Gateron Glory Red vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, each option brings its unique set of characteristics that cater to different typing preferences and styles. The Gateron Glory Red, known for its lighter touch, offers a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. Its linear design ensures that keystrokes are registered without a tactile bump, perfect for those who prefer a consistent feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches stand out with their all-POM construction and notably short travel distance, providing lightning-fast actuation that appeals to gamers and fast typists alike. These switches deliver a distinct "thocky" sound and unparalleled smoothness, along with a feather-light touch that can enhance the overall responsiveness of your keyboard. Both switches have their merits—whether you prioritize speed and quick actuation or a more relaxed and smooth typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Silver switches utilize different housing materials, each contributing unique sound characteristics and tactile sensations. The Glory Red features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is recognized for its softer, more absorbent qualities. This nylon composition results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is less sharp and more muted. Users can expect a deeper acoustic experience when typing, as the nylon’s inherent properties dampen high-frequency noises, offering a rounder and more pleasing auditory feedback.
In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver employs a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top and bottom housing. POM is known for its distinct sound characteristics, also leaning towards a deeper and muted profile, but it is typically more rigid than nylon. This rigidity introduces a different tactile sensation and sound quality when keys are engaged. While the overall sound produced remains on the deeper side, the POM may produce a slightly sharper and clearer articulation, providing a unique auditory experience that diverges from the softness of the nylon. Thus, while both switches produce a pleasing sound, the intricate nuances of that sound will differ due to the materials’ physical properties.
Since both switch types employ different top and bottom housing materials, their acoustic and tactile outputs are distinctly influenced by these compositions. In the case of the Glory Red, the nylon’s sound absorption properties are felt through both the bottoming out and the release, offering a cohesive sound experience. The Smoothie Silver, with its POM construction, will present a contrasting feel and sound as the characteristics of the top housing will be evident during key release, while the firm bottom housing offers a noticeable tactile feedback during engagement. Despite these differences, both switches deliver enjoyable typing experiences, just through varying auditory and tactile lenses based on their material make-up.
Weight
Both the Gateron Glory Red and Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require an equal amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. This similarity suggests that users will experience a comparable typing experience in terms of the effort needed to actuate a key, making them suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, details regarding their bottom out forces are unavailable for both switches, preventing a direct comparison in that regard. Given that both have the same actuation force, it’s important to note that users will likely feel similar levels of resistance when pressing down each switch. Since both switches have an equal actuation force, neither can be classified as lighter or heavier based solely on this metric. Ultimately, those looking for a balance of comfort and feedback can consider both options to be equally viable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, the Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Smoothie Silver measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. The distinction in travel distance highlights the different tactile experiences each switch provides. For gamers who favor quicker response times, the Smoothie Silver's shorter travel distance may offer an advantage due to its more immediate actuation. Conversely, those who enjoy a more pronounced feel may prefer the Glory Red, which provides a more substantial key press due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, if you're seeking a balance between responsiveness and depth, the Gateron Glory Red will be the better option, while the Smoothie Silver caters to those who thrive on speed.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
The Gateron Glory Red switch produces a sound that is relatively quiet and subdued, making it suitable for both office environments and shared spaces. While it offers a satisfying feedback, the absence of a distinct auditory cue can sometimes leave users feeling less engaged in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is characterized by a thocky sound that adds a tactile auditory element to each keystroke. This not only enhances the overall typing experience but also provides a more pronounced feedback that can be gratifying, particularly for users who appreciate auditory stimulation while typing.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Red switch offers a smooth keystroke with a satisfying travel distance, allowing for a comfortable typing experience that many find enjoyable over extended periods. This makes it a versatile option for typing and gaming alike. Conversely, the Smoothie Silver switch features a shorter travel distance, enabling lightning-fast actuation that caters to rapid finger movements. This instantaneous responsiveness, combined with its feather-light touch, makes the Smoothie Silver particularly appealing for gamers or those who appreciate speed in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Red and Smoothie Silver switches possess unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Glory Red offers a quieter typing experience with a comfortable feel, making it a great choice for users who prioritize a smooth and enjoyable ride. Meanwhile, the Smoothie Silver provides audible feedback and rapid actuation, ideal for those who seek speed and responsiveness. Depending on your specific needs—whether you value sound, feel, or both—you can select a switch that will provide an enjoyable typing experience, though with different characteristics that can impact your overall satisfaction.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Red and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're looking for a smooth keystroke with a longer travel distance and a more traditional typing experience, the Glory Red switch may be the better choice for you. It's well-suited for those who enjoy a rhythmic typing style and appreciate a tactile feel without the overwhelming feedback of clicky switches. On the other hand, if your priority lies in achieving lightning-fast actuation with a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver switch is particularly designed for rapid key presses, making it ideal for gamers or anyone who prioritizes speed in their typing. The Smoothie Silvers, with their thocky sound and exceptional smoothness, provide a unique auditory and tactile experience that can enhance your overall typing enjoyment. Ultimately, your choice should align with how you intend to use your keyboard—whether it's for leisurely typing, gaming, or a combination of both. Each switch has its standout qualities that cater to different preferences, so consider trying them out if possible to find the perfect fit for your needs.
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