Gateron Glory Red vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) 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 and overall satisfaction. The Gateron Glory Red is a linear switch that stands out for its smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a lighter feel while typing, guaranteeing a seamless and enjoyable experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) is a tactile switch that offers medium resistance and a satisfying tactile bump, providing a precise typing sensation without the clatter typically associated with mechanical switches. While the Silent Bluish White excels in quieter environments, ensuring that your typing doesn't disturb colleagues or housemates, the Glory Red is well-suited for users who appreciate the unimpeded flow of linear switches. Each switch has its own set of advantages depending on your preferences and typing style; 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
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), one can observe distinct differences in their top housing compositions. The Glory Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon’s relatively softer nature allows it to absorb sound effectively, contributing to a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing; being a stiffer plastic, polycarbonate produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The clear nature of polycarbonate, often associated with enhanced RGB performance due to its translucency, further distinguishes it from the nylon finish of the Glory Red.
Moving onto the bottom housings, both the Gateron Glory Red and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) share nylon as their material choice. This similarity leads to a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile for bottom-out feedback across both switches. Since nylon absorbs sound rather than amplifying it, users can expect a duller and rounder sound when actuating either switch. This uniformity in the bottom housing allows for a cohesive tactile experience when typing, as the softer plastic helps in dampening external noise and providing a smoother bottom-out feel.
Ultimately, these differences in housing materials yield important results in terms of sound and feel during use. While the nylon bottom housing creates a similar auditory experience for both switches, the contrasting top housings—the softer nylon for the Glory Red and the stiffer polycarbonate for the Silent Bluish White (V2)—serve to highlight the unique sound profiles that each switch can produce. As a result, when utilizing these switches, users will experience a split in acoustic characteristics: the nylon absorbing sound for a rounded profile during bottoming out and the polycarbonate introducing a crisper tone upon key release. This combination allows enthusiasts to choose a switch based on their specific preferences in sound and feedback, without sacrificing overall typing enjoyment.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Red features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) has a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This means that the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch requires less force to trigger a keypress, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions for those who prefer a lighter touch. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Bluish White (V2) has a clear value of 50 grams, indicating that it offers a more substantial feel when pressing the key all the way down. Conversely, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown. This means that while both switches provide a decent typing experience, the Silent Bluish White (V2) is lighter and provides a heavier bottom out sensation compared to the Gateron Glory Red, which may appeal to users looking for a tangible feedback during keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Glory Red allows for a marginally deeper key press compared to its counterpart, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feedback experience when typing. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White's shorter travel distance may cater more to gamers and those seeking faster response times, as it allows for quicker key engagement. Although the difference is minimal, the choice between these two switches could be influenced by personal preference for key feel; those who favor a responsive touch might lean toward the TTC switch, while those desiring a more pronounced depth could opt for the Gateron. Overall, the Glory Red is the longer travel switch, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) is the shorter option.
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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 switches deliver a relatively muted acoustic profile, allowing for a pleasing typing experience that doesn't draw excessive attention. This makes them suitable for environments where noise might be a concern, though the exact sound can still vary somewhat based on keyboard construction and keycap choice. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches are specifically designed to be quiet, featuring a muted sound signature that softens the typical mechanical "clack" heard with traditional switches. Their goal is to minimize noise without sacrificing the tactile feedback that many users appreciate, making them an ideal choice for those in shared or office spaces.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Reds provide a smooth keystroke and a light travel distance, which enhances the overall typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a straightforward linear switch. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) switches provide a medium tactile sensation, characterized as buttery and polished for a seamless typing experience. They also exhibit subtle tactile feedback with a well-defined stepped feeling, allowing users to appreciate each keystroke without overwhelming resistance. This creates a more dynamic feeling when typing, making the TTC switches suitable for users who enjoy tactile feedback but prefer a quieter operation.
In summary, both the Gateron Glory Red and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches offer unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences. While the Glory Reds excel in providing a smooth and lightweight linear feel, the Silent Bluish Whites combine a subdued sound profile with a satisfying tactile response. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize a purely linear experience or prefer tactile feedback accompanied by a quieter operation, as both can provide enjoyable typing results depending on your environment and personal preference.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch really hinges on your typing preferences and your environment. If you are someone who enjoys a fluid, smooth keystroke and you appreciate lighter switches for a more effortless typing experience, the Glory Red is an excellent option. Its design provides a pleasing travel distance that can make typing feel enjoyable and easy. However, if you often work in shared spaces or prefer a bit of tactile feedback without the noise, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) will likely be your best bet. Offering a muted sound profile while maintaining a medium tactile feel, these switches ensure a comfortable typing experience that allows you to remain considerate of others around you. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by your typing style and the setting in which you'll be using your keyboard—whether you prioritize a seamless light touch or a satisfying tactile response with minimal noise.