Gateron Glory Red vs. Outemu Cream Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Cream Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming needs, the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Cream Pink switches offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences, despite both being linear switches. The Glory Red is celebrated for its lighter actuation force, which allows for swift and effortless key presses, resulting in a smooth keystroke and an enjoyable travel distance that many typists and gamers appreciate. On the other hand, while the Cream Pink switch may not have the widespread recognition of the Glory Red, it is similarly designed to provide a seamless typing experience without the tactile feedback of a clicky or tactile switch. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference: some users may favor the Glory Red for its lighter touch and fluid action, while others might appreciate the Cream Pink for its subtle appeal. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Cream Pink switches share a notable similarity in their housing materials, as both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of nylon results in a unique sound profile that is distinct for both switches. The use of nylon, a softer plastic, means that both switches can produce deeper and fuller sound profiles with a duller and rounder characteristic. The material's ability to absorb sound contributes to a typing experience that is pleasantly muted compared to switches made from harder plastics, reinforcing the notion that both the Glory Red and Cream Pink switches have closely aligned acoustic properties.
While both switches feature the same nylon housing material, the contribution of the individual housings to the overall typing experience differs slightly. The nylon top housings influence the sound produced upon releasing the keys, while the nylon bottom housings significantly impact the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is fully pressed. Since both the Glory Red and Cream Pink switches make use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings, users can expect a similar experience regarding the sound quality when typing. However, the individual design and engineering of each switch can still result in subtle variations in feel and acoustics.
Consequently, while Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Cream Pink switches are fundamentally similar in their housing materials, their distinct characteristics will ultimately depend on the design nuances in their manufacturing. With both utilizing entirely nylon housing, typing enthusiasts can anticipate a comparable sound experience characterized by a soft and rounded auditory profile. However, those looking for specific tactile feedback and subtle differences in acoustics should consider additional factors such as switch actuation and overall design when choosing between the two.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, there are notable differences. The Glory Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option for users who favor a softer feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Cream Pink requires a stronger 50 grams to actuate, and it features a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. This difference means that while the Glory Red allows for easier keystrokes, the Cream Pink provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter switch to accommodate long typing sessions might lean towards the Glory Red, whereas those looking for a firmer feedback and a more robust push should consider the Cream Pink. The bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown, leaving its overall resistance during full key presses uncertain, but based on its actuation force, it is likely to feel softer compared to the Cream Pink’s definitive medium-heavy feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, we see a distinct difference. The Gateron Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Outemu Cream Pink measures at 4 mm, which is the longer travel distance. This difference indicates that the Gateron Glory Red switch may provide a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers who favor quicker key presses, whereas the Outemu Cream Pink offers a more substantial depth that some users find more satisfying. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference—those looking for faster response times might lean towards the Glory Red, while those who enjoy a deeper keystroke could gravitate toward the Cream Pink.
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 Cream Pink 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
When comparing the sound of the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switches, both are designed to feature a relatively quiet operation typical of linear switches; however, the specific sound profile of the Glory Red is noted for its smooth and muted feedback, which contributes to a pleasant typing experience. The sound characteristics of the Cream Pink are not well-documented, leaving uncertainty in this area. Regardless, linear switches generally emphasize sound dampening, so one can expect a comparable level of quiet operation from both, depending on the specific keyboard construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Glory Red is celebrated for its smooth keystroke with a satisfying travel distance that leads to an enjoyable typing experience, making it favored for both gaming and typing tasks. However, details on the feel of the Cream Pink switch are lacking, preventing a clear comparison. Given that both switches belong to the linear category, they will likely provide a similar experience in terms of smoothness and lack of tactile bump, appealing to those who prefer a continuous keystroke without interruptions.
Ultimately, while the Gateron Glory Red linear switch shines with its established reputation for a smooth and comfortable typing experience, the lack of definitive information about the Outemu Cream Pink limits direct comparison. For users seeking a quiet and enjoyable typing feel, either switch should meet expectations, particularly since both are linear and thus will share essential qualities in terms of sound and feel. If the Cream Pink delivers on its linear promise, it could potentially rival the Glory Red once explored further.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in terms of actuation force, sound, and overall feel. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers smooth keystrokes and a satisfying travel distance, the Glory Red might be the perfect fit for you, especially if you spend long hours typing or gaming, as it can reduce finger fatigue. This switch is ideal for users who favor a fluid typing experience and want minimal resistance during use. On the other hand, if you find yourself drawn to a more substantial tactile experience, the Cream Pink could be the switch for you, boasting a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams that can enhance your typing precision and feedback. This heavier actuation can be particularly beneficial for users who prefer a noticeable resistance that promotes intentional keystrokes, making it well-suited for more deliberate typing tasks or gaming scenarios where every key press counts. Ultimately, take into consideration your typing style and the specific applications you'll be using your keyboard for, as both switches have their unique strengths that cater to different types of users.