Gateron Glory Red vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Red and SP-Star RedBlue both offer unique attributes that cater to different user preferences. The Gateron Glory Red, known for its smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, is an ideal choice for those who enjoy a lighter touch while typing—perfect for long gaming sessions or extensive typing tasks where ease and comfort are paramount. In contrast, the SP-Star RedBlue switches provide a medium-light typing experience, characterized by a low-pitched sound profile and a polished feel that appeals to users who appreciate a refined auditory feedback while typing. Both switches fall under the linear category, ensuring a consistent keystroke without tactile bumps or clicky noises, making them suitable for quiet environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the SP-Star RedBlue, one noteworthy distinction emerges in their choice of plastics. The Glory Red utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material known for its softer and more absorbent characteristics, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the RedBlue opts for polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This fundamental difference in materials creates two distinct auditory experiences; the nylon of the Glory Red yields a warmer sound, while the polycarbonate of the RedBlue results in a brighter and crisper acoustic output.
Furthermore, the aesthetic implications of the housing materials further accentuate the contrast between the two switches. The translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for impressive RGB lighting effects, enhancing the visual appeal of a keyboard. This feature is particularly advantageous for gamers and enthusiasts who prioritize illuminated keyboards, as the RedBlue's design facilitates an eye-catching display. In comparison, while the nylon of the Glory Red may not offer the same transparency for lighting, it compensates by providing an overall richer auditory environment, making it ideal for users seeking a more muted sound profile during their typing experience.
Ultimately, the differences in top and bottom housing materials significantly affect the tactile and auditory experience of both switches. With the Glory Red's nylon housing, users can expect a cohesive sound profile characterized by a rounded depth, while the RedBlue’s polycarbonate housing brings a dual-layered quality to the experience—offering brightness and clarity in the sound when releasing a key. When using switches with different housing materials, such as these two, the overall sound and feel is a blend of both, resulting in unique combinations of auditory experience that cater to the diverse preferences of keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, there are notable differences. The Gateron Glory Red requires an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option that may appeal to users who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the RedBlue switch does not have a specified actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is categorized as medium-light and suggests a more substantial feel at the end of the keypress. Since the actuation force for the RedBlue is unknown, we cannot make a direct comparison; however, it can be inferred that if it is significantly lighter than the 57 grams bottom out force, the overall experience may still be on the lighter side. Ultimately, users seeking a lighter feel might lean towards the Gateron Glory Red, while those who prefer a firmer keypress experience may consider the SP-Star RedBlue switch, especially given its higher bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance can significantly impact the typing experience. The Glory Red's 3.6 mm travel allows for quicker actuation, making it a preference for gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the RedBlue's 4 mm travel provides a more substantial feel, which some users may find more satisfying for extended typing sessions. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive experience, the Glory Red would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a fuller depth might favor the RedBlue switch. In this comparison, the Gateron Glory Red offers a shorter travel distance compared to the SP-Star RedBlue.
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 SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 comparing the sound profile of the Gateron Glory Red and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switches, the Glory Red switches provide a comparatively neutral auditory experience without a specific descriptor to highlight their tonal qualities. In contrast, the RedBlue switches are characterized by a low-pitched sound that produces a mellow tone, making them suitable for both home and office environments. The RedBlue switches also possess a thocky quality, delivering a deep and satisfying sound on actuation, which can be greatly influenced by the keyboard build and keycap material used. Overall, while the Glory Red remains ambiguous in terms of sound, those seeking a low-pitched, thocky experience would find the RedBlue switches to be more tailor-fit for their preferences.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Glory Red switches are lauded for offering a smooth keystroke paired with a pleasant travel distance. This translates to an enjoyable typing experience that can appeal to many users. On the other hand, the RedBlue switches also offer a mild and polished feel, ensuring a gentle typing experience that minimizes friction and enhances key travel fluidity. Users of both switches can expect a smooth operation; however, the Glory Red seems to prioritize an appealing travel distance while the RedBlue leans towards a more refined finish, making it accessible and comfortable across various typing scenarios.
In summary, both the Gateron Glory Red and the SP-Star RedBlue switches provide enjoyable and smooth typing experiences, albeit with differences in sound and tactile feedback. The Glory Red offers a pleasant travel experience without further specification, while the RedBlue excels in a low-pitched, thocky sound and a mild, polished feel that caters to a wider audience. Users may find that while the two switches differ in certain qualities, they can achieve similar satisfying typing results depending on their personal preferences and use cases.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Glory Red and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switches, your decision should hinge on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you're after an ultra-smooth keystroke with a lighter actuation, making your typing experience effortless and enjoyable, the Gateron Glory Red would be your ideal choice. These switches are perfect for casual typing and gaming, offering a feel that feels almost weightless, which can help reduce fatigue during long sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience that balances a solid bottom-out force with a mildly pronounced sound profile, the SP-Star RedBlue is the way to go. With its low-pitched, thocky feedback, this switch provides a satisfying auditory experience while delivering a polished feel, ideal for both work and play in diverse environments. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing style, the level of sound irritation you're willing to tolerate, and whether you lean towards an ultra-light touch or a more balanced tactile experience.
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