Gateron Glory Red vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Red and the TTC Yunhai both stand out as excellent choices for those seeking linear switches, yet they cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Gateron Glory Red switches are recognized for their smooth keystroke and optimal travel distance, providing a delightful typing experience that emphasizes ease and responsiveness. Meanwhile, the TTC Yunhai switches distinguish themselves with their unique deep sound profile and incredibly light actuation force, making them ideal for typists who prioritize a soft, effortless feel during use. While both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience, they each offer distinct benefits that might suit different users. 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
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red switches and the TTC Yunhai switches, it becomes apparent that both products utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This similarity in material choice results in a notably similar acoustic profile when typing on either switch. The nylon used in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, as it is a softer plastic, allowing for more sound absorption compared to harder materials. Consequently, users can expect a duller and rounder sound from both switches, enhancing the typing experience with a satisfying sound signature.
However, even though both the Glory Red and Yunhai switches share the same nylon housing material, the overall typing experience can still differ slightly due to manufacturing processes and specific design elements between the two. While the top housings are identical in their sound-dampening qualities and contribute to a comparable sound on release, the bottom housings play a pivotal role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Any minor differences in the switch design or spring tension could result in a subtly distinct experience, despite the similar material composition.
Ultimately, the shared use of nylon in both the Gateron Glory Red and the TTC Yunhai switches leads to a fundamentally similar typing experience characterized by deeper acoustic properties. Users will notice that both switches can offer a satisfying sound profile, though they may have unique tactile feedback nuances due to different engineering approaches. This overlapping material characteristic assures that the key press and auditory feedback from both switches will have substantial commonality for users, with the nuances primarily stemming from differences in their respective constructions and designs.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Glory Red requires an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Yunhai's actuation force of 42 grams, making the Yunhai the lighter option for users who prefer a gentler touch. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unavailable, while the Yunhai has a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a heavier switch in terms of overall keystroke pressure. This means that while the Gateron might feel less exhausting for longer typing sessions, the TTC Yunhai can provide a more pronounced feedback due to its heavier bottom out force. If your preference leans more toward a lighter touch and you favor a more sensitive response, the Yunhai is the better choice, whereas the Glory Red might cater to those who appreciate a bit more resistance in their typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch both share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning users can expect similar tactile responses when pressing down on the keys of either switch. This equal travel distance results in a comparable feel when typing or gaming, allowing for a consistent experience. Both switches, therefore, deliver the same distance from top to bottom, making them both favorable choices for those who prefer linear switches.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 is known for its smooth and gentle keystroke, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that is not overly loud, making it well-suited for quiet environments. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch boasts a deep, rounded sound profile that adds a unique character to each keystroke. This difference in sound signature means that those who favor a more subtle, refined auditory experience may prefer the Glory Red, while those who enjoy a richer, fuller sound may gravitate towards the Yunhai.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Red switches offer a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience that many users appreciate for prolonged use. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switches are characterized by their incredibly light actuation force, providing a gentle and effortless typing experience that can be appealing for those who desire minimal resistance when pressing keys. This notable difference in actuation force can significantly influence user preference, with typists seeking a breezier feel leaning towards the Yunhai while others may appreciate the more consistent motion of the Glory Red.
Considering all the available information, both the Gateron Glory Red and TTC Yunhai linear switches deliver exceptional typing experiences, albeit with different auditory and tactile characteristics. The Glory Red is ideal for typists who prefer a hushed yet smooth keystroke, while the Yunhai caters to those who enjoy a lighter touch accompanied by a deeper sound profile. Ultimately, personal preference will play a major role in determining which switch is more suitable for an individual, as both offer unique qualities that can enhance one's typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Glory Red and TTC Yunhai linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you crave a smooth keystroke with a balanced travel distance and you’re accustomed to a lighter feel, the Glory Red switch is an excellent option. Its effortless action is particularly suited for casual typing and gaming, where quick responses are desirable. On the other hand, if you appreciate a deeper sound profile and prefer a tactile yet gentle touch, the TTC Yunhai is likely to appeal to you. With its slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, it offers a satisfying resistance that some users may find more comfortable for extended typing sessions, particularly for those who type at a faster pace. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by how you like to engage with your keyboard; whether you favor a whisper-light keystroke or a more grounded feel will lead you to your ideal switch.
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