Gateron Glory Red vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Blue present contrasting yet compelling choices for different types of users. The Gateron Glory Red, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and relatively light actuation force, making it ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a seamless and uninterrupted typing experience. This switch is particularly favored for its pleasing travel distance, ensuring comfort for prolonged use without tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Blue is a clicky switch known for its distinct audible click and tactile bump, providing users with satisfying auditory and physical feedback that many find enjoyable, especially for typing enthusiasts who appreciate the sound and feel of each keystroke. While the Glory Red focuses on a smooth, linear action perfect for both gaming and typing, the Outemu Blue caters to those who thrive on the clicky sensation and sound of their inputs. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 examining the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Blue switches, a distinct contrast is observed between their top housings. The Glory Red features a nylon top housing, known for its softer properties that contribute to a deeper, fuller sound profile, while the Outemu Blue utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, crisper sound. This fundamental difference in material affects not just the auditory experience but also how users perceive the overall typing feel. The nylon's softer nature helps dampen the sounds created during keystrokes, yielding a quieter operation, whereas the clear polycarbonate delivers a bright and resonant sound that can be especially appealing in setups that emphasize RGB lighting.
Interestingly, both the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Blue utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which leads to some similarities in their overall sound profile despite the differences in their top housing materials. The nylon bottom housing in both switches means that users can expect a fuller, more muted sound when bottoming out on keystrokes, which contributes to a more uniform experience when typing. As the bottom housing predominantly influences the feel and sound during key presses, users can anticipate a similar tactile sensation from both switches, despite the variation in their top materials. This shared bottom housing material helps bridge the gap in sound profiles created by the differing top housings.
The interplay between the two materials highlights the significance of housing choices in mechanical switches. With nylon on the bottom for both, users can rely on a deeper sound when the key is pressed down, while the impact of the top housing material sets the stage for the audible experience upon release. The Glory Red leverages nylon to create a consistently muted and warm typing experience, while the Outemu Blue's polycarbonate offers a vivid auditory flair, particularly appealing for those who favor a more pronounced sound when typing. Despite these differences, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches offer a familiar base experience, emphasizing the nuanced effects brought about by their contrasting top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, we see differences in their actuation forces. The Glory Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Outemu Blue requires a slightly heavier force of 50 grams to actuate. This means that the Glory Red is generally more suitable for long typing sessions, as it allows for less effort per keystroke, which can be beneficial for those who type extensively at work or during gaming. However, while the actuation force reveals a difference in typing experience, both switches have unknown bottom out forces, making it difficult to compare how they feel when pressed all the way down. Overall, users who prefer a lighter touch should gravitate towards the Gateron Glory Red, whereas those who desire a more substantial feel may find the Outemu Blue more to their liking due to its heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch exhibit notable differences in their travel distances, contributing to distinct typing experiences. The Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Blue has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, the Glory Red provides a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times for a more immediate feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue, with its longer travel distance, may be more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial keystroke experience, providing a satisfying depth that some typists appreciate. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that offers quicker actuation, the Gateron Glory Red would be the preferable choice, whereas the Outemu Blue would cater to those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress.
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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 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
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch is characterized by its quiet operation, producing little to no sound during use. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more subdued typing environment or work in shared spaces where noise could be disruptive. In stark contrast, the Outemu Blue clicky switch provides a distinct audible click at each actuation point, which not only signals that a key has been activated but also enhances the typing experience for those who enjoy the tactile feedback associated with clicky switches. This pronounced sound can be satisfying to many users but may not be suitable for quieter settings.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Red switches deliver a smooth and linear keystroke without any tactile bump or resistance, which allows for fluid key presses ideal for fast typists who prioritize speed and ease of use. The absence of tactile feedback means that users can seamlessly glide from key to key without interruption. In contrast, the Outemu Blue switches are designed with a tactile bump alongside the audible click, offering a more pronounced feedback during typing. This tactile response can help typists to determine whether a key has been activated, which some users find enhances their accuracy and typing rhythm.
In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch comes down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. The Glory Red offers a silent and smooth experience, while the Blue delivers a gratifying click and tactile feedback. Ultimately, users can expect different typing sensations and auditory experiences from these switches, catering to varying tastes and environments. Whether you favor the tranquility of the Glory Reds or the lively feedback of the Blue switches, both options can provide a satisfying experience tailored to your individual style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you’re seeking a smooth and unobtrusive experience without any tactile feedback or sound, the Glory Red switch is ideal for you. It offers a light keystroke and a pleasing travel distance, making it excellent for long typing sessions and gaming where speed and fluidity are essential. On the other hand, if you enjoy the tactile feedback and audible click of a switch, the Outemu Blue might be more your speed. Its satisfying click sound and tactile bump not only enhance typing accuracy but also provide a nostalgic typing experience reminiscent of traditional typewriters. Therefore, think about your usage scenario: go for the Glory Red if you prefer a quieter, smoother feel for a mix of gaming and typing, while the Outemu Blue is perfect if you want a more pronounced, engaging typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will shape how much you enjoy your mechanical keyboard.
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