Gateron Glory Red vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Red and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie represent two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts and gamers alike. The Glory Red, known for its light actuation force, offers a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance that many users find ideal for typing and rapid gaming. Its responsiveness makes it a great choice for those who prioritize speed and accuracy. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a medium weight that strikes a perfect balance between stability and finesse, delivering a "thocky" sound profile that many people find satisfying. This switch breaks the price barrier, making it accessible without sacrificing quality, appealing to both budget-conscious buyers and those looking for a high-end typing experience. Both switches cater to specific preferences, but the choice ultimately depends on what type of feedback and responsiveness you desire. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, the difference in housing materials plays a significant role in determining their overall auditory and tactile quality. The Glory Red utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, thereby producing a more muted and rounded auditory experience. The consistent use of nylon throughout the Glory Red's housing ensures a uniform sound signature, making it an appealing choice for users who prefer a more cohesive acoustic response when typing.
In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie employs POM for both its top and bottom housings. POM is known for creating a distinct sound that is also deeper but carries its own unique tonal characteristics. While it too delivers a more muted sound, the combination of POM's properties introduces a certain clarity and smoothness that can differentiate it from the richness of the nylon in the Glory Red. Users might find that the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM construction gives a crispness to the sound profile that, while still leaning towards the deeper end, offers a slightly sharper sonic experience compared to the roundness of nylon.
Despite these differences in materials, both switches share some common outcomes due to their similar sound profiles. With both the nylon and POM housings producing muted and deeper sounds, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from either switch. However, the nuances in sound will be felt based on which material is utilized for the top or bottom housing, affecting how each switch feels and sounds during increasingly dynamic typing activities. As such, a user desiring a more consistent response under their fingers may lean towards the Glory Red, while those seeking a unique tonal flavor could be captivated by the Sea Salt Smoothie, making both switches suitable depending on personal preference in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Glory Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Sea Salt Smoothie requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams. This distinction means that users who prefer a lighter touch for extended use or gaming might favor the Glory Red switch, as it requires less effort to actuate, potentially allowing for more comfortable typing sessions. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, meaning we cannot draw a comparison there; however, since the actuation forces are different, users will likely experience varying levels of feedback and resistance during their typing or gaming experience. Overall, those who enjoy a more substantial feel may prefer the heavier Sea Salt Smoothie, while those aiming for a more effortless keystroke may choose the lighter Glory Red.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find that the Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. The difference of just 0.1 mm might seem minimal, but it can influence the overall typing experience. Gamers may lean towards the Glory Red due to its shorter travel distance, facilitating quicker response times. In contrast, those who prefer a more robust feel while typing may gravitate towards the Sea Salt Smoothie because of its longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial tactile depth. Thus, while both switches are linear and designed for smooth keystrokes, the Glory Red is the shorter option, and the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a little more travel, catering to different preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 is characterized by a surprisingly subtle acoustic profile, which makes it ideal for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents a distinct thocky sound, exuding a deeper, richer audio quality that some typists may find more satisfying. However, keep in mind that a switch's sound can also be influenced by additional factors, including the keyboard plate and the keycaps used, meaning both switches could sound different on varying setups.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Glory Red offers a light and effortless keystroke, promoting a smooth and enjoyable typing experience that can elevate overall comfort during extended use. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a medium weight that contributes to a controlled typing experience while utilizing POM material, which is known for its smoothness. This makes the Smoothie an excellent choice for those who appreciate a bit more resistance without sacrificing the ease of actuation.
Overall, while the Gateron Glory Red and Sea Salt Smoothie both offer smooth and enjoyable keystrokes, they cater to somewhat different preferences in terms of sound and weight. The Glory Red appeals to users who prioritize a lightweight and quieter switch, while the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback with medium resistance. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you favor a lighter touch with muted sound or a slightly heavier switch with a more thocky acoustic profile, ensuring that both options deliver excellent performance tailored to your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Red and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches, your personal preferences and typing style will play a crucial role. If you prioritize a light and smooth keystroke with a satisfying travel distance, the Gateron Glory Red is the way to go; it's designed to enhance your typing experience through its effortless actuation. This makes it an ideal choice for typing enthusiasts and casual users who enjoy quick responses, especially for tasks that involve a lot of typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight switch that offers a more tactile response alongside a distinctive thocky sound profile, you should opt for the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie. This switch combines quality performance with enjoyable acoustics, making it excellent for those who value both the tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction while typing. Ultimately, your choice should align with what aspects of a switch are most important to you—whether it's the gentle touch of the Glory Red or the solid and satisfying experience of the Sea Salt Smoothie.
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