the Glory Red excels in delivering a fast and fluid experience, the MX Brown offers a satisfying tactile sensation that can enhance accuracy during typing. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and Cherry MX Brown switches, it is important to note that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material is significant, as nylon is known for its acoustic properties that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively compared to harder plastics, leading to a sound that is described as duller and rounder. Therefore, users of both the Gateron Glory Red and Cherry MX Brown switches can expect a similar auditory experience due to the shared nylon construction, which enhances the overall tactile feedback while reducing noise levels.
While both switches share the same nylon material for their housings, they differ fundamentally in their actuation mechanisms. The Gateron Glory Red uses a linear switch design, which means that there is no tactile bump during the keypress, resulting in a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switches incorporate a tactile bump that provides feedback to the user when the key has been actuated. While the nylon housings may produce similar sound characteristics, the variance in switch type means that the overall typing experience will feel different. Users can expect a seamless, more fluid experience with the Glory Red switches, while those opting for the MX Brown will enjoy the tactile sensation that informs them they’ve successfully pressed the key.
In terms of the impact of housing materials on performance, the effects of sound and feel from the housings are split between the top and bottom sections of the switches. The bottom housing is crucial for the feel and sound produced when keying down, while the top housing affects the sound that occurs upon release. Given that both switches utilize nylon for both housings, the overall resonance and acoustic dampening characteristics will remain consistent between them. Users can achieve similar results in terms of sound profile and absorption, even while experiencing different tactile feedback designs. Ultimately, both the Gateron Glory Red and Cherry MX Brown switches showcase how the choice of housing material—nylon—serves to create a distinct and enjoyable typing experience, despite their differing mechanisms.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch to the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, both share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them relatively equal in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the notable difference arises in their bottom out forces—while the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unavailable, the MX Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This discrepancy indicates that the MX Brown switch will feel heavier when pressed all the way down, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a more tactile feel. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red, with its lighter actuation and unknown bottom out force, is likely to feel lighter overall, making it a better choice for users who favor prolonged typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. Consequently, while both switches have the same actuation force, the distinct bottom out characteristics suggest that the Gateron Glory Red is the lighter option, making it preferable for comfort, while the Cherry MX Brown offers a firmer feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there is a clear difference. The Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Brown features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you are looking for a switch that offers a shorter and more responsive travel, the Gateron Glory Red may be the better choice, particularly for gamers who appreciate quicker actuation times. On the other hand, if you favor a more pronounced depth and tactile feedback when typing, the Cherry MX Brown, with its longer travel distance, may better suit your preferences. Thus, depending on your typing or gaming style, each switch offers distinct advantages based on their travel distances.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Glory Red switches produce a relatively quiet profile, which is characteristic of linear switches. They generally do not provide the distinct audio feedback that other switches might, allowing for a more subdued typing atmosphere. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switches have a bassy and low-pitched sound that delivers a richer, deeper audio experience during keystrokes. This bass-heavy quality offers a noticeable auditory feedback, which many typists appreciate for its subtle yet comforting presence. However, it should be noted that sound can vary significantly depending on the keyboard board and keycap materials used.
On the feel front, the Gateron Glory Red switches offer a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump, allowing for fluid and uninterrupted typing. Users often enjoy the seamless travel as they can easily glide from key to key without resistance. The Cherry MX Brown switches, on the other hand, provide a mild tactile sensation that's more textured. This tactile feedback engages the typist's fingers by introducing a slight texture that can be felt with each keypress. The contrast in feel, with the linear smoothness of the Glory Reds versus the light tactile feedback of the MX Browns, caters to different user preferences — some may favor a smooth action, while others might enjoy the responsiveness of the textured feel.
In summary, if you're seeking a quiet typing experience, the Gateron Glory Red linear switches might suit you better due to their smooth and quiet operation. Conversely, if you appreciate a more pronounced auditory and tactile feedback while typing, the Cherry MX Brown switches could be your go-to. Both switches offer enjoyable experiences, but your choice will likely depend on whether you prefer fluidity without disturbances or a subtle tactile sensation with a deeper sound feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, the choice largely depends on your personal preferences and use cases. If you prioritize a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with minimal resistance, the Glory Red will enhance your typing experience, making it an excellent option for fast-paced gaming or extended typing sessions where you want to minimize fatigue and distractions. However, if you appreciate tactile feedback that helps confirm key presses without requiring significant force, the Cherry MX Brown may suit you better. Its subtle tactile bump offers a balanced typing experience, perfect for both typing and gaming, while the deeper, bassy sound adds a pleasing auditory element. Additionally, if you enjoy a bit of texture in your key presses, the MX Brown's slightly rough feel can be satisfying. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what resonates more with your typing style and the environments in which you will be using your keyboard.
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