Gateron Glory Red vs. Outemu Cream Yellow

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Gateron Glory Red, a linear switch, and the Outemu Cream Yellow, a tactile switch, often comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Gateron Glory Red switches are celebrated for their smooth keystroke and pleasant travel distance, making them a popular choice for gamers and typists who appreciate a lightweight and fluid action without any tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow switches provide a tactile bump, which can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction for those who prefer a more pronounced response with each keystroke. While both switches offer unique benefits, such as the Glory Red's seamless performance suitable for rapid input and the Cream Yellow’s tactile feedback aiding in error reduction, it ultimately depends on the user’s specific needs and 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 Cream Yellow Tactile

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Cream Yellow both feature nylon housings for their top and bottom components, which means their acoustic performances share notable similarities. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material, known for its ability to absorb sound effectively. This quality results in a typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. Since both switches utilize nylon in their construction, typists can anticipate similar auditory feedback, leading to a duller and rounder sound when both switches are utilized. This shared material choice suggests that users can achieve comparable results in terms of sound dynamics, contributing to a satisfying typing experience.

Diving deeper into the individual components, the Glory Red and Cream Yellow both incorporate nylon in their top and bottom housings. This means that when comparing the structural characteristics of the two switches, they remain almost identical. Each switch will produce a similar sound environment as both the top and bottom housings influence the acoustic properties upon keypress. The impact of the nylon material is conspicuous, as it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, further solidifying the similarities in sound profile. Typists seeking specific dimensions of feedback will be pleased to discover that the uniformity in housing material ensures a consistent sound and feel across both models.

While the similarities in nylon usage in both switches lead to comparable auditory experiences, the subtleties may arise from additional internal components such as springs and stem designs unique to each switch. However, since the focus remains on the housing material, the core acoustic qualities dictate that the Glory Red and Cream Yellow provide broad similarities in sound and feel. This means that regardless of slight nuances in internal mechanics, the foundational aspects of how sound is generated and experienced will largely align. Consequently, users can confidently choose between the two switches, knowing that they will enjoy a close resemblance in auditory characteristics and tactile feedback due to their shared nylon construction.

Weight

The Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in this aspect, which means users will experience a similar keystroke trigger effort for both switches. However, the difference lies in their bottom out forces. The Outemu Cream Yellow has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a heavier resistance when fully pressed down, whereas the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unavailable. Consequently, users of the Cream Yellow will encounter a more substantial typing experience due to the increased force required to bottom out, which can enhance the tactile feedback. This makes the Glory Red lighter overall in terms of feel, catering to those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, while the Cream Yellow is heavier and might be ideal for users who enjoy a firmer push and additional resistance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, a notable difference emerges. The Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Cream Yellow features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Consequently, the Cream Yellow is the better choice for those who prefer a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the Glory Red, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a deeper keystroke and a more substantial tactile experience. Therefore, while both switches cater to different preferences, those looking for rapid responsiveness might opt for the Outemu Cream Yellow, while others who prefer a more pronounced depth may favor the Gateron Glory Red.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch provides a relatively quiet typing experience, which is often appreciated by users who prefer a more subdued environment or who type in shared spaces. Its smooth keystroke minimizes any unnecessary noise during operation. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch typically produces a more pronounced sound due to its tactile bump, which adds a slight click as you engage the switch. However, it is essential to note that the overall sound produced by either switch can be influenced by the choice of keyboard build, including the material of the board and the type of keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Glory Red switch is known for its smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback, providing a fluid typing experience ideal for rapid typing or gaming. Users enjoy the uniformity as it allows for quick actuation without interruptions. Conversely, the Cream Yellow switch features a tactile bump that provides noticeable feedback at the actuation point, which many typists find satisfying for touch typing. This feedback can help improve typing accuracy and reduce fatigue over long periods of use, making it a favored option for those who appreciate tactile sensations while typing.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Cream Yellow switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a quieter, smoother typing experience, the Glory Red would be an excellent choice, while those who appreciate tactile feedback and a more pronounced sound might gravitate towards the Cream Yellow. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a linear feel or a tactile experience, and both switches can deliver enjoyable results in their respective categories.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Gateron Glory Red linear switches and Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switches largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a smooth keystroke and a lighter touch, making it great for rapid typing or gaming sessions where speed is essential, then the Gateron Glory Red would be the ideal option for you. Its enjoyable travel distance enhances the overall typing experience, making it suitable for both casual and competitive environments. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile feedback that provides a clearer indication of actuation, while still maintaining a medium resistance suitable for various tasks, the Outemu Cream Yellow would serve you well. This switch caters well to typists who like to feel their keystrokes, offering a more substantive feel that can enhance typing accuracy. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and preferences—whether you lean towards the smoothness of the Glory Red or the tactile response of the Cream Yellow.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more