Gateron Glory Red vs. Outemu Black

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Black both offer unique benefits for different typing preferences, even though they share the linear switch design. The Gateron Glory Red switches are celebrated for their lighter actuation force, making them ideal for users who favor a smooth keystroke and an enjoyable typing experience, especially during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Black switches are known for their heavier resistance, providing a firmer feedback that can be beneficial for typists who prefer deliberate keystrokes and may help in reducing accidental presses. While the Glory Red excels in comfort and ease of use, the Outemu Black offers more control and a satisfying weightiness. 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

Outemu Black Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Black switches offer distinct sound profiles largely due to the differences in their top housing materials. The Glory Red switch features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This is attributed to nylon's softer properties, which absorb sound waves and create a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Black incorporates a polycarbonate top housing that generates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound, resulting in a higher-pitched tone that many users find appealing, especially when utilizing RGB lighting due to its translucency. The contrast between these materials not only affects the acoustics of each switch but also the overall typing experience, with nylon offering warmth and polycarbonate providing clarity.

Both the Glory Red and Outemu Black switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which creates a shared characteristic that impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. This uniformity means that both switches will yield a deeper and fuller sound when the key is pressed down, as the nylon bottom absorbs sound and lends a certain softness and depth to the feedback. Consequently, users will experience a similar tactile sensation from both switches at the bottom of their actuation, despite the differences found in their top housings. This shared bottom housing material can effectively harmonize the overall experience, ensuring that even amidst the differing top housings, there remains an element of consistency in how the switches feel and sound when bottomed out.

In summary, while the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Black switches differ significantly in their top housing materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—their matching nylon bottom housings create a sense of depth and softness in both that users can appreciate. The contrasting top housings will shape the overall auditory impression as the keys are released, lending to a varied experience that emphasizes either a fuller or crisper quality depending on the switch chosen. Thus, while they may initially seem to offer vastly different sound profiles due to their top materials, the effect of their nylon bottoms helps maintain a connection in the tactile feel, ultimately enhancing the typing experience in their own unique ways.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Black linear switches, significant differences emerge. The Gateron Glory Red has a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing sessions. However, the bottom out force of the Glory Red is not specified, leaving us without a comparative figure for that aspect. In contrast, the Outemu Black switch features a much heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams. This contrasts with the Glory Red’s lighter feel and suggests that the Outemu Black will provide more resistance, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In conclusion, if you're looking for a switch that promotes longer typing sessions with less effort, the Gateron Glory Red is the better option, while the Outemu Black appeals to users who prefer a firmer push.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Black has a travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Gateron Glory Red has a shorter travel distance, offering a slightly more responsive feel, which may be beneficial for gamers seeking quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Outemu Black, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference—whether one favors the rapid response of a shorter travel distance or the comforting depth of a longer travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch is known for its relatively quiet operation, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a more subdued typing experience. This has the potential to be particularly advantageous in shared workspaces or quiet environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Black linear switch, while also designed to be on the quieter side, does not have as much established feedback regarding its acoustic profile. Ultimately, both switches may yield a similar sound experience depending on the specific keyboard construction and keycap materials used.

When it comes to feel, the Glory Red switch is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance, which contributes to an enjoyable and fluid typing experience. This switch is intended to provide minimal resistance throughout its travel, making it particularly appealing for users who engage in fast-paced typing. In contrast, the Outemu Black switch features a firmer resistance, designed to be beneficial for gaming and tasks requiring purposeful keystrokes. This switch might feel stiffer compared to the Glory Red, offering a different tactile profile that can influence one’s typing or gaming experience.

In summary, while both the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Black linear switches provide a quiet operation and a linear feel, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Glory Red focuses on a smooth and light typing experience, ideal for everyday use, while the Outemu Black offers a firmer resistance, which some may appreciate for gaming or deliberate typing tasks. Users will find both switches enjoyable, but the choice ultimately depends on whether they prefer a smoother, lighter feel versus a more resistant, solid feel in their typing or gaming endeavors.

Conclusion

To wrap up, the choice between Gateron Glory Red linear switches and Outemu Black linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter touch and a smooth keystroke, the Gateron Glory Red is an excellent choice; it’s ideal for those who prioritize speed and enjoy rapid typing or gaming without feeling fatigued from a heavier key press. On the other hand, if you prefer more resistance and a solid feel under your fingers, the Outemu Black, with its 82-gram bottom-out force, provides a more deliberate and stable typing experience, which may be well-suited to typists who want to minimize accidental keystrokes and enjoy a tactile feedback. Also consider the sound profile and overall feel, as these aspects can significantly enhance or detract from your typing experience. Ultimately, assess your needs, whether it’s a lightweight key for fast-paced tasks or a heavier key for precision, to determine which switch aligns best with your style.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Black Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more