Gateron Glory Red vs. Bsun Olive

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two intriguing options to consider are the Gateron Glory Red and the Bsun Olive. The Gateron Glory Red, known for its smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, provides a linear feel that many typists appreciate for its ability to facilitate fast, uninterrupted key presses. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a quiet and fluid typing experience, making it a great choice for gaming or long writing sessions. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switch offers a more tactile experience with its pronounced feedback and resonant sound, thanks to its unique all-POM housing and long pole stem design. This medium-weight switch delights users who enjoy a satisfying “snap” during each keystroke, which can enhance both typing accuracy and enjoyment. Each switch serves different preferences—whether you're seeking speed and smoothness or a tactile, auditory feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Glory Red Linear

Bsun Olive Tactile

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the Bsun Olive switches, a clear distinction emerges between the types of plastics used. The Glory Red utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. This classic material is known for its softer properties, which result in a fuller and deeper sound profile during typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive employs POM (polyoxymethylene) for its housings, which also produces a rich, muted sound but with distinct characteristics. POM is generally regarded as a more engineering-oriented plastic with excellent durability and low friction. While both housing materials lead to a deeper sound profile, the specific acoustic qualities differ, with nylon giving a rounder sound compared to the unique tone produced by POM.

In terms of tactile feedback and auditory experience, the differences in plastic types play a significant role. The nylon material of the Glory Red absorbs sound effectively, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience that can enhance the typing experience by reducing the echo effect commonly associated with harder plastics. Conversely, the POM of the Bsun Olive maintains a creamy, satisfying sound that is more muted yet still deep, allowing for a pleasant auditory feedback when pressing keys. While both switches can provide satisfying sound profiles, the Nylon-based Glory Red may feel softer and warmer, while the POM-based Olive may deliver a sharper, more linear response that some typists prefer.

Ultimately, the combined effects of these housing materials on the typing experience can yield similar satisfaction levels depending on user preference. If sound and feel are crucial factors for the typist, the differences in material characteristics will influence personal choices. When a switch's top and bottom housings differ, as seen between the Glory Red’s nylon and the Olive’s POM, the typing experience is colored by the unique attributes of each material. In practice, both switches are designed to cater to different preferences, and individuals may find that the nuanced differences enhance or detract from their overall enjoyment, depending on their desired typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means they require the same amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. This similarity in actuation force can provide similar typing experiences for users who prefer lighter switches for extended use while typing or gaming. However, the key difference lies in their bottom out forces, with the Bsun Olive featuring a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is medium-heavy. This indicates that while both switches require the same force to register a key press, the Olive switch will feel more substantial when fully pressed down, making it a better choice for users who prefer a firmer typing experience. The bottom out force of the Glory Red is unknown, which means it can't be directly compared to the Olive. In summary, the Glory Red is likely the lighter option overall since it has an unknown bottom out force, whereas the Olive offers a heavier feedback at the bottom of the keystroke.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Olive has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you're seeking a more responsive feel, the Olive may be the better choice, as shorter distances can facilitate quicker actuation, appealing especially to gamers. Conversely, the Glory Red offers a bit more depth in the travel, which some users might prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, those who appreciate a hearty depth in their keystrokes might gravitate towards the longer travel distance of the Gateron Glory Red.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch produces a quieter and more muted audio profile, which contributes to a more subdued typing experience. This is in stark contrast to the Bsun Olive tactile switch, known for its resonant and deep sound that offers a more pronounced auditory feedback. The Olive's sound is likely to create a more engaging environment, especially for those who appreciate the audible impact of their typing. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound can still be significantly affected by factors such as the keyboard's build quality and the choice of keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Glory Red switch is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and enjoyable travel distance, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a seamless typing action without tactile interruptions. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switch is characterized by a distinct tactile feedback that provides an invigorating experience. The Olive’s pronounced tactile bump is sharp and snappy, ensuring that users feel a clear response with each keystroke. The Olives are designed to be medium-weight, offering a more immersive typing sensation without being overly demanding, making them ideal for those who enjoy both feedback and responsiveness.

In conclusion, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red and the Bsun Olive switches largely depends on personal preference. The Glory Red switches excel in providing a smooth and quieter experience, appealing to users who value uninterrupted keystrokes. Conversely, the Bsun Olive switches shine through their tactile feedback and resonant sound, catering to those who appreciate a more engaging and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth, linear feel or a more textured and audible feedback in your keyboard typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with a lighter touch, particularly for tasks such as gaming where quick, fluid key presses are essential, then the Glory Red is your ideal option. Its pleasurable travel distance makes it a joy to type on, keeping fatigue at bay during extended sessions. Conversely, if you're someone who enjoys a pronounced tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience, the Olive switch is likely to be more suited to your needs. With its medium-heavy actuation force, the Olive not only delivers the satisfying tactile bump you crave but also offers a deeper, resonant sound that can add a richer auditory element to your typing. So, while the Glory Red leans more towards a seamless and speedy feel, the Olive invites you to savor every keystroke with its invigorating and crisp feedback, making it a robust choice for both typing and casual use.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Olive Tactile

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

Learn more