Gateron Glory Red vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Spring Breeze both offer unique typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Gateron Glory Red is a linear switch that is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who appreciate a fluid, uninterrupted key press without any tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze is a clicky switch, providing an audible and tactile response that many users find satisfying, especially in typing scenarios where feedback can enhance accuracy and typing enjoyment. Those who prefer the soft and responsive feel of a linear switch might lean toward the Glory Red, while those who relish the sound and tactile bump of a clicky switch may opt for the Spring Breeze. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 the Outemu Spring Breeze switches both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which leads to a significant level of similarity in their overall acoustic characteristics and tactile experience. Nylon is prized for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Since both switches employ the same material for both the top and bottom housings, users can expect a consistent auditory experience, characterized by a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon enables users to enjoy a typing experience that is less harsh on the ears and provides a more satisfying acoustic performance with each keystroke.
Given that both the Glory Red and Spring Breeze switch housings are made of nylon, the sound profile they produce when typing is notably similar. This shared material choice ensures that both switches generate comparable bottom-out sounds and release acoustics. The softer nature of nylon allows the switches to absorb more sound, thus minimizing high-frequency noise that can be jarring to the user. As a result, users can expect to experience a typing environment that is soothing and pleasant, regardless of which switch they choose, as both offer similar performance with regard to sound quality.
However, while the materials used for the housings are the same, it is important to consider that other factors, such as spring design and actuation point, can still differentiate the overall feel and performance of these switches. The unique designs of the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Spring Breeze could lead to distinct tactile experiences, even with their shared nylon housing characteristics. Thus, while users may appreciate similar sound profiles due to the use of nylon, the actual feel of each switch can diverge, offering a unique typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, there's a notable difference in their actuation forces and bottom out characteristics. The Glory Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Spring Breeze is lighter at 40 grams. This means that the Gateron switch requires more force to trigger a keystroke than the Outemu switch, making the Spring Breeze potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown, while the Spring Breeze has a defined bottom out force of 55 grams, which can provide a more pronounced feedback when fully pressed down. Overall, the Gateron Glory Red is heavier in terms of actuation force, appealing to those who prefer a firmer typing experience, while the Spring Breeze is the lighter option, suitable for users who favor a softer touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Spring Breeze measures at 4 mm. This means that the Gateron Glory Red is the shorter option, providing a more responsive feedback ideal for gamers who favor quicker keypresses, whereas the Outemu Spring Breeze, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences: those seeking a swift and light touch might prefer the Glory Red, whereas those who enjoy a fuller, deeper keystroke experience will likely gravitate towards the Spring Breeze.
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 Spring Breeze 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 linear switch is generally known for its quiet operation, producing minimal sound with each keystroke. This characteristic makes it ideal for environments where noise is a concern or for users who prefer a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is likely to have a more pronounced auditory feedback due to its clicky nature, which can provide a satisfying tactile pop with each press. The distinct sound of the Spring Breeze can be particularly appealing to those who enjoy auditory cues while typing, creating a more engaging experience. However, it's important to note that the sound of both switches will also be influenced by the choice of keyboard, construction, and keycap materials.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Glory Red offers a smooth and linear keystroke that many users find enjoyable. This smoothness contributes to a typing experience that is fluid and swift, allowing for rapid keystrokes without tactile bumps to interrupt the motion. Conversely, the Outemu Spring Breeze presents a clicky feel that is both tactile and audible, providing clear feedback at the actuation point. This tactile bump can enhance typing accuracy for some users who appreciate the confirmation of each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy the feel of resistance.
Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences. The Gateron Glory Red linear switch appeals to those seeking a quiet and smooth typing experience, while the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is better suited for users who enjoy tactile and auditory feedback with each keystroke. By understanding these qualities, newcomers can make informed decisions based on their typing habits and preferences. Whether you prefer a linear switch or a clicky option, the important thing is to determine which switch aligns best with your personal style and usage needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch should ultimately depend on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a smooth keystroke with a lightweight feel and minimal resistance, the Glory Red is an excellent option that caters to those who enjoy a softer touch and a fast typing experience, making it ideal for gaming or long typing sessions where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and audio confirmation with a slightly higher actuation force, the Spring Breeze switch could be more suited to your needs, particularly if you want to enhance your typing accuracy and enjoy pronounced key presses in your workflow. Both switches offer distinct advantages, so consider how you interact with your keyboard and what experience you are seeking to better make your decision.