Gateron Glory Red vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Purple. The Glory Red, renowned for its smooth keystroke and lighter actuation force, offers a delightful typing experience ideal for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their keystrokes, making it a great choice for gamers or typists who value quick, uninterrupted input. In contrast, the Outemu Purple switch features a tactile bump at the actuation point, providing users with a satisfying feedback that many find reassuring while typing, making it suitable for those who appreciate a more deliberate keypress and the tactile sensation that aids in typographical accuracy. While both switches cater to different preferences—speed and smoothness versus tactile feedback—they each bring unique advantages to the table. 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
2.00 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
The Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Purple switches showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, leading to varied sound profiles. The Glory Red features a nylon top housing, known for its softer, more absorbent qualities that contribute to a muted acoustic experience. This results in a deeper and fuller sound that many typists appreciate for its warm tonal characteristics. In contrast, the Outemu Purple utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, a stiffer material that tends to generate a brighter, crisper acoustic profile. This heightened clarity comes from polycarbonate's ability to resonate more sharply, producing sounds that are more vibrant and pronounced, particularly when RGB lighting is involved and shines through the translucent housing.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Purple utilize nylon, which ensures that the sound profile remains harmonized to some extent. This shared material in the bottom housing means both switches will share the characteristic of producing a deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out, regardless of the differences seen in the top housing. This consistency in the bottom housing translates to a more rounded sound for both switches during the actuation process, assisting in maintaining a certain acoustic familiarity between the two.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Purple create distinct auditory experiences, while the identical use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches retain similarities in their sound profile when bottomed out. The impact of the top housing becomes noticeable when releasing the keys, clearly differentiating the overall sharpness and resonance of the Outemu from the deeper tones of the Gateron. Thus, users may choose based on their preferred sound characteristics, knowing that both switches will still deliver pleasing acoustic results thanks to their shared nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, the actuation forces are 45 grams and 50 grams, respectively. This indicates that the Glory Red switch is lighter, making it a more comfortable choice for users who prefer longer typing sessions without fatigue, while the heavier 50-gram actuation force of the Outemu Purple could appeal to those seeking a more substantial feel during typing. However, both switches have unknown bottom out forces, making a direct comparison in that regard impossible. Generally, users who favor a lighter touch will find the Gateron Glory Red more suitable, whereas those who enjoy the additional resistance of a heavier actuation force will likely prefer the Outemu Purple. Overall, if both switches had similar bottom out forces, their differing actuation forces alone would lead to distinctly different typing experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, a notable difference emerges. The Glory Red features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Purple has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This variance in travel distance signifies that the Glory Red may offer a quicker response time, making it a suitable choice for gamers seeking rapid key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple, with its 4 mm travel distance, provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, which some users may find preferable for a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, if you favor a more responsive touch, the Gateron Glory Red is the better option; however, if you enjoy deeper, more tactile interactions, the Outemu Purple may be the switch for you.
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 Purple 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
The sound produced by the Gateron Glory Red linear switch is typically quieter compared to tactile switches, offering a subtle and smooth typing experience that many users appreciate. The sound profile is understated, making it ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. In contrast, the Outemu Purple tactile switch generates a more pronounced sound due to its tactile bump, which can create a satisfying click when bottoming out. This auditory feedback can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a more active sound, though it may be less suitable for quiet settings.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red switches are characterized by their smooth keystroke with no tactile bump, allowing for seamless actuation that many typists and gamers find appealing. This smoothness contributes to a fluid typing action, making it easy to type quickly without any interruption. In comparison, the Outemu Purple switch features a tactile bump that provides physical feedback at the actuation point. This can help typists know when a key has been registered, allowing for a more deliberate and controlled typing experience that can be especially useful for those who prefer to feel their keystrokes.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Glory Red linear switch focuses on a smooth and quieter experience with a satisfying travel distance, the Outemu Purple tactile switch stands out with its tactile feedback and pronounced sound, making it more engaging for those who enjoy a responsive typing feel. Users can choose between these switches based on their sound preference and tactile feedback—opting for the quieter, linear feel of the Glory Red or the more pronounced responsiveness of the Outemu Purple based on their personal typing style and environment. Each switch offers unique qualities that cater to different user preferences in the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Glory Red linear switches and Outemu Purple tactile switches ultimately depends on your specific preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke that allows for rapid typing without tactile feedback, the Gateron Glory Red switches would be an excellent fit. They offer a lightweight feel, making them particularly suitable for gaming and extensive typing sessions where you desire quick, fluid movement. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile response that provides feedback with each keystroke, the Outemu Purple switches are the better choice. Their tactile bump can make your typing feel more deliberate and satisfyingly responsive, which many users appreciate for typing and coding tasks. Therefore, assess your typing style and preferences: choose the Glory Red for speed and smoothness, and go for the Purple when you want a tactile sensation to enhance your typing experience.
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