Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Red offer distinct experiences for different types of users, despite both being linear switches. The Gateron Glory Yellow stands out for its heavier feel and smooth keystroke, providing a satisfying travel distance that caters to those who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback during typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Red is renowned for its straightforward, lightweight design, making it a popular choice for gamers who prioritize rapid key presses and fast-paced gameplay without any tactile resistance. Choosing between these two linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences, whether you lean towards the more robust feel of the Glory Yellow or the quick responsiveness of the Outemu Red. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Red switches, a notable divergence is evident in the choice of plastic for the top housing. The Glory Yellow utilizes nylon for its upper housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Outemu Red features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This difference in materials contributes to distinct auditory experiences; nylon’s softer composition absorbs sound and generates a duller, more rounded acoustic signature, while polycarbonate, being stiffer and more resonant, offers a clearer and crisper sound. If you are looking for a smooth, muted typing experience, the Glory Yellow would likely be more suitable, whereas the Outemu Red would appeal to those who prefer a vibrant, bright auditory feedback.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, show an interesting similarity as they both are made from nylon. This shared material ensures that regardless of the top housing’s differing sound profiles, the base of each switch provides a consistent deeper and rounder sound when bottoming out. The nylon bottom retains its role in absorbing sound, effectively neutralizing some of the sharper characteristics of the Outemu Red’s polycarbonate top. This means that when using either switch, the user will experience a softer bottoming-out sensation, contributing to an overall warmth in the sound signature. Consequently, while the typing experiences can differ greatly due to the top housing, the muted depth provided by the nylon bottom helps create a cohesive feel across both switches.
Overall, the combination of materials creates nuanced experiences in both switches. Users who prioritize sound quality and resonance may prefer the Outemu Red for its sharpness and clarity, particularly when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucent nature. On the other hand, those who value a more subdued auditory experience might gravitate towards the Glory Yellow, benefiting from the deeper sound profile offered by the nylon upper. Despite their differences, the consistent nylon bottom housing across both switches serves as a unifying characteristic, influencing the bottom-out feel and ensuring a degree of similarity in both models. Thus, players can expect a unique tactile experience while still benefiting from the foundational qualities associated with nylon housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, we notice some differences in their actuation forces that may influence a user's typing or gaming experience. The Glory Yellow switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Outemu Red's actuation force of 46 grams, making the Red switch overall the lighter option. This lighter actuation force can be more comfortable for prolonged use, particularly for those who type extensively or engage in long gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unavailable, whereas the Outemu Red has a bottom out force of 62 grams. With this information, we establish that the Outemu Red switch provides a more substantial feel when bottoming out, thanks to its heavier bottom out force, making it potentially more appealing for users who favor the tactile feedback of a stronger engagement during typing. In summary, while the Outemu Red is the lighter switch in terms of actuation force, it offers a greater bottom out force compared to the Glory Yellow, which remains a mystery in that aspect.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they offer an identical experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. This means users can expect similar responsiveness and feel when using keys equipped with either switch. Consequently, if you're looking for a linear switch with a consistent travel distance, both options would yield comparable results in terms of key press experience.
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 Outemu Red comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch tends to be relatively quiet, producing a subtle and muted sound that many users find pleasing. Its smooth keystroke further enhances the overall typing experience, as the lack of clickiness allows for a focused atmosphere, whether for gaming or typing. In comparison, the Outemu Red linear switch also shares a reputation for being quiet, with a soft sound profile that is characterized by its subtlety, allowing for use in environments where noise might be a concern. Ultimately, while both switches are designed to minimize sound output, users are likely to experience a very similar auditory environment with either option, largely influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Glory Yellow features a heavier actuation force compared to the Outemu Red, which contributes to a more pronounced sensation when keys are pressed. This means that the Glory Yellow can offer a more substantial and intentional feel during typing or gaming sessions, providing users with tactile feedback that aids in preventing accidental key presses. Meanwhile, the Outemu Red, being lighter in terms of actuation force, allows for quicker keystrokes and a more delicate touch, making it suitable for fast-paced gaming or rapid typing. For those who prefer a bit of resistance in their keystrokes, the Glory Yellow may be preferable, while the Red will cater to users who enjoy a lighter and more effortless typing experience.
In summary, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Outemu Red linear switches provide smooth keystrokes with quiet sound profiles, making them suitable for various typing environments. The deciding factor largely comes down to personal preference related to actuation force; those favoring a heavier, more deliberate key press may opt for the Glory Yellow, while users who appreciate a light touch and swift action will likely lean towards the Outemu Red. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can cater to diverse typing styles, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a smoother keystroke and a more enjoyable typing experience, the Gateron Glory Yellow may be your best bet. Its lighter bottom-out force allows for quicker actuation, making it suitable for both gaming and fast typing where rapid input and minimal resistance can enhance performance. Conversely, if you prefer a switch with a firmer feel and can appreciate the tactile feedback of a medium weight, the Outemu Red would serve you well. Its 62-gram bottom-out force provides a stable and comforting resistance that many typists enjoy, especially for extended typing sessions. Additionally, consider the overall sound profile you desire: if you prefer a quieter typing experience, both switches serve well, but your choice should also reflect how each fits into your typing style and the environment in which you’ll be using them. In essence, align your choice with your usage scenarios—be it gaming, writing, or a mix of activities—to find the most satisfying switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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