Gateron Glory Red vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Silent Green each offer unique advantages tailored to different user preferences. The Glory Red switches are celebrated for their smooth keystroke and lighter actuation force, providing a delightful typing experience that many gamers and typists favor for extended use. Their satisfying travel distance makes them an appealing choice for those who prioritize speed and efficiency in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green switches, though not widely known for any particular characteristic, cater to users who favor a quieter typing environment without compromising the tactile feedback often associated with mechanical switches. This makes them suitable for shared workspaces or late-night sessions where noise might be a concern. Both switches present compelling reasons to choose one over the other based on personal typing style and environmental needs; 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Silent Green switches, we observe a distinct divergence in their top housings, with the Glory Red utilizing nylon and the Silent Green employing polycarbonate. The nylon top housing of the Glory Red contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing sound thanks to its softer plastic qualities. This material dampens the noises produced when typing, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Green switch offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. Its stiffer nature allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, producing a higher-pitched acoustic feedback that is notably more distinct. In terms of performance, this fundamental difference in material directly influences how each switch sounds and feels during use.
The bottom housings of both switches echo a similar contrast to that of the top housings. The Glory Red switch again utilizes nylon, enhancing the deeper sound profile and contributing to a fuller acoustic experience when pressing the keys. Like the top housing, the nylon bottom absorbs sound, creating a more muted keystroke that fits the preferences of those seeking quieter operation. In stark contrast, the Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom housing mirrors its top counterpart's characteristics, delivering a clearer and more resonant sound. This difference not only affects the typing noise but also the tactile feedback experienced by the user. Consequently, while both switches may serve similar functions, the tactile and acoustic outcomes differ significantly based on the materials of the bottom housings.
Overall, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Silent Green switches leads to differing sound profiles and tactile experiences. The distinct nylon and polycarbonate materials create a split dynamic in terms of auditory feedback—where the nylon offers a subdued sound and the polycarbonate provides a vibrant one. The characteristics of each switch are particularly apparent when typing, as the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a pivotal role in the sound made upon key release. Therefore, users who prioritize sound absorption and a muted experience may lean towards the Glory Red, while those seeking sharper, more resonant feedback might favor the Silent Green.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, we find that both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means they will provide a similar typing experience regarding how much pressure is needed to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out force differs significantly between the two: the Silent Green has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown. This indicates that the Silent Green switch requires more force to fully bottom out, making it feel heavier in that respect. As a result, the Gateron Glory Red is generally lighter than the Outemu Silent Green. For users who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, the Glory Red would be a better choice, whereas those who seek a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Silent Green due to its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, a distinct difference emerges. The Gateron Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Green measures 4 mm, making the latter the longer option. A shorter travel distance, such as that of the Glory Red, is often favored by gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for more rapid key presses. Conversely, the Silent Green's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feel when typing, offering a deeper experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus tactile depth.
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 Silent Green 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 Gateron Glory Red linear switch is celebrated for its soft, muted sound profile that makes it ideal for quiet environments. It tends to produce a gentle thock or thump upon actuation, which contrasts with louder clicky or tactile switches. In comparison, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is constructed to minimize sound further, resulting in an exceptionally quiet operation. This silence may appeal to users who prioritize stealth, particularly in shared spaces or during late-night typing sessions. However, because both switches are linear, the auditory experience may still be influenced by the choice of keycaps and the keyboard itself, meaning they can potentially deliver similar low sound levels with appropriate components.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Red switch offers a smooth and consistent keystroke throughout its travel, making it comfortable for both typing and gaming. It requires a light amount of force to actuate, which can be appealing to users who prefer a less tactile engagement. On the other hand, while specific details on the feel of the Silent Green are not provided, linear switches like this one typically feature a smooth and unbroken keystroke without tactile bumps, providing a similar experience to the Glory Red. This similarity in the smoothness and linearity means both switches can cater to those who appreciate a fluid motion and effortless typing.
In summary, while both the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Silent Green switches offer unique sound and feel experiences, they both cater to users who prefer linear action. The Glory Red boasts a softer sound and a pleasant keystroke while the Silent Green emphasizes minimized noise. Despite their distinct characteristics, those seeking a smooth typing experience will find both switches provide satisfying results, making either choice suitable for enjoying the benefits of linear switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, consider your typing style and environment. If you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance, the Glory Red is ideal for you, especially if you enjoy a more agile typing experience. This switch is perfect for gamers or those who type rapidly and appreciate the ease of actuation. However, if you find yourself working in quieter environments or sharing your space with others sensitive to sound, the Outemu Silent Green is a better choice due to its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, which provides a more tactile typing feel while significantly dampening sound. This makes the Silent Green suitable for office settings or late-night typing sessions where noise is a concern. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should align with your personal preference for tactile feedback and your consideration of your typing environment.
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