Gateron Glory Red vs. Outemu Cream Blue

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of different types, such as the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Cream Blue. The Glory Red, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and relatively light actuation force, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quick and fluid typing experience without tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue is a clicky switch known for its distinct auditory feedback and tactile bump, appealing to typists who enjoy both the sound and sensation of each keystroke, providing a satisfying response with every press. While the Glory Red can enhance typing speed and reduce finger fatigue, the Cream Blue offers a sensory experience that many find enhances their overall engagement with the keyboard. 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 Cream Blue Clicky

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Cream Blue switches share a similarity in their housing materials, utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Nylon is widely recognized in the keyboard switch industry for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic stems from nylon's inherently softer composition, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. Therefore, users can expect a similarly rich auditory experience from both switches, as the sound produced when typing will be rounded and pleasant, largely owing to the properties of nylon.

Despite this shared material, the inherent structure of the switches themselves—how they are designed and tuned—can still lead to differences in the typing experience. For instance, while both switches have nylon housings that contribute to full sound profiles, their internal mechanisms, such as the spring and stem design, may offer distinct tactile and auditory feedback during typing. The Gateron Glory Red is a linear switch, which means its actuation is smooth and uninterrupted, potentially generating a more muted sound on bottom out. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue features a tactile bump and a clicky mechanism, resulting in a sharper sound when keys are actuated and released. These differences could create a more stimulating auditory experience with the Cream Blue, despite both having nylon housings.

When considering the impact of housing materials on sound and feel, it's important to note how the effects are distributed in both switches. The qualities of the nylon used in the bottom housing will predominantly influence the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will affect the sound produced as keys are released. This dual interaction means that even with identical nylon materials, the overall typing experience is enhanced by the unique contributions of each switch’s design. Consequently, even though both the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Cream Blue switch employ nylon housings, the overall typing dynamics can differ significantly, leading to varying acoustic and tactile satisfaction based on user preference.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, their actuation and bottom out forces highlight distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Glory Red features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Cream Blue has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This difference means that the Glory Red is a lighter option, which may be more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less pressure to actuate each keystroke. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown, making it difficult to assess how it feels when fully pressed down compared to the Cream Blue's firm bottom out force of 65 grams. The heavier push of the Cream Blue provides a more substantial typing experience, which some users may prefer for the tactile feedback it offers. Overall, those who prioritize a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Glory Red, while those seeking a stronger, more noticeable keystroke should consider the Cream Blue.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, we find a notable difference: the Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cream Blue has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you opt for the Gateron Glory Red, you will experience a slightly shorter keypress, which can provide quicker response times and a more responsive feel, favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue, with its greater depth, offers a more traditional and hearty typing experience that some users may find more satisfying. For those who appreciate the quickness of shorter travel distances, the Glory Red is the better option, while the Cream Blue caters to those who like a deeper and more pronounced keypress.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch is relatively quiet compared to other types of switches, producing a soft "thock" upon actuation without the audible feedback that some typists may prefer. This makes it ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch offers a distinct and satisfying audible click sound with every keystroke, making it ideal for users who enjoy an audible confirmation of their typing. This assertive sound profile can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate the sharp feedback associated with clicky switches.

When it comes to feel, the Glory Red switch excels in providing a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, allowing for seamless typing without any tactile bumps. This linear feel appeals to users who prefer a more fluid typing experience, especially for gaming or extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Cream Blue switch features a tactile bump along with the click, offering a pronounced feel that gives typists a clear indication of each key press. This tactile feedback can lead to a more engaging typing experience, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a more interactive touch.

In conclusion, the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Cream Blue switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Glory Red's quiet and smooth keystrokes make it suitable for users seeking a more discreet, linear option, while the Cream Blue appeals to those who favor the lively click and tactile feedback of a clicky switch. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize sound, a tactile sensation, or a seamless typing experience. Each switch delivers unique qualities that can influence your overall typing satisfaction.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch depends largely on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smooth and effortless keystroke for actions like gaming or fast-paced typing, the Gateron Glory Red would be an excellent choice, as it is designed to minimize resistance and provide a seamless experience. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy a lighter touch and want to type or game without fatigue over extended periods. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactile feedback and an audible click with each keystroke, the Outemu Cream Blue is your go-to option, particularly if you don't mind the medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams. This switch is well-suited for typists who appreciate the satisfaction of audible and tactile responses, which can enhance the typing experience, especially for writing or coding. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value a smooth, quiet action or a clicky, responsive feedback while typing or gaming.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cream Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more