Gateron Glory Red vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Red and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue each bring unique characteristics to the table, making them appealing to different types of users. The Glory Red switch is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and lighter feel, providing an enjoyable typing experience with a pleasing travel distance. Its linear design ensures minimal tactile feedback, which can be advantageous for those who prefer a quiet and uninterrupted typing flow. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a distinct auditory experience with a deep, thocky sound profile that enhances the enjoyment of each keystroke. The bouncy feel of the longer single-stage spring makes them not only fun to type on but also accessible to a wider range of users looking for a standard spring weight. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you're after a smooth and swift typing experience or a more immersive and tactile one. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Glory Red Linear

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches, it's clear that they utilize different plastics for their constructions, which considerably influences both their acoustics and tactile characteristics. The Glory Red features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer properties. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound due to its relatively pliable nature. Conversely, the Tourmaline Blue's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates more distinctly. Thus, while the Glory Red offers a more muted auditory experience, the Tourmaline Blue provides a crisper typing sound due to the material differences.

Examining the bottom housings, we find a similar pattern of contrasting materials. The Glory Red again employs nylon, which contributes further to the fuller sound profile, emphasizing the deeper tonal qualities when keys are bottomed out. This absorption creates a rounded sensation that many typists find pleasurable. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing promotes a clear and resonant sound that strikes a brighter tone when pressed, enhancing the overall auditory feedback. The distinction between their bottom housings means that the typing experience will differ significantly; the high sounds in the Tourmaline Blue may appeal to those seeking a more pronounced response, while the Glory Red leans towards a more harmonious and subdued feedback.

Despite the differences in materials, both switches can provide unique typing experiences, and their characteristics may overlap in certain circumstances. For instance, if considering overall typing experience, a user might find that both switches lend themselves to satisfying tactile feedback, even if the sound profiles differ. When combined with keycaps, which may further influence acoustics, users can achieve similar performance results across different types of housing materials. Ultimately, whether one prefers the rich, muted tones of the Glory Red or the clear, crisp sounds of the Tourmaline Blue will depend on personal preference and typing style, making both options valuable choices in the world of mechanical keyboards.

Weight

The actuation force of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch is 45 grams, making it a lighter option compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, which has an actuation force of 59 grams. This difference indicates that the Glory Red is more suitable for those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions, while the Tourmaline Blue, being heavier, caters to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unavailable, so we cannot make a direct comparison with the Tourmaline Blue’s bottom out force of 67 grams. As a result, while the Gateron Glory Red offers a lighter touch for actuation, the overall force required when bottoming out likely differs significantly from the Tourmaline Blue's medium-heavy bottom out force. If you're seeking a more effortless keystroke, the Glory Red is the better choice, while those who prefer resistance may opt for the Tourmaline Blue.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, we find distinct differences. The Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Tourmaline Blue has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Glory Red switch may be the better choice due to its shorter distance, which is appealing to gamers seeking quick key presses. Conversely, the Tourmaline Blue, with its longer travel distance, could offer a more substantial and satisfying depth for users who prefer a less abrupt experience while typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Glory Red being the shorter option and the Tourmaline Blue offering a more traditional and hearty feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch delivers a relatively neutral sound profile, making it suitable for diverse environments, from quiet home settings to bustling offices. This characteristic ensures it won’t be overly distracting or disruptive, appealing to users seeking a versatile solution. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is distinguished by its deep and “thocky” auditory experience, adding a satisfying resonance to each keystroke that enhances the typing ritual. The thocky sound is particularly immersive, offering more acoustic feedback compared to the Glory Red, and can make each typing session feel more engaging.

When it comes to feel, the Glory Red switch is known for its smooth keystroke and pleasant travel distance, allowing for a fluid typing experience. While specifics about the exact characteristics of its feel weren’t provided, it is designed for comfort and enjoyment during prolonged use. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switches are characterized by a buttery feel, described as smooth and seamless. They offer an easy-to-press experience with light actuation force, making them responsive and comfortable throughout extended typing sessions. The overall response of the Tourmaline Blue switches is mild, which ensures a gentle typing experience that caters to a wide range of users, potentially making them more accessible for beginners.

In summary, both switches provide an inviting typing experience, but they cater to different auditory preferences and tactile sensations. The Glory Red offers a more neutral sound profile with a smooth keystroke, making it a versatile option for various users, while the Tourmaline Blue excels in delivering rich, satisfying acoustic feedback combined with a buttery and light typing feel. Therefore, while the Gateron Glory Red and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches may appeal to different preferences, those who appreciate a quieter, smoother experience should lean towards the Glory Reds, whereas those who desire richer sound and a bouncier typing experience may favor the Tourmaline Blues. Both options can yield enjoyable typing experiences, allowing mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to find a switch that resonates with their personal style.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize a smooth, effortless keystroke with a lighter actuation force, then the Glory Red is a fantastic choice. This switch is ideal if you often type for extended periods, as its low resistance minimizes finger fatigue and provides a comfortable experience suitable for both casual and intensive typing sessions. However, if you appreciate a tactile feedback and enjoy a deeper, more resonant sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue would be the better option for you. With its medium-heavy actuation force and bouncy feel, it not only offers an engaging typing experience but also caters to a balance that many users find enjoyable, enhancing both work and play. When considering sound and feel, if you lean towards a buttery, smooth keystroke that's easy to activate, the Blue switches will likely resonate with your preferences. In essence, evaluate how much you value lightness and smoothness against tactile feedback and sound, and choose accordingly for an optimal typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more