Gateron Glory Red vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference, and the Gateron Glory Red and HMX Swift both exemplify distinct characteristics appealing to different users. The Glory Red switches are celebrated for their light actuation force and smooth keystrokes, offering a satisfying travel distance that enhances typing comfort—ideal for those who prioritize a seamless experience during lengthy typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Swift switches present a unique sound profile with their deeper acoustics, aided by full nylon housings, while the silky smoothness of their actuation at 42g caters to users who favor a more tactile, yet still effortless, touch. While both switches fall under the linear category, one leans towards a softer touch and sound, while the other provides a more pronounced auditory experience. 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
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and HMX Swift switches, it is notable that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is a well-regarded material in the keyboard switch industry due to its acoustic properties, which contribute to a more satisfying typing experience. Both the Glory Red and Swift switches benefit from nylon’s ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared feature means that users can expect a consistent auditory experience from both switches, as the characteristics of nylon lend to a duller and rounder sound, making typing less jarring and more enjoyable.
Despite their similarities in housing materials, the nuances of the typing experience can vary based on how each manufacturer might have designed the switches further. The same nylon composition in both sets can yield virtually similar acoustic outcomes, but the internal mechanisms, such as the spring type and actuation point, could create distinct differences in feel and feedback. Thus, while the material composition does provide a foundational uniformity in sound, the ultimate typing experience may diverge due to intricate design choices. Features like spring tension and travel distance play a significant role in how each switch performs beyond just their housing materials.
Ultimately, the implications of having nylon both as the top and bottom housing material in both the Gateron Glory Red and HMX Swift switches facilitate comparable results in terms of sound and feel. Since both switches utilize the same material, users can expect a cohesive sound profile that’s enhanced by the characteristics of nylon. However, the unique specifications of each switch can lead to individual experiences that may appeal to different typing preferences. For users prioritizing acoustics alone, either switch will deliver a pleasing sound signature, while those focusing on tactile feedback should take into consideration the variations in their designs.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, we see both similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Red features an actuation force of 45 grams, which contributes to a firmer typing experience, while the Swift has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it a more comfortable choice for long typing sessions or extensive gaming. In terms of bottom-out force, the Swift's force is quantified at 50 grams, while the bottom-out force for the Glory Red is unknown. With a measurable bottom out force, the Swift provides a more substantial feel upon fully depressing the key compared to the Glory Red, where that feature is not documented. Consequently, the HMX Swift can be considered the lighter switch overall, catering to users who prefer a softer touch, while the Glory Red leans towards a heavier feel, appealing to those who like a more resistant action during typing. Despite both switches aiming for a linear feel, users will experience distinct tactile differences based on their force preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, the Glory Red offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Swift extends slightly longer at 3.9 mm. This makes the Gateron Glory Red the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers looking for quicker key presses. In contrast, the HMX Swift, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial depth, catering to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience. Therefore, if you prioritize rapid response times, the Glory Red is the better choice, while the Swift may be favored for those seeking a more traditional feel in their keystrokes.
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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 linear switch provides a muted and subdued auditory profile, making it quieter compared to many other switches. This quality can be particularly appealing for users who value a more discreet typing experience, such as in shared or professional environments. Contrastingly, the HMX Swift linear switch features a deeper sound signature characterized by a clacky sound. This clackiness, resonating from its full nylon housing, adds a crisp, percussive audio element to each keystroke, which may enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback, especially in gaming or solo settings.
When we look into the feel of these switches, the Gateron Glory Red is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and comfortable travel distance, providing a pleasant and uninterrupted typing experience. In comparison, the HMX Swift switch is designed for easy activation, boasting a lighter actuation force of 42g which can make typing feel almost effortless. This switch is also characterized as bouncy, offering a lively, spring-like feedback that makes each key press feel responsive. Furthermore, the Swifts are described as creamy, adding a silky sensation that makes typing feel fluid and enjoyable. Overall, the Swift’s combination of easy pressing, liveliness, and smoothness can contribute to reduced finger fatigue, enhancing comfort for prolonged typing or gaming sessions.
Considering the overall attributes of the Gateron Glory Red and the HMX Swift switches, both positions have their unique strengths. The Glory Red is ideal for those seeking a quiet and smooth experience, while the Swift offers a more vibrant, tactile, and engaging feel with its clackiness and easy actuation. Ultimately, if you prioritize a serene typing environment, the Glory Red is your best bet. However, if you enjoy auditory feedback and a lively feel while typing, the Swift will deliver that excitement. In essence, both switches can cater to different preferences, so your choice will depend on whether you value silence and smoothness or sound and responsiveness.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, your decision should hinge on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a lightweight and smooth keystroke for a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, the Gateron Glory Red is an excellent choice. Its effortless actuation can be particularly beneficial during long typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue while still offering a satisfying travel distance. On the other hand, if you value a switch with a deeper sound profile and a slightly heavier actuation force that provides tactile feedback, the HMX Swift is the way to go. The Swifts not only deliver a clacky sound with a bouncy feel but also make typing feel incredibly effortless, thanks to their light actuation force and feathery response. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the lighter, smoother characteristics of the Glory Red or the deeper auditory experience and responsive feel of the Swift, catering to both gaming and typing needs.
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