Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Outemu Red Panda

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch can significantly influence the overall typing experience. The Gateron Glory Yellow switch stands out with its smooth keystroke and comfortable travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize seamless and uninterrupted typing. As a linear switch, it offers a consistent feel throughout the keypress, which can be particularly appealing for gamers or individuals who type extensively. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda switch brings a tactile element to the mix, providing a light to medium amount of tactility that can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy feedback. This switch is noted for its unique sound profile, featuring a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound paired with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound—appealing to typists looking for auditory satisfaction. While the Glory Yellow is ideal for users seeking smoothness and speed, the Red Panda caters to those who appreciate a tactile feel and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$3.40 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the top housings of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Red Panda, the distinct materials used highlight a significant divergence in sound profile characteristics. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer composition that absorbs sound effectively. This material's acoustic properties result in a deeper and fuller sound when typing, contributing to a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Red Panda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is much stiffer and produces a sharper, more resonant sound. The clarity of the polycarbonate amplifies high frequencies, creating a crisper auditory feedback that can be particularly engaging for users who appreciate a more vibrant sound. Thus, while the two switches both serve the same fundamental purpose, their different top housing materials yield notably contrasting sound profiles.

Interestingly, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Outemu Red Panda bottom housings are made from nylon, leading to a shared characteristic of a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing. This similarity suggests that the tactile experience and sound when bottoming out on both switches will feel more alike, as the softer plastic material helps in creating a rounded auditory experience. The consistency of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches ensures that regardless of the differences in the top housings, the bottom-out sound—the tactile feedback received when the switch is fully pressed down—will maintain a similar depth and muted quality. This aspect can be particularly appreciated by typists who lean towards a more subdued sound experience.

In summary, the differences between the Gateron Glory Yellow and Outemu Red Panda largely stem from their choice of top housing materials. The nylon used in the Glory Yellow's top results in a softer, more muted sound, while the polycarbonate in the Red Panda’s top housing leads to a higher-pitched, clearer sound. However, their identical nylon bottom housings harmonize the typing experience to some extent. When these switches are engaged, the qualities of the nylon material can help balance out the overall sound experience, allowing users to appreciate the more profound feedback without losing the clarity that the polycarbonate top offers. In this way, while users may notice stark differences when initially typing on these switches, they can expect a degree of similarity in the overall acoustic experience due to the shared nylon bottom housing.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch with the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, both switches have an actuation force of 50 grams, indicating a similar resistance when it comes to triggering a keystroke. This means that users can expect a uniform experience in terms of the initial force needed to register a key press. However, the key difference lies in the bottom out force; while the bottom out force of the Gateron Glory Yellow is currently unavailable, the Outemu Red Panda has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it significantly heavier when fully depressed. This difference suggests that while both switches feel similar during typical usage, the Red Panda provides a more substantial feedback when bottoming out, which might be preferred by users looking for a heavier typing experience. Overall, both switches are equal in actuation force, but the Outemu Red Panda's heavier bottom out force offers a distinct push feel compared to the Gateron Glory Yellow.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, the differences are quite distinct. The Glory Yellow boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional and deeper feel preferred by some users. In contrast, the Red Panda features a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, which caters to gamers seeking faster response times. This shorter distance allows for quicker key presses, making it appealing for those who prioritize rapid actions in gaming. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive and tactile experience, the Outemu Red Panda would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial and deliberate key press, the Gateron Glory Yellow's longer 4 mm travel is likely to suit your preferences better. Overall, these contrasting distances highlight the distinct tactile experiences offered by each switch, with the Gateron Glory Yellow being the longer option and the Outemu Red Panda providing a more compact feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch is renowned for its smooth acoustic profile, producing a soft and muted keystroke that minimises noise during typing. Meanwhile, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is noted for its distinctive and varied auditory characteristics. It emits a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound that resonates deeply, complemented by a clackier, higher-pitched sound upon release. While the Glory Yellow provides a quieter experience, the Red Panda offers a more expressive audio, with its thocky quality giving it a rich, satisfying sound that contributes to the tactile feedback during use.

When it comes to feel, the Glory Yellow switch is celebrated for its smooth keystroke with no tactile bump, consisting of a consistent travel distance that lends itself to a pure linear typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda switch provides a light to medium tactile feedback that interrupts the keystroke, offering a gentle reminder of actuation without being overly pronounced. This makes the Red Panda an approachable switch for those who appreciate a hint of tactility in their typing. The differences here cater to distinct preferences; the Glory Yellow is ideal for those who prefer seamless and uninterrupted keystrokes, while the Red Panda appeals to users looking for subtle tactile feedback.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Red Panda switches have distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Glory Yellow provides a quieter, smoother typing experience suited to those who prefer a linear switch, whereas the Red Panda caters to users desiring a more auditory and slightly tactile experience. Depending on your typing style, both switches offer unique advantages to enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing style and preferences. If you enjoy a smooth and seamless keystroke experience with an enjoyable travel distance, the Glory Yellow is a fantastic option, particularly if you prefer a quiet atmosphere while you type. Its lightweight feel can be ideal for those who frequently type for extended periods, as it minimizes finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit more feedback from your keys, the Outemu Red Panda can offer a satisfying typing experience with its mild tactility and a pleasing sound profile that combines both clackiness and a deeper thocky tone. This makes the Red Panda particularly appealing for users who enjoy a more tactile sensation with each keystroke and a richer auditory response. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize smoothness and ease of pressing (Glory Yellow) or a tactile engagement with a deeper sound (Red Panda).

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more