Gateron Glory Red vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Red stand out as popular choices for those seeking a linear feel. The Gateron Glory Red is celebrated for its lighter touch, offering a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, which contributes to an enjoyable typing experience, particularly for users who prefer a softer tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Red presents an affordable option that still retains the core characteristics of a linear switch, making it a competent pick for gamers or typists on a budget. While both switches provide a seamless keypress without tactile bumps or audible clicks, the Gateron Glory Red's lighter actuation may cater better to those who type quickly or seek reduced finger fatigue, whereas the Outemu Red serves as a reliable choice for users looking for cost-effectiveness without sacrificing performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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 switches and the Outemu Red switches, notable differences can be observed, particularly in the materials used for the top housing. Gateron Glory Reds are equipped with a nylon top housing, known for its softer properties, which significantly contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Outemu Reds utilize a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for its stiffer nature. This stiffness results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, creating a clearer resonance compared to the sound produced by the nylon top housing of the Glory Reds. Thus, while both switches aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience, the materials chosen distinctly influence the auditory feedback and feel of the switches, shaping the overall typing experience.
Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Red switches feature nylon in their bottom housings. As a classic switch housing material, nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller tonal quality. Because both switches have nylon bottom housings, their bottom-out sound and feel will share similarities regardless of the contrasting top housings. When bottoming out, users will experience a consistent duller and rounder sound profile thanks to the nylon, which diminishes harshness and promotes a more muted response during key presses.
Ultimately, the interaction between the differing top and similar bottom housing materials demonstrates the importance of both components in determining the overall sound and feel of a switch. The nylon in the bottom housing affects the bottom-out experience, contributing to a softer sound, while the varying characteristics of the top housing influence the sound released when releasing a key. Therefore, despite the contrasting materials used in the top housings of the Gateron Glory Reds and Outemu Reds, the shared nylon material in the bottom housings ensures a consistent auditory foundation, allowing users to enjoy the distinct typing experiences each switch offers.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch with its actuation force of 45 grams and the Outemu Red linear switch, which has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, we notice some intriguing contrasts. The Glory Red is slightly lighter in actuation force compared to the Outemu Red, making it potentially more comfortable for users who prefer extended typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. However, the Glory Red lacks specified bottom out force data, while the Outemu Red has a defined bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when pressed down fully, which appeals to those who enjoy a more substantial feel. Thus, although both switches share a similarly linear typing experience, the Gateron Glory Red may be more suited for those who favor a softer touch, while the Outemu Red caters to users looking for a heavier pressure when bottoming out, balancing typing comfort with force feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it is clear that the Glory Red has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Red measures at 4 mm. This signifies that the Outemu Red offers a more traditional and deeper pressing experience, which some users may find preferable for a more satisfying key feel. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Glory Red may cater to gamers and those seeking quicker responses with less travel required for actuation. Consequently, if you value a more responsive switch, the Gateron Glory Red would be the better choice, whereas if you prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Outemu Red might be more suitable.
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 Red 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 the sound profile, the Gateron Glory Red switches are known for their subtlety, producing a quiet and pleasant sound during use, which can be appealing for both gaming and office environments. The Outemu Red switches, on the other hand, do not have a definitive sound profile documented, but they generally fall into the same category as other linear switches, which tend to be relatively quiet. Because the sound of any switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction, keycap material, and overall design, one can expect similar audible characteristics from both switches in a controlled environment.
In terms of feel, Gateron Glory Red switches are lauded for their exceptionally smooth keystroke, allowing for seamless actuation without any tactile bumps, which contributes to a satisfying typing experience. They offer a lightweight feeling with a pleasing travel distance that enhances the overall experience for typists and gamers alike. While the feel of the Outemu Red switches is less elaborated upon, they are categorized in the linear switch family as well, so users can generally expect a similar smooth experience. Both switches cater to those who prefer a light and fluid keypress, making them suitable for long typing sessions or rapid gaming inputs.
In conclusion, the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Red switches both offer advantages that can cater to users looking for linear switch characteristics. The Glory Red is favored for its refined sound and exceptional smoothness, while the Outemu Red is positioned to provide a comparable experience, particularly in feel. Ultimately, while the Glory Red may edge out in some specific qualities, both switches are expected to deliver satisfying performances, especially in environments where noise control and smooth actuation are desired.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Glory Red linear switch or the Outemu Red linear switch, it’s essential to factor in your personal preferences and typing style. If you lean towards a lighter keystroke with a smoother travel that enhances your overall typing experience, the Glory Red would be your go-to option. Its design aims to provide an enjoyable feel, making it particularly appealing for fast typists or those who engage in longer sessions of typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more resistance, the Outemu Red, with its bottom out force of 62 grams, could offer better tactile feedback for those who enjoy a more deliberate typing action. It is ideal for users who appreciate a medium hardness, which can help minimize accidental key presses and improve precision. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on how each switch aligns with your requirements for sound, feel, and the type of tasks you anticipate performing.
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