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Gateron Glory Red vs. Outemu Silent Ocean

An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, distinct preferences can lead users to either the Gateron Glory Red or the Outemu Silent Ocean, both of which fall into the linear switch category. The Gateron Glory Red switches are celebrated for their smooth keystrokes and lighter actuation force, providing a satisfying typing experience with a comfortable travel distance that can enhance productivity and reduce fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean switches prioritize a quieter operation, making them an excellent choice for gamers and professionals who require a peaceful workspace without the distraction of noisy keystrokes. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, their unique attributes can significantly influence your choice depending on whether you value a more tactile experience or a silent performance. 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

65g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

1.60 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 Silent Ocean, we notice a distinct contrast in their top housing compositions. The Glory Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic properties. This material absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Silent Ocean is built with a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is clearer and more resonant. For users focusing on sound characteristics and overall typing experience, these differing top housings will yield noticeably different auditory results when typing.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Glory Red and Silent Ocean employ nylon, providing a consistent element in their construction. The nylon material in the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall sound profile, contributing to a deeper and fuller bass response regardless of the top housing's material. This similarity ensures that when typing on both switches, the experience remains tactile and similar in terms of bottom-out sounds and feel. As both switches feature nylon for this part of their design, users will find a shared quality in the sound produced during bottoming out, making it an essential aspect of their comparison.

In summation, while the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Silent Ocean differ in their top housing materials—nylon for the former and polycarbonate for the latter—the housing structures exhibit a harmonious balance in their bottom materials. The contrasting characteristics of the top housings significantly influence the typing sound experience, offering users different auditory profiles. However, the consistency of nylon in both bottom housings ensures that no matter which switch a user opts for, they will enjoy a rich, deep sound at the point of actuation, making it a critical factor for those who prioritize acoustics in their switch selection.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require an equal amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This makes them suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming, allowing for longer sessions without fatigue. However, the notable difference lies in their bottom out forces. The Silent Ocean switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which classifies it as medium-heavy, providing a more substantial feel when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Glory Red's bottom out force is currently unavailable, but its design suggests it may not provide the same level of resistance. Therefore, if you enjoy a heavier, more tactile typing experience, the Outemu Silent Ocean would be the better choice, while both switches offer a similar initial actuation experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The Gateron Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Ocean has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Glory Red offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Silent Ocean’s longer travel distance provides a more substantial tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper feel when pressing down on keys. Ultimately, if you're looking for responsiveness, the Gateron Glory Red would be the better choice, whereas the Outemu Silent Ocean would suit those who favor a more pronounced key press.

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 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 is characterized by a relatively quiet operation, making it a suitable choice for environments where noise is a concern. The linear design helps absorb sound during keystrokes, resulting in a soothing typing experience. While the Outemu Silent Ocean is also designed to minimize sound, specific descriptions of its acoustic properties are not provided. However, linear switches like the Silent Ocean typically aim for a quieter profile, suggesting it might deliver an equally subdued sound experience compared to the Glory Red.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red is known for its smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance, offering a delightful typing experience without any tactile bump or click. This results in a linear feel that many typists and gamers find appealing for fast-paced sessions. The Silent Ocean, while lacking detailed descriptions, is also categorized as a linear switch. Therefore, it stands to reason that users can expect a similar smoothness in keystroke and an uninterrupted pressing experience, though the specific nuances may vary.

Overall, both the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Silent Ocean linear switches offer a smooth typing experience with a focus on quieter operation. While the Glory Red is well-documented in terms of its sound and feel, the Silent Ocean's characteristics remain less defined. Nevertheless, users can anticipate a comparable typing experience in terms of switch actuation, making either option a solid choice depending on personal preferences in keyfeel and noise level.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a smooth keystroke with a lighter touch and are looking for a fun, dynamic typing experience, the Glory Red is a fantastic choice. Ideal for gaming or extended typing sessions, its feel contributes to a fluid interaction with your keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and controlled keystroke, the Silent Ocean’s medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams might suit you better. Moreover, if you value quieter performance—perhaps to avoid disturbing others in a shared workspace—the Silent Ocean switch excels in providing a more muted sound. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you prioritize feel, sound, and engagement with your keyboard, tailoring the experience to best fit your needs.

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