Gateron Glory Red vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Dustproof Purple provide two distinct yet appealing options for users with differing preferences. The Gateron Glory Red, recognized for its linear characteristics, is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and lighter actuation force, offering a seamless and enjoyable typing experience, particularly for gamers and typists who favor quick, uninterrupted keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch, categorized as tactile, offers a noticeable bump in its travel path, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate feedback with each press, enhancing typing accuracy and satisfaction. While the Glory Red is ideal for those seeking speed and fluidity, the Dustproof Purple caters to individuals looking for a more engaged typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
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
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 examining the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches, one noteworthy distinction lies in their top housing composition. The Glory Red features a nylon top housing, renowned for its softer characteristics, resulting in a sound profile that is deeper and fuller. This material absorbs more sound, creating a rounded auditory experience that many typists find pleasing. In contrast, the Dustproof Purple utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is inherently stiffer than nylon. This rigidity not only produces a sharper and crisper sound profile but also enhances the clarity of sound, making it more resonant. Therefore, while the Glory Red may appeal to those who prefer a warmer sound, the Dustproof Purple caters to users looking for a brighter auditory feedback during typing.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which serves to unify some aspects of their overall performance. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the one found in the Glory Red’s top housing. This characteristic is advantageous because it ensures that the tactile experience when bottoming out remains consistent across both switches. Since the bottom housing plays a crucial role in affecting the perception of sound upon key presses, users can expect a comparable bottom-out experience regardless of the top housing material used. Thus, while the auditory qualities differ in terms of the top housings, the shared nylon in the bottom housing creates a harmonic balance between the two.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches illustrates how individual housing compositions can influence the sound perception and tactile feedback experienced by the typist. While the Glory Red emphasizes a deeper, fuller auditory profile due to its nylon top, the Dustproof Purple's polycarbonate offers a more vibrant sound. However, the nylon bottleneck of both switches harmonizes their bottoming-out sensations, ensuring that typists will appreciate an element of uniformity in their direct tactile experience. This differentiation in top housing materials allows users to select a switch that perfectly matches their sound preferences while still being assured of a cohesive feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Glory Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option, which is beneficial for those who type for extended periods, such as in work or gaming scenarios. In contrast, the Dustproof Purple requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. While the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown, the Dustproof Purple features a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that typists using the Dustproof Purple will experience a firmer resistance when bottoming out compared to the Gateron Glory Red. Ultimately, for those prioritizing lightness and ease of use, the Glory Red is the better choice, while the Dustproof Purple caters to those who enjoy a more robust tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch, the differences are quite notable. The Glory Red boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dustproof Purple has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that gamers who favor a quicker response time might prefer the shorter Glory Red switch, as its reduced travel distance can lead to faster actuation. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may find the Dustproof Purple's 4 mm travel distance more satisfying, offering a sense of depth that some users prefer. In summary, if you're looking for a quicker response, the Gateron Glory Red is the better option, whereas for a more robust actuation, the Outemu Dustproof Purple is the way to go.
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 Purple 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 sound profile of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch is typically characterized by a quiet operation due to its linear design, which means there’s minimal auditory feedback throughout the keystroke. This can make it appealing for users who prefer a more subdued typing experience, especially in shared or quiet environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch, while lacking specific details about its sound signature, generally offers some additional noise associated with its tactile bump, which can provide a sense of keystroke confirmation. However, since sound can largely depend on the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used, both switches may ultimately present varying sound characteristics in practice.
Regarding feel, the Gateron Glory Red delivers a smooth and consistent keystroke with a light actuation force, resulting in a fluid typing experience that is ideal for both gaming and typing. This seamless action allows users to glide across keys effortlessly. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Purple features a tactile bump that engages at the actuation point, providing physical feedback that many typists enjoy. This tactile response enhances typing accuracy, making it easier to know when a key has been registered without the need to bottom out. The varying mechanisms cater to different preferences; with the Glory Red's fluidity against the Dustproof Purple's tactile feedback.
In summary, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch is favored for its quiet and smooth operation, making it well-suited for those who prefer a subtle typing experience, while the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch is ideal for users who appreciate tactile feedback with a more pronounced keystroke. The differences in sound and feel reflect distinct preferences, making it important for newcomers to consider their specific typing habits and environmental conditions when choosing between these switches. Ultimately, both can deliver enjoyable experiences depending on individual tastes, and trying them out is the best way to determine which one fits your style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke and enjoy a lighter touch, the Gateron Glory Red switch would be ideal for you, particularly if you often find yourself typing for extended periods or engaging in fast-paced gaming scenarios. However, if you prefer a bit more resistance and enjoy tactile feedback that provides a satisfying 'bump' during typing, the Outemu Dustproof Purple would better suit your needs, especially for tasks that benefit from precision, like coding or general productivity. Ultimately, consider the type of feedback and force that you find most comfortable, as well as whether you appreciate a silent keystroke versus one with tactile sound, to arrive at the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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