Gateron Glory Red vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard, the switch type can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the Gateron Glory Red, a linear switch, and the Outemu Crystal Brown, a tactile switch. The Gateron Glory Red switches are favored for their smooth keystrokes and lighter actuation force, making them an excellent choice for gamers seeking rapid key presses without any tactile feedback. Conversely, the Outemu Crystal Brown switches provide a tactile bump that allows typists to feel each keystroke, offering a more engaging writing experience that can enhance accuracy and satisfaction during extended typing sessions. While the Glory Red excels in speed and fluidity, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming, the Crystal Brown shines in providing tactile feedback that appeals to those who appreciate the sensation of each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red switches with their nylon top and bottom housing to the Outemu Crystal Brown switches featuring a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, we can observe significant differences in sound profiles due to the materials used. The Glory Red’s nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, as the soft plastic absorbs more sound frequencies, resulting in a muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Crystal Brown’s polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. Due to its rigidity, polycarbonate produces a clearer, more resonant sound, making it preferable for users who favor a brighter auditory feedback. Thus, while both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, the variance in the top housing fundamentally alters the acoustic signature perceived when typing or gaming.
Both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which leads to a similar sound quality in terms of depth and fullness. The nylon bottom housing’s contribution is more pronounced during key bottoming out, generating a duller sound that contrasts with the more vibrant sound exiting the top housing. In both cases, users can experience this deep, resonant sound profile from the bottom housing when engaging with the switches. The consistent use of nylon in both switches' bottoms means that, regardless of the top housing material, users can generally expect a comparable feel and auditory experience when pressing down the keys.
However, the divergence between nylon and polycarbonate in the top housing illustrates how housing materials can interact to create distinct overall experiences. The Glory Red’s combination of two nylon housings guarantees a coherent sound profile that prioritizes warmth and depth. Conversely, the Outemu Crystal Brown’s mix of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom leads to a more complex sensory experience, with the nylon's softness balancing the crispness of the polycarbonate. This differentiation indicates that while both switches have nylon in their construction, the acoustic and tactile outcomes produced by the hybrid of materials result in unique experiences that might cater to diverse user preferences in typing and sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, we find some interesting similarities and differences. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users will experience a similar keystroke trigger pressure with either switch. However, the bottom out force presents a significant contrast: the Outemu Crystal Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the bottom out force for the Gateron Glory Red is unknown. This difference indicates that while both switches require the same effort to actuate, the Cherry Crystal Brown will demand a greater force when fully pressed down, making it feel heavier overall in that aspect. Consequently, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with less strain during extended usage, the Gateron Glory Red may be the better option. Conversely, those who favor a firmer and more substantial typing experience might lean towards the heavier Outemu Crystal Brown switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, the difference is quite notable. The Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Crystal Brown features a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Glory Red is designed for quicker response times, making it a preferable option for gamers who value speed and rapid execution. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown, with its traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, offers a deeper, more gratifying feel, which may appeal to those who enjoy tactile feedback while typing. Ultimately, while both switches serve different preferences, the Glory Red’s shorter travel distance is ideal for users seeking better responsiveness, whereas the Crystal Brown caters to individuals who appreciate a more substantial depth in their keystrokes.
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 Crystal Brown 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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch is generally characterized by a muted and smooth acoustic profile. This switch is designed to minimize noise, making it a great choice for environments where quiet operation is preferred. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is likely to produce a more pronounced sound due to its tactile nature, which tends to include a slight click or bump as you press down, although specifics on its sound signature are less defined. Ultimately, both switches can contribute to a pleasant typing experience; however, the Glory Red’s quieter nature may be preferable for those who value discretion.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Glory Red switch offers a very smooth keystroke experience without any tactile feedback, allowing for rapid key presses without any interruption. This characteristic makes it particularly appealing for gamers or typists who favor fluid and uninterrupted key movement. Conversely, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch features a tactile bump that provides clear feedback at the actuation point. This tactile response can help typists feel when a key has been fully registered, which can enhance accuracy during typing sessions. Hence, if you're looking for a purely linear experience, the Glory Red will deliver smoothness, while the Crystal Brown will engage you more actively with its tactile feedback.
In summary, the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to different user preferences. The quieter, smoother keystroke of the Glory Red contrasts with the tactile and potentially louder response of the Crystal Brown. If you desire a linear and silent typing experience, the Glory Red excels in that aspect. Conversely, if you enjoy tactile feedback and a more engaged typing sensation, the Crystal Brown might be the better fit. Your ultimate choice depends on whether you prioritize a noiseless environment or prefer the tactile engagement of typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Glory Red linear switches and Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience, the Glory Red switches would be ideal for you. They provide a satisfying travel distance and a lightweight feel that can enhance speed while minimizing finger fatigue during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, if you prefer tactile feedback and want to experience a noticeable bump when you actuate a key, the Outemu Crystal Brown switches are the way to go. The medium-light actuation force of 55 grams strikes a balance that many find comfortable for both typing and gaming, allowing for precise key presses while still offering a defining tactile response. In essence, if you lean towards a quiet, linear response for fast typing or gaming, the Glory Red will serve you well, whereas if you appreciate tactile bumps and a bit of resistance, then the Crystal Brown switches should be your choice.
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