Gateron Glory Red vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the Gateron Glory Red and the Jerrzi Violet highlight the diverse preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Glory Red switches are celebrated for their linear design, providing a smooth keystroke with a lighter touch, making them an excellent option for those who favor rapid key presses and uninterrupted flow while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switches offer a tactile experience, known for their gentle bump and pleasing actuation, which can enhance the feel of each keystroke and provide satisfying feedback without being overly loud. This tactile feature is especially appealing for users who appreciate a sense of interaction with their typing, making it easier to avoid accidental presses. With their distinct characteristics, each switch caters to different typing styles and preferences, making the choice between them crucial depending on what you value in your mechanical keyboard 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Yes
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
The Gateron Glory Red and the Jerrzi Violet switches utilize distinctly different materials for their top housing, significantly affecting their sound profiles. The Glory Red's top housing is made of nylon, a material known for its softer composition. This softness allows the nylon to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that provides a rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and grants a crisper and sharper sound. The higher-pitched sound produced by polycarbonate can create a more resonant experience, particularly beneficial for users who favor a clear auditory feedback when typing. This fundamental difference in top housing material influences how the switches sound, especially during the releasing of keys.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Glory Red and Violet utilize nylon, connecting them in their ability to absorb sound effectively and produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. Since both switches incorporate this softer material in the bottom housing, users can expect a similar auditory response in that aspect, regardless of the top housing material variances. The shared nylon composition ensures that both switches can offer a satisfying thock or dull sound when the key is bottomed out, fostering a consistent feel and experience for the typist.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials of the top housing between the two switches yield different sound profiles, while their common choice of nylon for the bottom housing aligns their fundamental auditory characteristics. The results arise from the interactions between the typist's keystroke and the various housing materials—highlighting the importance of both the top and bottom profiles. While the Gateron Glory Red gives a fuller resonance thanks to its nylon top, the Jerrzi Violet leverages polycarbonate for brighter sound clarity, showcasing how the combination of housing materials can distinctly shape a switch’s overall performance and feel.
Weight
Both the Gateron Glory Red and Jerrzi Violet switches feature an actuation force of 45 grams, which means they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This similarity allows typists and gamers alike to expect a consistent feel when pressing the keys, potentially making either switch suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming due to their lighter actuation force. However, it is worth noting that the bottom out force for both switches is currently unavailable, making it impossible to compare how they feel when fully pressed down. In terms of weight classification, since both switches share the same actuation force, neither can be definitively labeled as lighter or heavier. Ultimately, users looking for a switch with a specific tactile experience may need to consider additional factors beyond actuation force alone, given that the bottom out characteristics remain unknown for both options.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, there is a slight difference to note. The Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Violet features a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Glory Red the shorter option, appealing to those who prefer a more responsive feel, particularly suitable for gamers who favor quicker key presses. Conversely, the Violet’s 3.7 mm travel distance provides a slightly deeper experience, which might be more appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback when typing. Both switches, though not equal, reflect a trend toward shorter travel distances in modern keyboard designs, catering to varied preferences among users. Ultimately, choosing between them depends largely on whether one prioritizes responsiveness or a more substantial feel with each keystroke.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 sound profile of the Gateron Glory Red switch is generally considered neutral, characterized by a moderate noise level during key presses, making it versatile enough for both home and office environments. The Jerrzi Violet switch also features a neutral sound signature, providing a similar balanced auditory experience. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, they both offer a sound that won’t be too intrusive, catering well to those who are looking for a quieter typing experience without compromising on the feel.
In terms of tactile feedback, the Glory Red is noted for its smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, which contributes to an enjoyable typing experience suitable for fast and uninterrupted typing. The Jerrzi Violet switch, on the other hand, is a gentle tactile switch distinctively providing a mild tactile bump, categorized as a stepped switch. This gives it a noticeable yet softer tactile response compared to the Glory Red, which might appeal to users who prefer a bit of feedback without the pronounced bump of high-tactile switches. The key difference here lies in the type of feedback: the Glory Red is smoother, while the Jerrzi Violet offers a more nuanced tactile experience.
Overall, both the Gateron Glory Red and Jerrzi Violet switches are designed to deliver a rewarding typing experience, though they cater to slightly different preferences. If you thrive on a smooth keystroke free from distractions, the Glory Red may be your go-to. Alternatively, if you appreciate a tactile response that doesn’t overwhelm, the Jerrzi Violet could be ideal. In choosing between them, consider whether you favor a continued, uninterrupted flow of typing or a more tactile, step-like feedback. Both options, however, ensure a satisfying experience tailored to your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Glory Red linear switches and Jerrzi Violet tactile switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with lighter resistance, the Glory Red switches are an excellent choice. Their seamless travel distance provides an enjoyable typing experience, making them ideal for users who engage in fast typing or gaming, where speed and fluidity are paramount. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback that offers a balance between a smooth actuation and a satisfying tactile bump, the Jerrzi Violet switches would better suit your needs. Their gentle tactile nature combined with a neutral sound profile makes them versatile for both work and casual use, striking a harmonious balance between performance and comfort. Ultimately, consider how you intend to use your keyboard—if quick typing and gaming are your main focus, go for the Glory Red; if you want a well-rounded typing experience with a touch of tactility, opt for the Violets.