Gateron Glory Red vs. Outemu Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly affect both typing comfort and overall experience. The Gateron Glory Red, a linear switch, is celebrated for its light actuation force and smooth keystroke, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists alike who favor rapid key presses and a fluid feel without tactile bumps. In contrast, the Outemu Brown switch offers a tactile experience, providing a gentle feedback with its pronounced bump at the actuation point, which can enhance typing accuracy and is often preferred by those who appreciate a more deliberate key press. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Glory Red excels in speed and smoothness, ideal for fast-paced gaming, while the Outemu Brown is better suited for those who enjoy a tactile response during long typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Glory Red Linear

Outemu Brown Tactile

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Brown switches, a distinct contrast is observed in their top housing. The Glory Red employs a nylon top housing, noted for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound. This characteristic leads to a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. Conversely, the Outemu Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, making it particularly appealing for users who favor a distinct auditory feedback while typing. The aesthetic advantage of polycarbonate also lies in its translucency, which enhances the visual effects of RGB lighting, a feature that many enthusiasts prioritize in their mechanical keyboard setups.

Interestingly, the bottom housings of both switches present a point of convergence in their material choice, as both the Glory Red and the Outemu Brown utilize nylon. This uniformity means that the deeper and fuller sound characteristic associated with nylon will be a common experience when bottoming out each switch. The construction material here reinforces the tactile feedback, contributing to a consistent experience during keystrokes, regardless of the variation in sound profile created by the differing top housings. Essentially, both switches deliver a similar feel during the act of pressing down on the keys due to the shared nylon bottom housing, enhancing the overall performance and tactile feel of each switch in use.

Ultimately, the differences in sound profiles between the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Brown stem primarily from their top housing materials, effectively splitting the acoustic characteristics of each switch. Users pressing down on these switches will experience the fuller depths of sound attributed to the nylon bottom housing, while the tonal distinctions will surface when releasing the key due to the differing top housing compositions. This unique construction means that users seeking a rounded auditory signature will likely gravitate towards the Glory Red, while those desiring a clearer and more defined sound will prefer the Outemu Brown. Nonetheless, both types of switches benefit from the stabilizing qualities of nylon in the bottom housing, ensuring a reliable and consistent typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch with an actuation force of 45 grams to the Outemu Brown tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 53 grams, it's clear that the Glory Red is the lighter option. This lower actuation force may appeal to typists or gamers who prefer a more effortless typing experience for extended sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown's actuation force makes it a better choice for those who prefer a heavier switch for a more tactile and substantial feel while typing. Additionally, the Outemu Brown has a known bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when the switch is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unavailable, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares at that depth of engagement. Overall, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Gateron Glory Red is your switch, while the Outemu Brown is suited for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback with a heavier actuation.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, the difference is quite clear. The Glory Red switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Brown switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Glory Red the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is better suited for those who prefer a deeper, more tactile experience, providing a satisfying key press that some users find more comfortable. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and the kind of feedback you desire while typing or gaming.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Glory Red linear switch generally produces a quieter typing experience than the Outemu Brown tactile switch. The linear nature of the Glory Red means that it lacks any distinct sound profile, allowing for smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes that are less likely to disrupt others nearby. In contrast, the Outemu Brown switch emits a more pronounced sound due to its tactile bump, which creates a soft, audible click when activated. This click can provide satisfying auditory feedback for users who prefer a more interactive sound while typing, though sound will ultimately vary depending on the keyboard build and keycap materials used.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red excels with its smooth and consistent keystroke. Users often appreciate the effortless linear action, which allows for quick key presses without any resistance or bumps throughout the travel distance. This seamless feel is particularly favored for gaming, where rapid key presses are essential. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown offers a tactile feedback feature, characterized by a noticeable bump that indicates the actuation point. This tactile sensation can enhance typing accuracy and provide a more engaging experience for those who enjoy feeling the key travel process, although it may slow down rapid keypress scenarios slightly as users adapt to the tactile feedback.

In summary, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch cater to different preferences among typists. While the Glory Red focuses on a smooth, quiet experience that facilitates fast typing and gaming, the Brown provides a tactile feedback system that some users find enhances their overall typing experience. Depending on your personal typing style and preference for sound and feel, either switch may be suitable, but they will deliver distinctly different sensations during use.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke for activities like gaming or fast typing, the Glory Red, with its light actuation force and pleasing travel distance, would be an excellent choice. It offers a quiet experience, making it suitable for shared workspaces. On the other hand, if you prefer feedback while typing and value a more pronounced engagement with each keypress, the Outemu Brown is the way to go. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force and tactile bump, it provides a satisfying typing experience while still accommodating a moderate level of noise. In essence, if you're after speed and tranquility, opt for Glory Red; if you're inclined towards a more traditional feel with tactile feedback, the Outemu Brown would be ideal. Consider your primary activities and environment to make the best selection for your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more