Gateron Glory Red vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Milk Blue serve distinct user preferences, each with its unique characteristics. The Gateron Glory Red is a linear switch renowned for its smooth keystroke and light actuation force, making it ideal for users who favor quick and fluid typing experiences without tactile feedback or audible clicks. This makes it a great choice for gamers or typists who prioritize speed and seamless key presses over audible cues. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue is a clicky switch that provides both tactile feedback and an audible click with each keypress, appealing to those who enjoy the satisfying sound and feel of traditional typing, often enhancing the writing experience for typists who prefer a more interactive feel. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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 comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Milk Blue switches, a clear distinction can be drawn between their top housings. The Glory Red utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs sound effectively. In contrast, the Milk Blue employs polycarbonate for its top housing, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate results in a clear and resonant sound, making it particularly beneficial for those who appreciate the aesthetics of RGB lighting since its translucency enhances the illumination effect. This difference in the top housing materials underscores a fundamental contrast in the auditory experience provided by each switch, as the nylon and polycarbonate contribute unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Milk Blue feature nylon material. This shared characteristic means that, regardless of the differences in their top housing, both switches will produce a similar experience in the way they sound and feel when bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience by maintaining the characteristic softness that dampens sound and delivers a rounder auditory feedback. The uniformity in bottom housing across both switches results in a consistency in the tactile feedback one might expect when pressing the keys, highlighting how the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall feel of the switch.
The interaction between the differing top housings and the common bottom housing illustrates the complexity of keyboard switch design. While the Glory Red emphasizes a softer and more muted sound from its nylon top housing, the Milk Blue provides a crisper auditory experience through the use of polycarbonate. Yet, when typing, the bottom-out sound and sensation remain consistent between these two switches because of their nylon bottom housing. This interplay allows typists to experience the best of both worlds: the unique sound profile introduced by the top housing and the deep, resonant properties inherent in both switches' bottom housing, thereby enriching the overall tactile and auditory experience of using mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch have different actuation forces that cater to varying preferences in typing experience. The Glory Red switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Milk Blue switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Glory Red is designed to provide a more effortless typing experience, making it ideal for extended usage, such as during long work hours or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Milk Blue switch offers a firmer push, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback. Both switches lack specific information on their bottom out forces; therefore, we cannot compare this metric. However, based on their actuation forces, users can expect the Glory Red to feel lighter and more comfortable for long periods, while the Milk Blue delivers a stronger push for those who appreciate a sturdier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Glory Red the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate feel under their fingers. In contrast, the Milk Blue's longer travel distance provides a more pronounced depth that some users may find satisfying, offering a classic typing experience. Given these specifications, players who favor responsiveness might lean toward the Glory Red, whereas those looking for a heartier tactile feedback could prefer the Milk Blue. Thus, the two switches cater to different preferences based on their travel distances, with the Gateron Glory Red being more suited for fast-paced action and the Outemu Milk Blue enhancing traditional typing enjoyment.
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 Milk Blue 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch operates quietly, providing a subtle auditory experience that focuses on the smoothness of each keystroke rather than any pronounced clicks. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise can be a concern, such as offices or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is characterized by its distinct audible click at the actuation point, which adds a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists find enjoyable. This clicky sound helps to reinforce that a key has been pressed, making it an enticing option for those who appreciate auditory cues while typing.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red offers a smooth and consistent keystroke, with a linear design that eliminates any tactile bumps or clicks. This results in a fluid typing experience that many users find pleasurable, especially for rapid typing or gaming scenarios where smoothness is paramount. Conversely, the Outemu Milk Blue provides a tactile feedback along with its click sound, allowing typists to feel the actuation point distinctly. This tactile sensation can enhance typing accuracy and rhythm, appealing to users who enjoy a more engaged interaction with their keyboard.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch each cater to different preferences in sound and feel, selecting between them ultimately comes down to personal taste. The Glory Red provides a quieter, smoother experience ideal for discrete use, while the Milk Blue caters to those who thrive on the engaging sound and tactile feedback of clicky switches. Choosing one over the other will result in distinctly different typing experiences, highlighting the subjective nature of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, your preferences and intended use will greatly influence your decision. If you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience, along with a lighter keystroke that allows for rapid and effortless key presses, the Glory Red switch would be an excellent choice. This switch is particularly suitable for gamers or those who perform extensive typing, as its linear nature minimizes resistance and maximizes speed. On the other hand, if you enjoy the tactile feedback of a clicky switch and prefer audible confirmation with each key press, the Outemu Milk Blue switch would be more to your liking. This switch is ideal for typists who appreciate the classic typewriter feel and sound, making it a great choice for writing or anyone who enjoys the satisfaction of a pronounced actuation. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on whether you lean towards a smooth and silent experience or a more tactile and auditory interaction with your keyboard.
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