Gateron Glory Red vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Gateron Glory Red and the Gateron Type S mechanical keyboard switches, both of which fall into the linear category, it's essential to understand their distinct characteristics and appeal to different user preferences. The Glory Red, known for its lightness, provides a smooth keystroke with an enjoyable travel distance, making it ideal for users who prefer a quick and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Type S features a heavier 65g bottom-out weight and employs contemporary factory lubing techniques, resulting in a typing experience that emphasizes a more subdued and neutral sound while offering the tactile satisfaction of a weightier keystroke. While the Glory Red may appeal to those who favor agility and speed, the Type S caters to those looking for a deeper acoustic experience and a sturdier feel. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and Gateron Type S switches, it is evident that both employ nylon for their top and bottom housings. This use of nylon in both switches contributes to a distinctive sound profile that typists seek in mechanical keyboards. Nylon, being a softer plastic, effectively absorbs sound waves, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. As a result, users will find that both the Glory Red and Type S switches produce a similar rounded sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. Due to this shared material composition, the tactile feedback and acoustic characteristics of both switches are expected to be closely aligned.
Despite the similarities in material for both switches, the overall impact of the nylon housings can differ slightly depending on the design and other internal components of each switch model. The Glory Red is crafted to deliver a specific feel and sound, while the Type S may integrate unique features that influence performance. However, since both switches share the same nylon materials, they will still replicate the characteristic sound absorption benefits of nylon housing. Typists may notice that the quality of sound upon bottoming out and releasing the key feels consistently substantial across both models, promoting a satisfying typing experience.
In summary, the shared use of nylon in the top and bottom housings of both the Gateron Glory Red and Type S results in key similarities regarding sound and feel. Their constructions would produce comparable auditory signatures, characterized by a mellower and more rounded sound profile. Consequently, users can anticipate that whether they choose the Glory Red or the Type S, they will enjoy a similar tactile experience, defined by the softer, acoustically-pleasing qualities that nylon brings to both switch designs. Though there may be subtle differences due to other factors, the fundamental auditory characteristics resulting from the nylon housing remain a commonality.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, notable differences appear in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, especially during long sessions. In contrast, the Type S has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing or gaming. Regarding bottom out force, the Type S has a defined value of 65 grams, indicating a firmer feel when the key is fully pressed down. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown, making a direct comparison in that regard impossible. Therefore, if you prefer a lighter switch for extended use, the Gateron Glory Red would be a better choice, whereas the Gateron Type S is more suitable for those who favor a heavier and more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Type S linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Glory Red offers a shorter press, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times, allowing for quicker key actuation. On the other hand, the Type S, with its 4 mm travel distance, provides a more traditional and deeper feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, if you favor responsiveness and a more prompt feel, the Glory Red might be the ideal choice. Conversely, if you enjoy a fuller travel sensation, the Type S would be more suited to your preferences.
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 Type S comes in at $4.70 per 10 switches.
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 features a smooth keystroke with an appealing travel distance, providing an enjoyable auditory experience. While specific sound characteristics for the Glory Red are not detailed, it is generally understood that linear switches like this tend to be quieter compared to their tactile or clicky counterparts. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S offers a more defined auditory profile. It is characterized by a neutral sound signature, making it versatile for various setups, whether at home or in an office environment. Additionally, its subdued nature produces a dampened sound upon actuation, contributing to a quieter typing experience that might be preferred in quieter settings.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Red switch is known for its smooth keystroke, but further specific details about its tactile feedback or overall feel aren't provided. In contrast, the Gateron Type S is engineered with a heavier 65g bottom-out force, catering to users who appreciate a more substantial resistance when typing. This weightier feel can offer a satisfying experience, particularly for those who prefer to have more feedback from their switches.
Overall, both switches cater to users seeking a linear switch experience, albeit with some dissimilarities in their sound and feel. The Glory Red provides a lighter keystroke that could appeal to those who favor a more responsive typing experience, while the Type S's heavier weight and nuanced acoustic signature are ideal for users seeking a more pronounced typing feedback. Ultimately, while both switches share linear characteristics, their unique attributes mean you can find distinctly different typing experiences between them.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, consider your preferences for keystroke weight and acoustic feedback. If you enjoy a lighter and smoother keystroke with minimal resistance, the Glory Red is your best choice, especially if you're looking for an enjoyable typing experience that feels effortless. This switch is ideal for typists who favor rapid key presses, such as gamers or those who type quickly and want to minimize finger fatigue during extended sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a heftier keystroke and a balance that leans towards a deeper acoustic experience, the Type S would be more suitable for you. Its 65g bottom-out force provides a satisfying tactile feedback that many find reassuring, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy the physical sensation of typing and appreciate a subtle yet pleasant sound profile that is versatile enough for both home and work environments. In the end, your personal typing style, sound preference, and usage context will be the ultimate determinants in choosing between these two engaging options.