Gateron Glory Red vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Red and Huano Sakura are two linear options that cater to different user preferences. The Gateron Glory Red is recognized for its smooth keystroke and appealing travel distance, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a lighter touch in their typing experience. This switch provides a satisfying and responsive feel, ideal for gamers and typists seeking speed and fluidity. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura offers a feather-light touch coupled with medium acoustics, making it perfect for extended typing sessions where comfort is paramount. Its balanced feedback reduces fatigue during long work hours, appealing to writers and professionals alike. While both switches share the linear characteristic that ensures a consistent keystroke without tactile feedback, their unique traits cater to different needs. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Red and the Huano Sakura switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, showcasing how these choices influence the overall typing experience. The Glory Red utilizes nylon for its top housing, which imparts a classic, deeper sound profile to the switch. This softness allows for greater sound absorption, producing a rounder and more subdued acoustic output. Conversely, the Sakura's top housing is made from POK, a polyketone material noted for its exceptional smoothness and durability. With a higher coefficient of friction than nylon, POK contributes to a clackier sound profile while also providing a significantly increased wear resistance, allowing for better longevity and a unique tactile experience when typing.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a noteworthy similarity between the two switches. Both the Gateron Glory Red and Huano Sakura utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which aligns their performance in terms of sound absorption and overall acoustic character. The nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures a deep and full sound profile. In this regard, users could expect similar acoustic results when bottoming out the keys, as both switches benefit from nylon’s inherent ability to create a sound that is duller and rounder—a testament to the classic nature of this material. This commonality may lead to a comparable feel and auditory experience when the keys are fully pressed down.
The differences between the top housing materials will significantly impact the overall experiences provided by these switches. While the nylon bottom housing of both the Glory Red and Sakura ensures a consistent feel and sound when the keys are pressed down, the contrasting top housing materials dictate the sound produced upon release. The Glory Red's nylon top enhances sound absorption, leading to a softer release noise, while the Sakura’s POK top enables a sharper, clackier sound profile. This delineation allows typists to experience a distinctive auditory feedback loop that reflects the unique qualities of their chosen switches, delivering both diversity and depth to their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Glory Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it heavier and potentially more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, which can provide a more comfortable typing experience for longer periods or during prolonged gaming sessions. While the bottom out force for the Glory Red remains unspecified, the Sakura has a bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating a consistent level of resistance when fully depressed. This means that, while the actuation forces differ, the bottom out feels substantial on the Sakura. Consequently, if users prioritize a lighter switch, the Huano Sakura is the clear choice, whereas those who appreciate a heavier push might lean towards the Gateron Glory Red, assuming its bottom out force aligns with its actuation specification.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the keypress depth. Since their travel distances are identical, both switches will deliver the same tactile feedback and overall feel when pressed, making them suitable for users who prioritize consistency in key response. Therefore, individuals choosing between the two switches can rest assured that they will experience comparable key travel, which can contribute to similar performance during typing or gaming sessions.
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 Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch is relatively quiet, allowing for a more subdued typing experience that many users appreciate, especially in shared workspaces. Although the specific sound characteristics may vary depending on the keyboard build, the absence of any tactile bump and the smooth linear action contribute to a clean and discreet acoustic environment. Conversely, the Huano Sakura linear switch presents a slightly more pronounced acoustic profile, described as having medium acoustics, which can offer a more engaging auditory feedback without being overly loud. While both switches aim for minimal sound disruption, the Sakura's medium acoustics may provide a more noticeable click in specific configurations.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Red excels in delivering a smooth and effortless keystroke, making it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions or gaming. This smoothness can be attributed to its linear design, which offers no tactile feedback or bump; as a result, users enjoy a seamless transition between key presses. The Huano Sakura, on the other hand, features a feather-light touch that some might find even easier to engage. However, it still provides a satisfying linear experience, ensuring that typing or gaming remains comfortable over extended periods. Both switches cater well to those who prefer a linear feel, but the Sakura’s feather-light actuation might give it an edge for individuals who prioritize a lighter touch.
In summary, both the Gateron Glory Red and Huano Sakura linear switches cater to users looking for smooth and quiet typing experiences, albeit with slight nuances in sound and feel. While the Glory Red is known for its quiet operation and enjoyable keystroke, the Sakura offers a lighter touch and medium acoustics, making it suitable for long typing sessions. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and the degree of actuation pressure, although both are likely to deliver satisfying results for users seeking a linear switch experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you seek an incredibly smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, the Gateron Glory Red is an excellent choice, particularly if you value a lightweight feel that enhances your typing experience without any significant force requirement. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy rapid typing, gaming, or simply prefer a feather-light touch without the strain of heavier switches. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a bit more feedback with a light bottom out force of 45 grams, the Huano Sakura would be the way to go. Its medium acoustics and smooth feel make it ideal for extended typing sessions, providing a comfortable experience without too much noise that can be distracting. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a lighter, almost effortless actuation with the Glory Red or a slightly more tactile and acoustically pleasing option with the Sakura.
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