Gateron Glory Red vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your needs, the Gateron Glory Red and the Cherry MX Speed Silver stand out as two exceptional options, each catering to specific preferences and use cases. The Gateron Glory Red is celebrated for its light actuation force, offering a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance that enhances the overall typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is engineered for rapid response, featuring a low spring resistance and full height designed to trigger almost instantaneously. This makes it a favorite among gamers who demand speed and precision, where moments can make the difference between victory and defeat. While both switches are linear, providing a consistent press without tactile bumps, the nuances in their design and performance suggest that your choice will depend on whether you value a pleasurable typing experience or lightning-fast execution. 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

Cherry MX Speed Silver Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$5.90

$4.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Glory Red and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches share a notable similarity in their housing materials; both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This consistency in material choice is key in defining the sound profile and overall typing experience of these switches. Nylon, as a classic switch housing material, offers a softer feel compared to harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The absorption qualities of nylon allow it to mitigate the sharpness of keystrokes, which contributes to a rounder and more muted auditory feedback, making both switches appealing to users who prefer a less jarring sound profile.

While the housing materials are identical in composition, the overall experience of each switch is shaped by their distinct design characteristics beyond just the material. The Gateron Glory Red is designed for linear actuation, providing a smooth and uninterrupted keypress experience, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver has a unique designed actuation point that favors rapid keystrokes, making it particularly appealing in competitive gaming scenarios. Thus, while the nylon materials produce a similar auditory output, the functional differences in switch behavior also influence how users perceive the tactile feedback and speed of their typing or gaming sessions.

In conclusion, although the Gateron Glory Red and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches utilize the same nylon housing materials that foster a robust and pleasantly muted sound profile, the nuanced differences in their actuation mechanisms dictate distinct experiences. Users can expect similar auditory results due to the absorption properties of nylon, resulting in a fuller sound regardless of switch design. However, those who seek different tactile responses and actuation preferences will need to carefully consider their typing or gaming needs before selecting one over the other. Ultimately, it is the combination of material and engineering that defines the overall performance of each switch.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, both exhibit an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equivalent in this regard. This means users can expect similar keystroke triggers from both switches, providing a consistent typing experience whether at work or during extended gaming sessions. However, the bottom out forces for both switches are unknown, leaving a gap in the comparison. In terms of weight, both switches can be considered equal since their actuation forces match, appealing to those who favor a lighter feel for longer typing durations, while also serving users who prefer more resistance for a firmer typing sensation. Overall, users can anticipate a similar feel from both switches regarding actuation, but the unknown bottom-out forces introduce uncertainty about the overall typing experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron Glory Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Glory Red switch provides a more pronounced depth with its longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keystroke feel. In contrast, the shorter 3.4 mm travel distance of the MX Speed Silver may cater better to gamers seeking faster response times and a more immediate actuation. Both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm and the shallow 3.0 mm options, but the Glory Red allows for a more heartfelt typing experience while the Speed Silver focuses on the quickness of action. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for either responsiveness or depth in the typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Red switch is known for its quiet operation, producing minimal noise during use, which makes it ideal for quieter environments such as offices or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch features a low-pitched sound, giving it a bass-heavy and mellow tone. While both switches are relatively subdued compared to tactile or clicky options, the sound profile of the MX Speed Silver may still carry a bit more presence due to its distinct low-frequency resonance.

Regarding feel, the Gateron Glory Red is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and pleasant travel distance, offering a consistently fluid experience without noticeable friction during key presses. Conversely, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is characterized by a textured feel – this can introduce a certain level of friction that may be perceived as scratchiness by some users. The difference in texture can significantly influence typing preferences, with fans of smooth switches leaning towards the Glory Red, while others might appreciate the nuanced feedback from the Speed Silver's textured action.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Red and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches cater to distinct preferences, particularly in terms of sound and feel. The Glory Red excels in providing a quiet and smooth typing experience, making it suitable for those who favor subtlety and comfort. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver caters to gamers who require rapid response and enjoy a tactile texture, albeit with a low-pitched sound. Choosing between these two will depend heavily on your priorities – whether you seek a serene, smooth typing experience or a quicker, textured response.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Glory Red and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches ultimately hinges on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, particularly for everyday tasks like typing or programming, the Gateron Glory Red is a suitable option. Its lighter keystroke and satisfying travel distance can enhance your overall comfort during prolonged use. On the other hand, if you are a competitive gamer looking for rapid response times, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is likely the better choice. Its design enables quick keystrokes and low spring resistance, allowing for faster actuation which can give you a vital edge in performance-sensitive scenarios. In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Red might offer a quieter typing experience, which is advantageous in shared spaces. Conversely, the low-pitched sound profile of the MX Speed Silver may provide a more reassuring feedback during gaming sessions. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal preference for feel and intended usage, be it casual typing or high-stakes gaming.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Speed Silver Linear

$5.90

$4.00 per 10

Learn more