Gateron Glory Red vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Silent White both offer unique benefits that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Glory Red is celebrated for its lighter touch, smooth keystroke, and satisfying travel distance, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a more responsive and effortless typing experience. Conversely, the Outemu Silent White, while similarly linear, is designed to minimize noise, making it perfect for quiet environments or shared workspaces without sacrificing performance. Both switches share a linear classification, promoting consistency in keystrokes, but they appeal to different users based on their specific needs—whether it be for tactile enjoyment or stealthy operation. 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
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Red switches utilize nylon for their top housing, while the Outemu Silent White switches employ polycarbonate for theirs. This fundamental difference in materials significantly impacts the sound profile produced during typing. The nylon used in the Glory Red is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic experience. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic, which creates a more subdued auditory feedback when keystrokes are engaged. In contrast, the Silent White's polycarbonate top housing is stiffer, producing a sharper, crisper sound. As a result, the auditory experience when typists press keys on the Silent White switches tends to be brighter and more resonant compared to the duller qualities of the Glory Red switches.
However, both switches share nylon as the material for their bottom housings, which leads to similarities in typing experiences in certain aspects. The nylon bottom housing in both the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Silent White contributes to a similar feel and sound profile when bottoming out, as nylon is known for providing a fuller acoustic experience that absorbs sound. This shared material allows for a consistent tactile feedback experience when keys are pressed down, regardless of the contrasting top housing materials. Consequently, even though the top housings create different auditory experiences, both switches maintain a similar bottoming-out feel thanks to their nylon construction in the bottom housing.
In summary, while the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Silent White switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, leading to contrasting sound profiles, they share similarities in their bottom housing composition. The nylon bottom housing provides a consistent auditory experience upon key press, absorbing sound and delivering a fuller bottom-out effect, while the differing top materials contribute distinct sound characteristics. This interplay of materials illustrates how both switches can offer unique auditory experiences while still maintaining a uniform bottoming feel, ultimately catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, both have an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that players and typists will experience a similar keystroke initiation effort with both switches. This makes them suitable for extended typing sessions where lighter actuation is preferred. However, the difference becomes apparent in the bottom out force, where the Silent White switch registers a known force of 60 grams, suggesting a more substantial push when completely pressed down, while the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown. As a result, the Silent White is considered the heavier option due to its higher bottom out force, providing a more tactile and pronounced feel as users bottom out, which may appeal to those who favor a stronger typing experience. In contrast, the Glory Red’s unknown bottom out force may suggest a lighter feel, making it more suitable for users who prioritize comfort during long periods of use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, we find that the Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent White has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference means that those who opt for the Glory Red will experience a deeper press, which some users may find more satisfying, while the Silent White's shorter distance might appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. Overall, if you prioritize a more responsive feel, the Silent White would be the better choice due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, if you prefer a more pronounced depth when typing, the Glory Red would suit you better. Thus, the Gateron Glory Red has a longer travel distance compared to the Outemu Silent White.
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 White 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 produces a relatively quiet typing experience, making it suitable for environments where noise control is a priority. The switch features a smooth actuation without any audible click, allowing users to type without distracting others. The Outemu Silent White linear switch, while similarly designed for quieter operation, is also crafted to minimize noise during use, although specific descriptions of its sound profile are not provided. Nonetheless, both switches cater to users seeking a less intrusive auditory experience, particularly when paired with the right keyboard and keycap combination.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red switch is praised for its smooth keystroke that feels pleasing during long typing sessions. The lighter actuation force gives it an effortless action, making it enjoyable for both typists and gamers alike. The feel of the Outemu Silent White switch remains unspecified, but as a linear switch, it is likely designed to also provide a smooth experience, akin to the Glory Red. This similarity suggests that users can expect a comparable tactile consistency when using either switch, promoting a comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Silent White linear switches present attractive options for those valuing a quieter and smooth typing experience. While the Glory Red is recognized for its light keystroke and auditory discretion, the specifics of the Silent White’s sound and feel remain unspecified but presumably align with the characteristics of a typical linear switch. Ultimately, each option can deliver a satisfying typing experience, especially in noise-sensitive environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Silent White switches will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a lighter touch and a smooth keystroke that offers an enjoyable typing experience, the Gateron Glory Red switches would be a great fit for you, especially if you are engaged in fast-paced gaming or typing where quick actuation is desirable. On the other hand, if you value a more substantial feel under your fingers and require a quieter typing experience—perhaps for office settings or shared spaces—the Outemu Silent White, with its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, would serve you well. The added sound dampening of the Silent White switch makes it a considerate choice for environments where noise might be a concern. Ultimately, consider trying out both switches if possible, as this will give you the best understanding of their respective characteristics, helping you to find the switch that aligns with your typing style and needs.