Gateron Glory Red vs. Outemu Maple Leaf

Overview

When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing preferences, the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Maple Leaf are two distinct options worthy of consideration. The Glory Red, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and lighter actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer effortless and uninterrupted typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf, characterized as a tactile switch, provides a noticeable resistance bump at the actuation point, offering satisfying feedback that many typists and gamers alike appreciate for enhancing precision and reducing typing fatigue. While the Glory Red excels in delivering a seamless experience perfect for fast, fluid typing, the Maple Leaf stands out for its tactile feedback that allows users to feel every keystroke, catering to those who enjoy a more engaged typing sensation. Ultimately, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Glory Red Linear

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches prominently feature nylon as their housing material, which contributes similarly to their acoustic properties. Both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, a well-regarded classic in the world of keyboard switches. This commonality in materials leads to a comparable typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows both switches to absorb sound more effectively than their counterparts made from harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller acoustic impact when typing.

Despite the identical material composition of the housings, the potential for various acoustic experiences may still exist, depending on the manufacturing processes and specific designs of each switch. For example, any variance in the internal structure or dampening features—though not explicitly noted in the provided information—could influence how sound resonates within each switch, impacting the overall typing feel. However, because both switches are built from nylon, end-users can expect that the auditory results from both the Glory Red and Maple Leaf can be quite similar, mainly driven by the characteristics of the material itself.

Ultimately, while both the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Maple Leaf share the same housing material, it is important to consider that the division of impact between the top and bottom housings can still play a significant role in how these switches feel and sound. When actuating the switches, the nylon bottom housing is likely to influence the bottom-out sound more, providing feedback on key presses, while the top housing will resonate more significantly upon release. This interplay not only reinforces the acoustic harmony due to the shared materials but also highlights how the tactile experience is shaped by the craftsmanship of each switch. Thus, while they have similarities, subtle differences could still emerge in practice.

Weight

The Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch offer different experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Red features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, which makes it a suitable choice for users who prefer a softer touch, ideal for extended typing tasks or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Maple Leaf switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial feel when typing. Additionally, the Maple Leaf bottom out force is 65 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when the switch is fully pressed down, further contributing to its medium-heavy classification. Since the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unavailable, we can’t directly compare it to the Maple Leaf; however, the lighter actuation force of the Glory Red suggests it may be more forgiving between the actuation and bottom out experience. Overall, those who prefer a lighter feel would gravitate towards the Glory Red, while users seeking a heftier typing experience would likely favor the Maple Leaf.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, we find a noticeable difference. The Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Maple Leaf is slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. This distinction means that the Maple Leaf may offer a quicker response time, catering to gamers or users who favor faster actuation. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Glory Red may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel, providing a deeper and sturdier keypress experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for either responsiveness or a hearty depth in typing feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Glory Red linear switch produces a subtle and pleasing sound profile that emphasizes a quiet keystroke. This makes it suitable for environments where noise levels are a concern, as the design prioritizes a relatively muted acoustic experience. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch’s sound profile is unknown, which leaves it open to interpretation based on the specific build and additional components such as keycaps and the type of keyboard it’s installed in. Sound characteristics are crucial for users who seek specific auditory feedback, but with the Gateron Glory Red being quieter, it may appeal more to those who value a discreet typing experience.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red offers a smooth and linear keystroke that feels effortless, allowing for rapid key presses without any tactile bumps or resistance. This provides a fluid typing experience that many users appreciate, especially for gaming and fast-paced typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf features a tactile sensation, offering a noticeable bump during the actuation point. This tactile feedback engages typists who prefer a more pronounced feel when pressing keys, helping them to maintain accuracy and rhythm in their typing. Ultimately, feel preference will depend on individual requirements, with some users gravitating towards the smoothness of the Glory Red while others may favor the tactile engagement of the Maple Leaf.

In summary, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch is characterized by its soft sound and smooth keystroke, making it a great option for silent setups and high-speed typing. Meanwhile, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch offers distinct tactile feedback but lacks a defined sound profile at this moment. Your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a quiet and smooth experience or a tactile feedback that can enhance typing accuracy. Both switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community, ensuring that there’s something for everyone based on personal taste and usage scenarios.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Gateron Glory Red linear switches and Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you favor a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with a lighter touch, making it easier to double-tap for gaming, then the Glory Red switches may be your best bet. Their travel distance allows for a pleasant typing experience, and if you appreciate a quieter keyboard without tactile feedback, these switches will serve you well. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile bump to guide your fingers, and you enjoy the feedback that helps with typing accuracy, then the Outemu Maple Leaf switches would be more appropriate. With their medium-heavy actuation force, they can offer a satisfying resistance while typing, which some users find enhances their typing experience. Consider what feels right for you—whether you lean towards the lightness and smoothness of the Glory Red or the tactile feedback and heavier actuation of the Maple Leaf. Each switch offers unique characteristics to fit different styles, so choose what suits your typing habits best.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more