Gateron Glory Red vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Green stand out due to their distinct characteristics, catering to different user preferences. The Gateron Glory Red, known for its lighter touch, features a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance that many typists find enjoyable, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Green switch is a clicky model, delivering audible feedback with each keystroke, which not only provides a tactile response but also enhances the typing experience for those who appreciate a more traditional and engaging feel. While the Glory Red is ideal for gamers and typists looking for swift and uninterrupted keystrokes, the Green switch appeals to users who enjoy the satisfying click and robust feedback of a classic mechanical keyboard. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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 housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Green switches, there's a notable contrast due to the different materials used for their top housings. The Glory Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer nature. This softness not only contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile but also aids in sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience during typing. Conversely, the Outemu Green's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that produces a high-pitched and crisper sound profile. This stiffness allows for a clearer and more resonant acoustic feedback, providing a brighter typing experience. Thus, the choice of top housing material directly influences the auditory characteristics of each switch, showcasing how materials can lead to differing outcomes in user experience.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Green switches are equipped with nylon materials. The use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a coherent sound profile that aligns closely with the characteristics of the Glory Red. Like the Glory Red, the nylon bottom in the Outemu Green also helps elicit a fuller and deeper sound, thanks to its sound-absorbing properties. This commonality in bottom housing material means that while the top sounds might differ dramatically, the bottom-out feel and sound across both switches can maintain a similar quality. Thus, consumers can expect a shared foundation in auditory experience when pressing down on either switch.
Furthermore, when considering the impact of both top and bottom housings on the overall switch performance, one must acknowledge how the different materials play distinct roles. The nylon bottom housing in both models allows for a dampening effect that will ensure a refined bottom-out experience. Meanwhile, the contrasting top housing materials will dictate the sounds produced upon releasing the key. For users aiming to achieve a more tailored auditory profile when typing, the Gateron Glory Red can provide a softer, deeper sound, while the Outemu Green can deliver a sharper, more resonant audio output. Therefore, despite the similarities in bottom housing, the interplay of different materials in the top housing ultimately hides a variety of experiences within these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, a clear distinction emerges in terms of weight. The Glory Red features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Green requires a heavier actuation force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some typists might prefer for a more tactile experience. Additionally, while the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown, the Outemu Green has a bottom out force of 80 grams, reinforcing its heavier feel when pressed down fully. This difference in force characteristics indicates that users seeking a lighter keyboard experience would gravitate toward the Gateron Glory Red, while those who enjoy a firmer push would find the Outemu Green more satisfying.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, it is clear that the Glory Red measures at 3.6 mm, while the Green features a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference in distance means that the Glory Red offers a slightly shorter travel, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times and a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Green, with its longer travel distance, provides a deeper and more pronounced keystroke experience, which some users may prefer for a more tactile and satisfying typing sensation. In summary, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch is the shorter option, making it ideal for those who favor responsiveness, whereas the Outemu Green clicky switch is the longer option, potentially offering a more substantial feel during use.
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 Green 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 typically quieter compared to the Outemu Green clicky switch. The Glory Red creates a subdued, smooth sound profile that suits environments where noise is a consideration, providing an unobtrusive typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Green produces a distinct, sharp click at actuation, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback in their typing. This characteristic click can be satisfying for many users, though it may be distracting in shared spaces. It's important to note that the overall sound can vary significantly based on the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, which can enhance or dampen these auditory qualities.
When discussing feel, the Gateron Glory Red offers a smooth, linear experience with a gentle resistance that results in a seamless keystroke, making it great for fast typists who prefer fluidity without tactile bumps. Its lighter actuation force allows for more effortless keystrokes, which can be pleasurable over long typing sessions. Conversely, the Outemu Green provides a tactile and clicky sensation, with a noticeable bump at the actuation point that delivers both feedback and a satisfying feel. This tactile response is advantageous for those who appreciate a more engaged typing experience, as it helps confirm each keystroke with a tactile and auditory cue.
In summary, if you’re exploring the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Green switches, you’ll find notable differences in sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The Glory Red prioritizes a quieter, smoother typing experience, making it suitable for silent environments. Alternatively, the Outemu Green offers a more engaging and responsive tactile experience, ideal for those who thrive on feedback while typing. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a calm, linear experience or a tactile, clicky one, both of which can provide satisfying results tailored to your personal typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Glory Red is an excellent choice. Its lighter actuation allows for effortless typing, making it ideal for those who type for long periods or require quick responses, such as gamers or writers who prioritize speed and comfort. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactile feedback and an audible click with each keystroke, the Outemu Green is the way to go. Its heavier actuation gives a satisfying response that's great for typists who appreciate a deliberate keystroke, providing a sense of control and engagement. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you lean towards a more seamless, quiet experience with the Glory Red or prefer the pronounced feedback and sound of the Green switch.