Gateron Glory Red vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role in defining the typing experience, and two compelling options to consider are the Gateron Glory Red and the Jwick Taro. The Gateron Glory Red switches, recognized for their smooth keystroke, offer a light touch and an enjoyable travel distance that appeals to those who favor a fluid typing experience without any tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches provide a distinctly different feel with their medium-level tactility and a satisfying auditory feedback from their crisp clacks, making them ideal for users who appreciate a more pronounced response while typing. The choice between these two switches ultimately boils down to whether you prefer the seamless, unencumbered motion of linear switches like the Glory Red, or the tactile satisfaction of the Jwick Taro. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the Jwick Taro, notable differences emerge, particularly in their top housings. The Gateron Glory Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is largely attributed to nylon's softer and more absorbent nature, which dampens sound and creates a more rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Jwick Taro employs a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, as a stiffer material, allows for a more resonant response, resulting in a brighter sound. Thus, while both switches serve the purpose of providing tactile feedback, the auditory experience greatly differs due to the distinct physical properties of the top housing materials.
On the flip side, both the Gateron Glory Red and Jwick Taro feature nylon as their bottom housing material. This creates a unique aspect of their comparisons, as both switches take advantage of nylon's softer characteristics to produce a similar deep and full sound profile at the bottom-out stage. The consistency in material choice here implies that regardless of the differences noted in the top housings, the bottom housing will contribute similarly to the overall auditory experience, particularly during key presses. Consequently, this aligns the two switches closer together when it comes to the feeling and the sound upon bottoming out, highlighting nylon's effectiveness in this application.
Overall, the contrast between the top housing materials leads to varying auditory profiles, while the unanimous choice of nylon for the bottom housing serves to bridge some of the differences in typing experiences between the Gateron Glory Red and the Jwick Taro. Users can expect a rich, resonant sound during key presses due to the nylon bottoms, while the top sound produced will vary based on the distinct characteristics of nylon and polycarbonate. For those who prioritize acoustics, the choice between these switches becomes largely centered around personal preference for sound clarity versus warmth, and potential glow effects from RGB lighting, which are enhanced by the translucency of polycarbonate.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch to the Jwick Taro tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Red has a specified actuation force of 45 grams, which makes it lighter compared to the Taro, whose bottom out force is recorded at 67 grams. However, the Taro's actuation force remains unknown. The absence of a bottom out force specification for the Glory Red means it's difficult to determine how it performs when fully pressed down. If we assume that both switches provide similar tactile feedback when engaged, users might find comparable typing experiences, although the overall sensation will vary due to the known heavier bottom out force of the Taro. Those who favor lighter switches for extended use may prefer the Gateron Glory Red, while others seeking a more robust tactile feedback might lean towards the Taro due to its medium-heavy bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, the Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Taro has a slightly greater travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Gateron Glory Red offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Jwick Taro. For those who prioritize quicker response times, especially gamers, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Glory Red may be more appealing, as it allows for faster key presses. Conversely, the 3.7 mm travel distance of the Taro might be preferred by users who appreciate a more substantial feel with deeper key presses. In summary, if you favor a more responsive experience, the Gateron Glory Red is the better choice, whereas the Jwick Taro offers a longer travel distance for a heartier tactile sensation.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 is generally recognized for its smooth operation, producing a relatively quiet profile that avoids any sharp clacks or audible feedback, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. In contrast, the Jwick Taro tactile switch offers a more pronounced auditory experience, characterized by acute and crisp clacks that come with its tactile feedback. This gives the Taro a more engaging sound profile, which can be satisfying for users who enjoy the auditory cues of their typing but may be less suitable for shared spaces.
When it comes to the feel, the Glory Red switch is all about creating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, which allows for a seamless transition between each key press. This quality makes it ideal for users who prefer a linear switch without any tactile interruptions. On the other hand, the Taro tactile switch combines a buttery feel with a stepped design. This means that users can expect a tactile bump that provides some feedback during key presses, distinguishing it from the smoothness of linear switches. The stepped nature gives a more defined tactile sensation, with a noticeable change as the key is actuated, thus suiting those who appreciate a little bit of tactile resistance.
Overall, both the Gateron Glory Red and Jwick Taro switches cater to different typing preferences. If you value a quiet, smooth typing experience, the Glory Red would be your go-to option. Conversely, if you prefer a medium-level of tactility paired with an engaging sound, the Taro would likely provide more satisfaction. While they may appeal to different tastes, both switches excel in their respective domains, ensuring that users can find a suitable option based on their needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a smoother keystroke and you enjoy the rapid actuation that comes with lighter switches, the Gateron Glory Red is an excellent choice. Its lack of resistance provides an enjoyable typing experience that can be particularly beneficial if you tend to type quickly or frequently engage in gaming where speed is essential. On the other hand, if you prefer some feedback while typing and appreciate the satisfying sound of a tactile bump, the Jwick Taro switch will likely suit you better. With its medium-heavy bottoming force and a pleasant, buttery keystroke alongside a crisp sound, the Taro offers a comfortable, engaging experience that many typists find rewarding. In essence, if you enjoy a smooth, linear action, go for the Glory Red; but if you seek a tactile feel and auditory feedback, the Taro is your switch of choice.
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