Gateron Glory Red vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a fundamental role in the decision-making process. The Gateron Glory Red switches stand out in the linear switch category, offering a smooth keystroke and a pleasing travel distance, perfect for those who enjoy uninterrupted typing at a lighter touch. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switches present a tactile experience with a light to medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded bump, which is ideal for typists who appreciate feedback as they type, all while benefiting from a muted sound profile. While the Glory Red switches are favored for their effortless actuation and silent operation, the Silent Brown switches shine with their polished tactile response that enhances typing accuracy and comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 Brown, one striking difference lies in their top housings. The Gateron Glory Red employs a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This quality is attributed to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown boasts a polycarbonate top housing, delivering sharper and crisper sound output. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to its ability to create a more resonant and clear sound. Because of these differences, a user might find that the Gateron Glory Red offers a more muted sound experience while typing, whereas the TTC Silent Brown produces a more pronounced auditory feedback.
The bottom housings of both the Gateron Glory Red and the TTC Silent Brown share a commonality, as both utilize nylon materials. This similarity ensures that both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when pressed down. Since nylon is inherently softer and absorbs more sound, both switches will produce a duller and more rounded sound when the key is bottomed out. Thus, while the top housings introduce contrasting sound characteristics, the nylon bottom housings create a unified auditory experience during the actuation of both switches, contributing to the overall depth and richness of sound.
Additionally, the choice of materials impacts lighting effects, especially relevant for enthusiasts using RGB setups. While the Gateron Glory Red's nylon top can limit the light diffusion due to its opaque nature, the TTC Silent Brown's polycarbonate housing can provide an aesthetic advantage with its translucency. This characteristic allows for enhanced RGB lighting visibility, making the Silent Brown more visually striking when illuminated. However, despite this difference in light diffusion, users can still achieve a satisfying typing experience with both switches due to the shared properties of their nylon bottom housings, thereby resulting in a pleasantly cohesive voice when keys are actuated across the board.
Weight
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer comparable actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This similarity means that typists can expect similar responsiveness when engaging these switches, making both options suitable for those who appreciate a balanced feel without excessive strain during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, when considering the bottom out force, there's a notable difference; while the Glory Red's bottom out force is unknown, the Silent Brown features a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a more substantial resistance when fully pressing the key. As a result, the TTC Silent Brown is heavier overall, which may appeal to users who prefer a stronger push-back for a more defined typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red is lighter, which might be favored by those who prioritize ease of use during long periods of typing. Therefore, users' preferences will ultimately dictate which switch suits their typing style better.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, we find that the Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Brown measures slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This means that if you choose the Glory Red, you'll experience a shorter press than with the Silent Brown, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, the Silent Brown's longer travel distance can offer a more substantial feel for those who prefer a tactile experience, as it allows for deeper key presses. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more responsive setup, the Gateron Glory Red would be the preferred option, whereas the TTC Silent Brown suits those who favor a more hearty depth in their 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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 switch has a character that is generally smoother than many other switches, though specific descriptors for its audio profile are absent. Comparatively, the TTC Silent Brown switches are known for their muted sound, producing a softer and quieter performance than traditional mechanical keyboards. This design minimizes the typical clacking noise associated with such switches, making Silent Browns suitable for quieter environments where sound can be disruptive. While the Glory Red may not be as inherently quiet, the overall audio experience will depend on additional factors such as the keyboard build and keycap choice, which can enhance or dampen sounds.
When discussing feel, the Gateron Glory Red offers a smooth keystroke with a pleasant travel distance, resulting in a generally enjoyable typing experience. While its specific tactile feedback characteristics are not detailed, the linear design typically means a continuous key press without noticeable bumps. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown provides a more textured typing experience with its light-medium resistance and a distinct tactile bump, described as buttery and polished. This creates a seamless and refined sensation throughout the key press, offering a more tactile feedback than the Glory Red. Thus, those who prefer a smoother experience might gravitate towards the Glory Red, whereas fans of tactile feedback would likely appreciate the Silent Brown.
Overall, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Glory Red is ideal for those seeking a smooth and responsive linear action, while the TTC Silent Brown appeals to users who enjoy a tactile experience with a softer, quieter output. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, but it’s important to consider how the keyboard and keycap choices can influence both qualities, regardless of the switch type.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between Gateron Glory Red linear switches and TTC Silent Brown tactile switches ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and environment. If you favor a smooth and effortless keystroke experience with minimal resistance and are looking for a switch that allows for rapid typing or gaming, the Gateron Glory Red is an excellent choice. Its smooth travel and lighter feel make it well-suited for high-speed input, perfect for gamers and typists who prioritize quick and fluid keystrokes. On the other hand, if you appreciate the tactile feedback of a switch but prefer a quieter experience, the TTC Silent Brown will likely be more to your liking. With its subtle tactile bump and muted sound profile, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and discretion, making it ideal for office settings or shared environments where noise can be a concern. By assessing your individual needs—be it speed and smoothness with the Glory Red or tactile feedback and quiet operation with the Silent Brown—you can make an informed decision that enhances your overall typing experience.
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