Gateron Glory Red vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing experience, especially when comparing the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Red Panda. The Glory Red switches, known for their smooth linear action, provide a light, effortless keystroke with an enjoyable travel distance, making them an excellent choice for those who prioritize speed and fluidity – perfect for gaming or long typing sessions where comfort is key. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda switches offer a delightful tactile sensation, featuring a light to medium level of tactility and a unique sound profile that combines a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out with a clackier top-out. This makes them ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback while typing, contributing to an overall engaging experience. Both switches cater to distinct preferences; while Glory Reds lean towards uninterrupted smoothness, Red Pandas appeal to those who relish tactile feedback. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
The Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Red Panda switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, which in turn affects the auditory and tactile experiences of the user. The Glory Red features a nylon top housing, known for its softer, more absorbent properties that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic allows for a dampened auditory experience, making the typing sound rounder and less sharp. In contrast, the Red Panda employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and leads to a crystal-clear, high-pitched sound. This discrepancy means that users looking for a softer, more muted typing sound may prefer the Gateron Glory Red, while those who favor a sharper and more resonant feedback might gravitate towards the Outemu Red Panda.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which presents an interesting contrast to their top housing materials. The nylon in both switches results in a deeper sound profile that's consistent, regardless of the differences in the top housing. This commonality indicates that when users bottom out the key, both switches will generate a similar auditory response due to the soft absorption characteristics of the nylon material in the bottom housing. Consequently, while the overall sound of each switch may vary due to their top housings, the deeper thock produced by the nylon at the bottom reinforces a consistent experience during key presses across both models.
Overall, the differing top housing materials between the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Red Panda lead to distinct sound profiles, while their similar bottom housings create parallel experiences in terms of typing feedback. Users can expect a more robust sound when bottoming out due to the nylon's properties present in both switches, yet the top housing influences the sound generated when releasing a key, diverse enough to cater to varying keyboard preferences. Thus, if you're after a switch experience that balances deeper feedback with different tonal qualities, choosing between these switches will largely depend on your sound preference in relation to the top housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch to the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, we find notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out characteristics. The Glory Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option suitable for those who favor an easy keystroke during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Red Panda requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown, while the Red Panda's bottom out force is 60 grams, which indicates how much force is needed when the key is fully pressed down. Ultimately, the Gateron Glory Red can be considered the lighter switch, providing a softer keystroke, whereas the Outemu Red Panda offers a heavier tactile feedback, catering to different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is evident that the Glory Red offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Red Panda's travel distance measures at 3.3 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm shows that the Glory Red may provide a more substantial feel when pressed, which can be preferable for users who enjoy a deeper keypress. In contrast, the shorter 3.3 mm travel distance of the Red Panda caters to those who favor quicker response times, making it a potentially better choice for gamers looking for speed. Overall, if responsiveness is a priority, the Red Panda would be the go-to option, while the Glory Red is suited for those seeking a more pronounced typing experience.
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 Panda comes in at $3.40 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 provides a smooth and unobtrusive auditory experience that is less pronounced compared to the Red Panda switches. While the Glory Red focuses on a more muted profile that is typical of linear switches, the Outemu Red Panda is known for its unique auditory character, featuring a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound accompanied by a clackier, higher-pitched sound at the top-out. This culminates in a thocky sound that offers a rich, satisfying auditory feedback when typing, making it particularly appealing to those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic performance. The contrast between these two options highlights the distinct character of each switch, particularly for users who prioritize sound in their typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red distinguishes itself with a smooth keystroke that offers a pleasant travel distance, emphasizing a more fluid typing experience without tactile bumps or resistance. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda offers a light-medium level of tactility, catering to users who enjoy a softer response while still engaging with a gentle sensation as they type. This mild tactility can provide a comforting feedback that is approachable for many users, setting it apart from the more linear feel of the Glory Red. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of how feedback is felt during use, which ultimately influences the typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Red Panda switches showcase contrasting qualities that will appeal to different types of users. The smooth, quieter nature of the Glory Red is ideal for those who prefer an unobtrusive experience devoid of tactile feedback, while the Red Panda's thocky sound and mild tactility provide a richer auditory and tactile satisfaction. Ultimately, your choice will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, each offering a unique typing experience that can dramatically affect how enjoyable long typing sessions can be.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Glory Red linear switches and Outemu Red Panda tactile switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke and enjoy lighter actuation, the Gateron Glory Red switches are an excellent choice for you. Their effortless pressing can enhance your typing speed and provide a satisfying experience without the distraction of tactile bumps or audible clicks. However, if you prefer a bit of feedback while typing, the Outemu Red Panda switches might be more suited to your style. Their mild tactility and unique sound, reminiscent of a thock, can add a delightful layer to your typing experience, making it both enjoyable and engaging. The medium bottom-out force of the Red Panda also gives you a sense of resistance that can help with precision during long typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you seek a smooth and fast keystroke or a tactile and sonorous typing experience.
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