Gateron Glory Red vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Ocean each offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Glory Red, a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth keystroke and lighter feel, providing an enjoyable typing experience with satisfying travel distance—an ideal choice for those who prioritize swift, uninterrupted keystrokes for gaming and typing alike. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean, categorized as a tactile switch, delivers a distinct bump at the actuation point, allowing for more pronounced feedback when typing. This tactile sensation can enhance typing accuracy and is often preferred by those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience. Each switch brings its own set of advantages: the Glory Red for fluidity and speed, and the Ocean for tactile engagement and feedback. 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
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Red switches and Outemu Ocean switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials. The Glory Red features a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's relatively soft composition, which allows it to absorb sound better than harder materials, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the Outemu Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, emphasizes sharper, higher-pitched sounds that resonate more clearly. This fundamental distinction in their top housing materials means that users can expect a markedly different auditory experience when typing on these switches, with the Glory Red offering a more subdued sound compared to the crisper tones of the Outemu Ocean.
On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material, as both the Glory Red and Outemu Ocean utilize nylon. This consistency in the bottom housing contributes to a shared sound profile characteristic: a deeper and fuller auditory experience. While the top housing dictates the sound produced during key release, the bottom housing plays a critical role in shaping the bottom-out sound and the tactile feel when a key is pressed. This means that despite the differences in top housing materials, both switches can deliver a similar foundational sound quality when bottoming out, reinforcing the preference for deeper sounds due to the nylon composition in the bottom segment of both switch designs.
Ultimately, the combination of varied materials in the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Ocean switches illustrates how different housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience. The stark differences in top housing — nylon for the Glory Red and polycarbonate for the Ocean — result in contrasting sound profiles, while the commonality of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a deeper sound when pressed. Users seeking a particular auditory experience may lean toward one switch or the other based on the desired sharpness or fullness of sound, but they will find a consistent tactile feedback at the bottom due to the shared nylon material in the lower half of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, we find a notable difference in actuation force. The Glory Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended periods of typing or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial and tactile feel during keystrokes. Unfortunately, the bottom out forces for both switches are unknown, so we cannot make a direct comparison on that aspect. However, it is clear that the Gateron Glory Red is the lighter option, catering to enthusiasts seeking less resistance, while the Outemu Ocean, being heavier, is better suited for users who enjoy a firmer push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, it becomes clear that the two switches offer different experiences. The Gateron Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Outemu Ocean has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and offers a deeper pressing experience. For those who prioritize rapid response times, the Glory Red’s shorter distance may provide a more immediate feel, ideal for gaming. In contrast, the deeper travel of the Ocean switch may be preferable for users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback when typing. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches reflects these distinct preferences among users.
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 Ocean 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 is characterized by a quiet operation, producing minimal noise during key presses, which is typical for linear switches where the lack of tactile feedback contributes to a smoother audio experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is not well-documented in terms of specific sound qualities, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. It's worth noting that sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, which will affect the overall acoustic profile regardless of the switches themselves.
When considering the feel of the switches, Gateron Glory Red switches offer a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump, ensuring a consistent and soothing typing experience that many users appreciate for both gaming and typing tasks. Conversely, while the Ocean switch is identified as a tactile switch, the specific details regarding its tactile feedback and actuation force are unspecified, leaving a gap in understanding how it feels in comparison to the Glory Red. Nonetheless, tactile switches generally provide a noticeable bump at the actuation point, which contrasts sharply with the linear feel of the Glory Reds.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Glory Red linear switch stands out for its smooth and quiet operation, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch lacks detailed information on its sound and feel characteristics. If you are seeking a quiet and fluid typing experience, the Glory Red is an excellent choice. If you prefer the feel of tactile feedback, the Ocean may still be appealing, though it’s crucial to be mindful that its specific qualities are less understood. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you favor a linear and silent experience or a tactile response, with the recognition that both types will deliver satisfaction based on their respective strengths.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch ultimately depends on your preferences and the type of experience you're seeking from your mechanical keyboard. If you value a smooth typing experience with a lighter touch, the Glory Red is an excellent choice. Its design allows for quick key presses and minimal resistance, making it ideal for both gaming and extensive typing sessions where speed is crucial. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and enjoy the sensation of feeling a distinct bump on each keystroke, the Outemu Ocean switch would be more suitable for you. This switch is designed for those who like to feel their inputs and may find it beneficial for typing accuracy and comfort. Consider these factors when selecting your switch: the smoothness and speed of the Glory Red versus the satisfying tactile feedback of the Ocean. Ultimately, both options offer unique benefits, so reflect on your personal typing style and choose the one that aligns best with your needs.
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