Gateron Glory Red vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Red and Haimu Neo White offer two distinctly enjoyable options for typists and gamers alike. The Glory Red, recognized for its lighter touch, provides a smooth keystroke with an appealing travel distance, ensuring a delightful typing experience that caters to those who favor rapid key presses, making it a great choice for those who type often or prefer a more effortless feel. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White showcases a medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, delivering a unique tactile sensation that is both smooth and satisfying thanks to its rare Ly stem design. This makes the Neo White ideal for users who seek a balanced typing experience that combines both feedback and comfort. While both switches offer their own advantages, they cater to different preferences in keystroke feel and feedback. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
Ly
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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Red and Haimu Neo White switches exhibit significant differences in their top housing materials, which contribute to their unique acoustic profiles. The Glory Red switch utilizes a nylon top housing that, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound and produces a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing. This quality allows the L type of sound characteristics to resonate more, resulting in a warm, rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Neo White switch is characterized by its polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and promotes a clearer, sharper sound. This difference is particularly notable when considering the impact of each material on the overall sound when the key is released, with the polycarbonate enhancing the high-pitched, crisp feedback typical of RGB-compatible switches.
While the top housings differ, both switches share nylon as the material for their bottom housings. This shared nylon construction means that the bottom-out sound and feel when actuating the switch will have a similarly dull and robust character for both the Glory Red and Neo White. The nylon’s inherent properties ensure that both switches deliver a deeper sound profile, which helps level the playing field in terms of bottoming out sensation. Thus, while the top components create varied sound experiences, the homogeneity in bottom housing material enables a consistent tactile feel across both switch varieties.
The combined effect of these housing materials influences the acoustic and tactile experience during typing. For users seeking a particular sound profile, the Gateron Glory Red delivers a more subdued auditory experience suitable for quieter environments, while the Haimu Neo White’s construction leans towards a more pronounced sound ideal for gaming or ambient settings where auditory feedback is appreciated. Nevertheless, since both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, they do share a common depth in sound when bottoming out, leading to an enjoyable typing experience that combines qualities of both high-pitched clarity and warmth. Users can expect a nuanced blend of auditory feedback, harnessing the distinct advantages of their respective materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, we see a distinct difference in actuation force and bottom out force. The Gateron Glory Red features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the actuation force of the Haimu Neo White is unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Neo White has a defined bottom out force of 58 grams, while this data is unavailable for the Glory Red. Based on the available information, we can conclude that the Gateron Glory Red is the lighter option with its 45 grams actuation force. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White presents a heavier feel with its 58 grams bottom out force. Ultimately, if users prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, they may lean towards the Glory Red, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel might find the Neo White appealing due to its heavier characteristics.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity in travel distance means that users can expect a comparable feel when pressing down on the keys, resulting in a uniform experience across both switch types. As a result, whether you choose the Glory Red or the Neo White, the keypress depth and tactile feedback will be very much the same, allowing for a consistent and smooth 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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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 linear switch offers a smooth and relatively quiet keystroke, making it suitable for environments where noise levels should be kept to a minimum. The sound profile of the Glory Red is pleasant and unobtrusive, allowing for an enjoyable typing experience without drawing too much attention. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a more neutral sound profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force and a balanced acoustic output. This makes the Neo White suitable for a wide range of settings, whether in quiet offices or at home, as it strikes a balance that can be appreciated by both beginners and more experienced users alike. It’s essential to remember that the overall sound can also be influenced by the keyboard’s design, the choice of keycaps, and other factors.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Glory Red switch is known for its smooth keystrokes and a pleasant overall typing experience, ensuring each press is effortless. While the specifics of its tactile feedback may not be highlighted, it delivers a consistent linear action without any bumps or interruptions. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White switch offers a slightly different sensation with its medium weight and a distinctive feel due to the use of the Ly stem. The Neo White provides a mild typing experience, standing in a comfortable middle ground that many find accessible and enjoyable. Its smooth actuation enhances the overall typing experience, ensuring that keystrokes feel gratifying without being overly harsh or pronounced.
In conclusion, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red and Haimu Neo White switches ultimately depends on personal preferences regarding sound and feel. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience; however, the Glory Red leans towards a quieter output while the Neo White provides a more neutral acoustic profile. If you appreciate a lighter switch with a very smooth action, the Glory Red may be your go-to. Conversely, if you want a mild and balanced experience that accommodates various environments, the Neo White could be the better match. Regardless of your choice, both will deliver a satisfying typing journey with their respective characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Glory Red and Haimu Neo White switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and primary usage scenarios. If you favor a smooth, light keystroke for rapid typing or gaming, the Gateron Glory Red is likely your best bet, as its lighter actuation provides an effortless typing experience with an enjoyable travel distance. This can be especially beneficial for those who spend long hours typing or gaming, where speed and comfort are paramount. However, if you prefer a more balanced typing experience with a moderate actuation force, the Haimu Neo White switch may be the better option. Its medium weight offers a distinctive feel and is versatile enough for various applications, from casual typing to more focused tasks at work or school. Furthermore, its neutral sound profile and mild characteristics make it suitable for any environment, ensuring that it won't be overly distracting whether you're at home or in a shared space. Ultimately, consider what matters most for your typing style and environment to make the best choice between these two excellent switches.
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