Gateron Glory Red vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the Gateron Glory Red and Gateron Smoothie offer distinct advantages that cater to varying preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Gateron Glory Red, known for its lighter touch and smooth keystroke, boasts a pleasing travel distance that many find enhances their overall typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who favor speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie stands out as an innovative all-POM switch that combines a rich, thocky sound signature with remarkable smoothness, all while providing a lightweight feel that appeals to users looking for a more tactile auditory experience. While both switches share the linear design, offering a consistent key press without the tactile bump of other switch types, they present unique characteristics that may lead you to prefer one over the other for your specific 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
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Red and Gateron Smoothie exhibit distinct differences in their housing materials, specifically in their top housings. The Glory Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic arises from the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, the result is a typing experience that is not only quieter but also offers a rounder tonal quality when compared to switches made from harder materials. In contrast, the Smoothie features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, recognized for its unique sound profile that, while similarly deep, leans towards being more muted. This muting effect contributes to an appealing auditory experience, differentiating it from the more pronounced sound qualities of the Glory Red’s nylon.
Both switches incorporate nylon and POM in their bottom housings, revealing further contrasts in how these materials influence the overall typing experience. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback during use. The nylon bottom of the Glory Red continues the trend of depth in sound, maintaining the softer, more absorbent characteristics that contribute to the roundness of the overall sound profile. Conversely, the Smoothie's POM bottom housing also emphasizes a deeper sound but manages to create a unique auditory experience that feels distinct yet similarly muted. While both bottom housings enhance the overall experience of their respective switches, users may notice that the tactile feedback and sound resonance differ subtly due to the inherent material properties of nylon versus POM.
In summary, while the Gateron Glory Red and Smoothie switches incorporate different materials for their top and bottom housings, they both offer a rich and satisfying typing experience, albeit with variations in sound and feel. The softer nylon of the Glory Red creates a soundscape that is characterized by depth and roundness, while the Smoothie’s POM presents a unique and muted profile that can equally please users seeking a distinctive auditory feedback. Ultimately, despite their differences, both switches are likely to provide favorable experiences due to their effective sound-dampening capabilities and the harmonious tonal qualities imparted by their respective materials, ensuring that users can appreciate the thoughtful design behind each housing choice.
Weight
The Gateron Glory Red and Gateron Smoothie linear switches present an interesting comparison in terms of their actuation forces. The Glory Red switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Smoothie, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. This difference in actuation force suggests that the Glory Red may provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a firmer feel during use. On the other hand, the Smoothie, being lighter, may cater better to those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as the reduced force could help minimize finger fatigue. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, so we can’t make a direct comparison there. However, since the Smoothie has a lighter actuation force, it is likely to offer users a more delicate touch, while the Glory Red may feel more robust. Overall, those who prefer a heavier switch will gravitate towards the Glory Red, while those seeking a lighter typing experience would likely choose the Smoothie.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Glory Red and the Gateron Smoothie linear switches feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom, resulting in a comparable tactile experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users seeking a similar feel across their keyboard can choose either option without concern for variations in keypress depth.
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 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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
When comparing the sound characteristics of the Gateron Glory Red and Smoothie switches, distinct differences emerge. The Glory Red switch’s sound profile is currently unspecified; however, it is essential to note that the overall auditory experience can greatly be influenced by the keyboard frame and keycap materials used alongside the switches. In contrast, the Smoothie switch boasts a rich thocky sound, characterized by a deep, low-pitched, and satisfying tone. The thocky nature provides a pleasant auditory feedback that appeals to many enthusiasts. Additionally, it presents a subdued sound that adds a level of sophistication without being overly loud, making it suitable for both quiet environments and social settings.
Regarding the feel of each switch, the Glory Red’s tactile qualities remain unreported, leaving it a mystery. On the other hand, the Smoothie switch excels with its remarkable tactile experience that is often described as buttery, creamy, and silky. This suggests that users can expect an exceptionally smooth and fluid keystroke, minimizing resistance for a seamless typing adventure. The creamy texture likely results from the materials and potentially factory lubrication, contributing to an effortless glide across the keys that many find satisfying and luxurious.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Smoothie switch stands out for its thocky sound and buttery feel, the Gateron Glory Red’s auditory and tactile qualities are presently undefined. However, if you're seeking a switch that guarantees an enjoyable experience, the Smoothie clearly delivers both in sound and feel. Each switch is bound to create an engaging typing experience, but the Smoothie’s unique attributes offer a notable advantage when it comes to auditory pleasure and tactile satisfaction. Ultimately, your choice may also depend on personal preferences concerning sound and feel, as both switches cater to different needs within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Glory Red and Gateron Smoothie linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel. If you prioritize a lighter touch with a smooth keystroke and an enjoyable travel distance, the Gateron Glory Red will likely suit your typing style well. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a more straightforward experience without overwhelming auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you find value in a deeper, thocky sound signature coupled with remarkable smoothness, the Gateron Smoothie switch would be the better option. This switch not only delivers a satisfying auditory experience but also provides a buttery, creamy, and silky feel that can enhance your overall typing experience. Therefore, consider what aspects matter most to you: if it’s the lighter keystroke or the richer sound, you can confidently choose the switch that meets your unique typing needs.
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