Gateron Glory Red vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Gold. The Glory Red is a linear switch that is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes, light actuation force, and satisfying travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a seamless and quiet typing experience, ideal for both coding and gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Gold is a clicky switch that delivers tactile feedback alongside an audible "click" with each keystroke, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy the satisfying sound and feel of their keyboard. While the Glory Red is perfect for those seeking a swift and uninterrupted flow while typing, the Outemu Gold appeals to users who thrive on the sensory experience that comes with each click. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 and the Outemu Gold switches, notable differences arise between their top housing materials, which significantly affect the overall typing experience. The Glory Red switch features a nylon top housing, a material renowned for its soft and absorbent properties. This softness contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon effectively dampens vibrations, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Gold employs a polycarbonate top housing. This stiffer material results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its less absorbent nature. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a clearer resonance, making it particularly advantageous for users who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback when typing.
Interestingly, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, as they both utilize nylon. This mutual use of nylon in the bottom housing enhances certain auditory characteristics for both switches. Similar to the top housing effects, the nylon bottom contributes to a deeper sound profile that enhances the bottom-out experience when keys are pressed. Although the Gateron Glory Red delivers a cohesive auditory output with a unified, fuller sound due to its nylon top and bottom, the Outemu Gold relies on the contrasting properties of its polycarbonate top to create a distinct auditory experience. In both cases, the nylon bottom housing dampens sound effectively, contributing to the full-bodied typist feel.
Ultimately, while the Glory Red and Outemu Gold switches possess different top housing materials, their similarities in the bottom housing create a coherent connection between their acoustic qualities. The composition of each switch affects the sound and feel experienced during use, with the Gateron Glory Red providing a consistent and well-rounded typing experience characterized by subdued tones. Conversely, the Outemu Gold's polycarbonate top delivers a more vibrant and crisp sound, offering a lively typing interface while still benefiting from the nylon bottom's dampening properties. In both switches, the interaction of materials creates a unique typing experience that can cater to varied user preferences depending on acoustic and tactile sensations desired.
Weight
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch exhibit some similarities but ultimately cater to different preferences when it comes to actuation and bottom out force. Both switches have an identical actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally suited for users who prefer a moderate push for their keystrokes, which can enhance typing comfort during long sessions. However, the differentiation arises with the bottom out force; while the Glory Red does not have an available bottom out force rating, the Outemu Gold has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This indicates that the Gold switch provides a firmer resistance when pressed down fully, appealing to those who favor a more robust tactile experience. Consequently, the Gateron Glory Red can be considered the lighter option, while the Outemu Gold is the heavier choice among the two, making the former a potentially better fit for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue might be a concern.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, the differences are quite clear. The Gateron Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Gold has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you opt for the Gateron Glory Red, you will experience a more responsive feel, which is particularly favored by gamers who benefit from faster key actuations. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more traditional typing experience, offering deeper key presses that can feel more substantial to some users. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for responsiveness versus depth, as the Gateron provides the shorter travel distance, while the Outemu offers a more classic feel with its longer travel.
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 Gold 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 switches produce a subtle and understated auditory profile, often described as near-silent or muted compared to other switch types. This makes them ideal for environments where noise could be an issue, allowing for a more discreet typing experience. Conversely, the Outemu Gold clicky switches generate a pronounced and satisfying click sound with every keystroke. This auditory feedback is amplified at the moment of actuation, delivering an enthusiastic and engaging typing experience that many users enjoy. However, it's important to remember that the final sound produced by either switch can be influenced by the choice of keyboard plate and keycap materials.
In terms of feel, Gateron Glory Red linear switches excel with their smooth key travel and consistent resistance, which minimizes friction and allows for effortless keystrokes. This attribute fosters a fluid typing experience, making them particularly appealing for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold switch offers a tactile sensation due to its clicky mechanism. The distinct bump upon actuation provides an engaging feedback that many typists find motivational, but it also introduces a noticeable difference in resistance compared to a linear switch. Thus, the tactile nature of the Gold switch caters to those who appreciate the confirmation of a key press, while the Glory Red allows for a more uninterrupted typing rhythm.
In conclusion, the choice between Gateron Glory Red linear switches and Outemu Gold clicky switches largely comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Glory Red switches deliver a quiet, smooth experience suitable for those who prefer a minimalist approach, while the Outemu Gold switches provide an audible and tactile feedback that can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy clear confirmation of their keystrokes. Evaluating these qualities will help newcomers choose the switch that aligns best with their typing habits and environment, ensuring satisfaction in their mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, your preferences and usage scenarios will guide your choice. If you prefer a smooth and enjoyable typing experience with lighter keystrokes that require minimal effort, the Gateron Glory Red is your ideal switch, especially for extensive typing sessions or gaming where rapid keypresses are common. The absence of a tactile bump and click sound makes it perfect for quiet environments or those who enjoy a more subdued approach to their keyboard. Conversely, if you like the tactile feedback and audible click that signal key activation, the Outemu Gold is the way to go. Its medium bottom-out force offers a balanced resistance that feels satisfying to press, making it suitable for both typing and gaming where you appreciate a definitive response. Consider your typing style and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard, as these factors will ultimately determine which switch enhances your experience the most.
Mentioned in this article
