Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Cherry MX Silent Red both offer compelling options, yet they cater to different preferences and environments. The Gateron Glory Yellow is renowned for its smooth keystrokes and pleasing travel distance, making it a favorite among users who enjoy a more tactile, heavier feel during typing. This switch falls into the category of linear switches, promoting a fluid typing experience without any tactile bump. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red also embodies the characteristics of a linear switch but distinguishes itself with its whisper-quiet operation. While still providing a slightly heftier feel similar to its MX Red counterpart, the Silent Red's muted sound profile is especially appealing for those who require discretion in shared or noise-sensitive spaces. Ultimately, both switches have their unique advantages: the Glory Yellow shines in delivering a satisfying and engaging typing experience, while the Silent Red excels in maintaining a quiet atmosphere. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches are quite similar, which creates a comparable typing experience for users of both mechanical switches. Both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, a material known for its softer and more absorbent qualities. As a result, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile regardless of which switch they choose. The nylon construction helps to dampen vibrations and minimizes the sharpness of sound, allowing both switches to deliver a more muted auditory experience when typing. This commonality in material contributes significantly to the overall softer sound that users have come to appreciate in both models.
Despite the shared material characteristic, the impact of the housing on the overall typing experience can vary slightly between the two switches. Since both the Glory Yellow and the Silent Red have nylon top and bottom housings, the richness in sound will be similarly pronounced; however, the unique designs and actuation forces might still create distinctions in their tactile feedback. The bottom housing plays a crucial role when bottoming out, affecting how users feel the switch engage and disengage. Similarly, the top housing influences sound during key release, establishing the balance of sensory feedback that typists crave. By understanding these dynamics, users can appreciate how each switch offers nuanced audio responses even when the base materials are identical.
Ultimately, while the Gateron Glory Yellow and Cherry MX Silent Red switches are made from the same nylon housing material, the distinct structural and engineering choices dictate their individual characteristics during use. The shared nylon composition ensures a foundation of sound dampening, contributing to a quality typing experience marked by deep, muted sounds. However, the variations in the switches’ designs—like actuation force and spring characteristics—will still result in different tactile sensations, enabling enthusiasts to find personal preference even within switches crafted from the same materials. Thus, while both are built for a softer sound, the subtle differences shine through when considering the overall feel of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, there are noteworthy differences in their actuation forces. The Glory Yellow requires an actuation force of 50 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Silent Red, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that those who favor a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions might prefer the Silent Red for its ease of use. Both switches have unspecified bottom out forces, so we cannot make direct comparisons in that regard. Overall, if you're looking for a heavier feel that can provide a more substantial typing experience, the Gateron Glory Yellow may be the better choice, whereas the Cherry MX Silent Red could be preferable for those who prefer a light and more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Gateron Glory Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red measures slightly shorter at 3.7 mm. This means that the Glory Yellow offers a more pronounced depth with its longer travel distance, which some users may appreciate for a more tactile feel. On the other hand, those who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers, might find the shorter travel distance of the MX Silent Red more appealing due to its potential for faster key actuation. In summary, if you favor a more substantial keypress, the Gateron Glory Yellow would be the preferable choice, whereas the Cherry MX Silent Red caters to those seeking a snappier response with its shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow 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 Yellow for $4.19.
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch has a designated character that offers a distinct auditory experience, although specific descriptors for its sound profile aren't provided. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is known for its muted and thocky sound profile, characterized by a soft, low-pitched response that produces a pleasant and discreet sound when pressed. This makes the Silent Red particularly well-suited for environments where noise reduction is a priority, offering a deep, satisfying tone without the typical clackiness associated with many mechanical switches.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch is recognized for delivering a smooth keystroke with a satisfying travel distance, creating a pleasurable typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch features a textured feel, which implies a certain degree of friction during use. While the Glory Yellow might cater more to those who prefer a silky, unimpeded keystroke, the Silent Red may appeal to users who enjoy a tactile sensation during their typing sessions—though this texture might not be as prominent as that found in other friction-based switches.
Considering all the information available, both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences but cater to different preferences and environments. The Gateron Glory Yellow excels in offering smoothness and pleasing travel, making it ideal for those seeking uninterrupted keystrokes. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Silent Red merges tactile feedback with noise reduction, ideal for quieter settings. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether one prioritizes a smooth, noise-creating experience or a tactile, quieter interaction.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches, your decision should hinge on both your typing preferences and your environment. If you prioritize a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance, the Glory Yellow might be your go-to option, as its design offers an enjoyable typing experience that many gamers and typists appreciate, making it ideal for those who value performance and a tactile sensation. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a noise-sensitive setting, such as an office or a shared space, the Cherry MX Silent Red would be the better choice due to its quiet operation. This switch allows for an equally pleasing typing feel without the audible clatter, catering to those who prefer a subdued sound profile while typing. Ultimately, consider your specific needs regarding sound and feel; the Glory Yellow is perfect for an engaging keystroke, while the Silent Red excels in providing a discreet yet satisfying experience.
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