Gateron Glory Red vs. Outemu Dustproof Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Dustproof Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often narrows down to personal preferences in feedback and feel, and two popular options are the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Dustproof Black, both linear switches. The Gateron Glory Red is celebrated for its lighter touch and smooth keystroke, which makes for an effortless and enjoyable typing experience, particularly favored by those who value speed and less resistance while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Black switch offers a more robust performance, designed to withstand dust and contaminants, making it a solid choice for durability and longevity, appealing to users in diverse environments. While both switches provide a linear experience free of tactile bumps or audible clicks, each brings unique characteristics that can cater to different needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
The Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Dustproof Black switches exhibit contrasting characteristics in their top housing materials. The Glory Red utilizes nylon for its top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature. This softer plastic absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Black employs polycarbonate for its top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, more resonant sound profile. This inherent difference in material properties ultimately results in a distinct auditory experience between the two switches, with the Dustproof Black providing a crisper sound compared to the rounded tones of the Glory Red.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, we observe a commonality: both the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Dustproof Black feature nylon for their bottom housing. This consistency in material choice means that both switches share similar characteristics in terms of sound absorption and tactile feedback at the bottom-out point. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when a key is pressed, enhancing the overall acoustic experience regardless of the differences in top housing materials. Hence, while the top housing variations create noticeable differences when releasing the key, the nylon bottom housing ensures a unified feel and sound when bottoming out.
The implications of these differences and similarities between the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Dustproof Black switches are significant. While users can expect distinct auditory profiles shaped by the contrasting top housing materials, the shared nylon in their bottom housings balances the experience during actuation. This combination ensures that even with the differences in output received from the top housings—one producing a sharper sound and the other a deeper one—there is a cohesion in feel and sound when pressing down keys. Ultimately, this contrast in top materials and consistency in the bottom housing provides users with a comprehensive understanding of how such factors influence typing experiences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch with the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, a notable difference in their actuation forces stands out. The Gateron Glory Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a gentler touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, while the bottom out force of the Gateron Glory Red is unspecified, the Dustproof Black has a bottom out force of 80 grams, confirming its characteristic of being heavier overall. Consequently, for individuals who favor a lighter switch, the Glory Red is the better choice, while those who prefer the feel of a heavier switch should opt for the Dustproof Black.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, we see that the Glory Red has a distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dustproof Black measures 4 mm. This makes the Glory Red the shorter option and the Dustproof Black the longer one. The typical travel distance of 4 mm aligns with traditional preferences, offering a more substantial feel that some users favor. In contrast, the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Glory Red may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer the briskness of shorter travel or the depth of a longer one.
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 Dustproof Black 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
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch produces a sound profile that is generally quiet, making it suitable for both office environments and home use where noise might be a concern. The Outemu Dustproof Black switch, however, has no specific information available regarding its sound characteristics. It’s worth noting that the sound produced by any switch is also influenced by external factors such as the keyboard’s construction, frame materials, and the type of keycaps used. Therefore, while you can expect the Glory Red to be on the quieter side, the Dustproof Black’s sound remains an unknown variable.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red switches are celebrated for their smooth keystroke and just-right travel distance, which contributes to a comfortable typing experience. In contrast, there is no specific description available for the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Black switch. Therefore, while you can confidently rely on the Glory Red for a satisfying linear experience, the tactile response of the Dustproof Black remains uncertain.
Overall, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch stands out for its smooth keystroke and quiet operation, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a pleasant typing experience. The Outemu Dustproof Black's characteristics are less clear but may present a viable alternative for those interested. If you prioritize sound and feel, the Glory Red offers a well-defined experience, whereas the Dustproof Black may or may not meet similar expectations in these areas. When choosing between these two options, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and any additional context regarding the keyboard you intend to use.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, you'll want to consider your typing preferences and the context in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you prefer a lighter key press with smooth keystrokes and a satisfying travel distance, the Gateron Glory Red is an excellent choice, especially for long periods of typing or gaming where rapid key presses are beneficial. Its design caters to users who enjoy a more nuanced and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, if you favor more feedback in your typing and don’t mind applying greater force with each keystroke, the Outemu Dustproof Black offers a heavier bottom-out force of 80 grams which might suit individuals who prefer a more deliberate typing style or who want to avoid accidental key presses. Additionally, consider your environment; if dust and grime are a significant concern, the robust Dustproof Black might serve you better in maintaining durability over time. In summary, your choice should revolve around your comfort level with actuation force and the overall typing experience you desire.
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