Gateron Glory Red vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Red and the Gateron Silent Ink Black offer distinctly different experiences for users, each catering to unique preferences and environments. The Glory Red switch is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and lighter actuation force, making it a fantastic option for those who appreciate a responsive and enjoyable typing experience. Its sensitivity and pleasant travel distance can enhance the typing speed, making it ideal for gamers and fast typists alike. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch shines in quieter settings where minimizing noise is essential. Designed for a more muted experience, its soft, pillow-like bottom-out feel ensures comfort during long typing sessions while delivering only minimal audio feedback. Both switches are linear, providing a steady keystroke without tactile bumps, but their applications differ significantly based on the user's environment and personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Glory Red Linear

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches, we can see clear distinctions that significantly affect their auditory and tactile feedback. The Glory Red uses a classic nylon material for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for producing a fuller and deeper sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softer plastic properties, which absorb sound rather than reflect it. This results in a typing experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound, creating an ambiance that many users find warm and appealing.

In contrast, the Silent Ink Black switches incorporate Gateron’s proprietary INK blend for both their top and bottom housings. This material is designed to produce a higher-pitched and more pointed sound profile that is often described as clacky. The sound generated during key release tends to be sharper, providing a different auditory experience that appeals to users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke feedback. Given the distinct acoustic characteristics between these two materials, the Silent Ink Blacks are likely to generate a higher, more satisfying pitch, while the Glory Reds foster a deeper and more rounded acoustic.

Ultimately, if we consider that both switches utilize different housing materials, the impact of the differences is compounded by their respective designs. The properties of the bottom housing significantly influence the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing exerts a stronger influence over the sound produced when releasing the key. Hence, if a user seeks a rounder sound profile, the Gateron Glory Red would be preferable, but for those who favor a higher-pitched clack, the Silent Ink Black would be the ideal choice. Even though both provide unique experiences, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel during use.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Glory Red and Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switches, there is a clear distinction in their actuation forces and bottom out experiences. The Glory Red switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel that some users may find desirable for a more tactile experience. Regarding bottom out force, the Silent Ink Black has a defined measurement of 70 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy; however, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown. This means that the Silent Ink Black will definitely provide a firmer experience when pressing the keys all the way down. In summary, those seeking a lighter and easier touch should go for the Glory Red, while users looking for a heavier and more weighted keystroke experience will prefer the Silent Ink Black.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is clear that they differ, with the Glory Red measuring 3.6 mm and the Silent Ink Black at 4 mm. This makes the Gateron Glory Red the shorter of the two, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times and a more responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, offers a more substantial feel that some users might appreciate for its depth and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference: players who favor quick responses might lean towards the Glory Red, while those who enjoy a deeper, more deliberate keystroke may prefer the Silent Ink Black.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Red switch delivers a more traditional mechanical keyboard sound profile, which tends to be crisper and more pronounced compared to the Silent Ink Black. While the exact auditory experience of the Glory Red isn’t specified here, linear switches generally have less noise than tactile or clicky switches, making them suitable for quieter environments, though they still produce a noticeable sound from key presses. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is intentionally designed for quieter operation, featuring a muted sound that significantly reduces the auditory feedback typically associated with mechanical keyboards. If you require a more peaceful typing experience without music or chatter getting interrupted by keystroke noises, this switch effectively minimizes that disruption.

When examining the feel, the Gateron Glory Red provides a smooth keystroke that is satisfying during typing, making it inherently enjoyable. Its travel distance contributes to a gratifying typing experience, appealing to those who favor a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black switch is characterized by its silky and polished feel, offering a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out sensation. This design focuses on minimizing resistance, promoting a seamless typing experience with reduced friction. The combination of these qualities means that while both switches maintain a linear profile, the Silent Ink Black leans towards a plush experience that is appreciated by those who prioritize softness and smoothness in feel.

In summary, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red and the Gateron Silent Ink Black comes down to your specific preferences for sound and tactile sensation. The Glory Red offers a more traditional, slightly louder mechanical experience, suitable for those who appreciate audible feedback. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black prioritizes sound dampening and a plush feel, making it ideal for quieter environments or users who prefer softer keystrokes. While both offer a linear switch experience, they cater to different user needs—whether you seek a vivid acoustic sensation or a muted, buttery smooth experience, either switch can satisfy a linear switch enthusiast but will deliver distinct experiences.

Conclusion

To sum up, the choice between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch largely depends on your specific typing environment and preferences. If you value a lighter keystroke and appreciate a smooth, enjoyable typing experience without the necessity of noise reduction, the Glory Red would be an excellent option for you. This switch excels in providing a pleasurable travel distance, making it ideal for those who prefer a more vibrant typing feel during gaming or casual use in quieter settings. Conversely, if you find yourself in an environment where noise levels matter—such as an office or shared space—opting for the Silent Ink Black would serve you well. With its medium-heavy actuation force and its cushy, muted experience, this switch not only minimizes sound but also delivers a silky, polished touch that many find satisfying. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the balance between the tactile feedback you seek and the sound profile suitable for your surroundings.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

Learn more