Gateron Glory Red vs. Outemu Cold Plum

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a significant role, and two popular options stand out: the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Cold Plum. The Gateron Glory Red switches are celebrated for their lightweight design, offering a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance that promotes an enjoyable and fatigue-free typing experience. This makes them an ideal choice for users who value speed and precision, especially in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switches provide a distinct typing experience, characterized by their thocky sound profile and durable fully nylon construction. Known for their gratifying auditory feedback and satisfying keystroke, these switches appeal to enthusiasts who appreciate both performance and sound. Both switches offer unique benefits tailored to different preferences; 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 Cold Plum Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Cold Plum switches feature identical housing materials, as both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is renowned in the mechanical keyboard community for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to its relatively softer composition compared to harder plastics. This characteristic makes both switches share a common auditory experience, effectively absorbing sound and resulting in a duller and rounder tonal quality when typing. With such similarities in the housing materials, users can anticipate a comparable acoustic performance and typing experience, leading to consistent sound profiles across both switches.

While both the Glory Red and Cold Plum switches are equipped with nylon housings, their shared materials mean that any nuanced differences in sound and feel are unlikely to arise from the housing itself. Instead, if either switch were to have different switch mechanisms or stem designs, those qualities would largely dictate the user experience, rather than the material composition. Since the switch bottoms and tops both consist of nylon, the switches' overall sound when bottoming out would provide a similar auditory feedback. Thus, if you're seeking switches with independent characteristics, switching stems or actuation types would be more effective than relying on the housing materials alone.

The impact of the housing materials varies based on the design of the switch. Since both the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Cold Plum utilize nylon for their entirety, users will likely experience a unified feel and sound profile regardless of which switch they choose. The qualities imparted by the bottom and top housings will converge in their acoustic effects, further emphasizing the sonic signature of nylon across both switches. In essence, this congruence in housing material enhances compatibility among different components of each switch, offering a seamless typing experience that remains consistent in quality, voice, and feedback.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch to the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Red features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option between the two. However, its bottom out force is unavailable, making it difficult to fully assess its performance during extended use. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a defined bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This heavier push may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer tactile feedback, while the lighter Glory Red is likely better suited for users seeking a more effortless typing experience during long sessions. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the Glory Red would be more appealing, whereas the Cold Plum is the choice for those who enjoy a firmer keystroke.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cold Plum features a slightly shorter distance of 3.3 mm. This means that if you prioritize responsiveness and quicker key activation, the Outemu Cold Plum may be more suitable due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, if you prefer the feeling of a fuller depth with each keystroke, the Gateron Glory Red switch may better meet your needs. The 0.3 mm difference reflects the trend toward shorter travel distances favored by gamers, but those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might find the Glory Red's longer travel distance more satisfying.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Glory Red linear switch is characterized by a smooth and relatively quiet keystroke, making it a solid option for those who prefer a more understated sound profile while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum switch stands out with its distinct "thocky" sound, providing a more pronounced auditory feedback that many enthusiasts find satisfying. This sound difference is significant, as the Cold Plum’s fully nylon construction contributes to the overall acoustic profile, offering a uniquely delightful sound experience. However, it’s important to remember that the sound a switch produces can also be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard’s material and the choice of keycaps used.

Regarding tactile feel, the Gateron Glory Red offers a smooth keystroke with a comfortable travel distance, allowing for an enjoyable and fatigue-free typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum also boasts a smooth keystroke but aims to enhance the typing experience with its thocky sound profile. Both switches cater to enthusiasts seeking a pleasant feel, although the Cold Plum's sound might add an extra layer of satisfaction during use.

Overall, both the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Cold Plum switches offer appealing attributes for different preferences. While the Glory Red is more suited for users who appreciate a quieter typing with smoothness, the Cold Plum entices those who enjoy a richer sound alongside similar smooth keystrokes. Choosing between them will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize a subdued typing experience or a distinct auditory feedback while typing.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Cold Plum switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a smooth keystroke and a pleasing travel distance, the Gateron Glory Red is an excellent option. Its design provides an enjoyable typing experience, making it suitable for those who type extensively or play fast-paced games where rapid actuation is necessary. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy feel with a unique thocky sound profile, the Outemu Cold Plum will likely be more to your liking. Its fully nylon construction enhances durability and adds a satisfying auditory feedback, making it perfect for enthusiasts who appreciate a distinct typing experience. Ultimately, if you favor a light and smooth keystroke, go for the Gateron Glory Red; if you prefer a heavier feel coupled with a delightful sound, the Outemu Cold Plum is your best bet.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more