Gateron Glory Yellow vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and TTC Silent Red linear switches present intriguing options, each with distinct characteristics. The Glory Yellow switch is known for its heavier actuation force, providing a satisfying tactile response and an enjoyable travel distance, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing. Conversely, the TTC Silent Red switch offers a quieter, smooth typing experience, perfect for use in shared environments, as its muted sound profile minimizes distractions. The Silent Reds are designed for comfort with their consistent feel and padded bottom-out, making them an excellent choice for long hours of typing. Ultimately, your decision may hinge on whether you prefer the tactile engagement of the Glory Yellow or the silent efficiency of the Silent Red. 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
63.5g
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
Partial box
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 switches and the TTC Silent Red switches, a distinct contrast emerges, particularly in their top housing compositions. The Gateron Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile and enhances overall clarity. This divergence in materials results in two different auditory experiences: the Gateron Glory Yellow offers a rounder sound thanks to sound absorption, while the TTC Silent Red generates a more resonant sound due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Therefore, the choice of top housing material greatly influences the sound signature attributed to each switch.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which leads to a commonality in the acoustic characteristics they share. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a fuller sound, as its softer composition helps absorb sound, creating a consistent quality in the bottom-out experience. This aspect means that regardless of the differences in the top housings, the tactile feedback and auditory response during key presses will have similarities, as both switches produce a duller and rounder sound profile from their nylon materials. This commonality may appeal to users who prioritize certain acoustic characteristics while also seeking different sound profiles when the key is released.
Ultimately, when assessing the overall sound experience provided by the Gateron Glory Yellow and TTC Silent Red switches, the interaction between the differing top housings and their shared bottom housings creates an interesting dynamic. The nylon bottom housing keeps both switches grounded in a fuller sound profile for the initial key press, while the contrasting top housings influence the distinctive tonal characteristics during release. Users who appreciate the deeper sounds during a key press might prefer the Glory Yellow, whereas those who enjoy a crisper, more resonant sound during release could gravitate towards the TTC Silent Red. This nuanced understanding of the duality in housing materials affects not only how each switch sounds but also how they ultimately feel during typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the TTC Silent Red features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the Silent Red easier to press, potentially making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, especially for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Red has a measurable bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorized as medium-heavy; however, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unknown. This inability to compare the bottom out forces leaves an incomplete picture, but it suggests that users seeking a substantial typing experience might find the Silent Red's bottom out feel more pronounced. Overall, the Silent Red is the lighter option, offering easier actuation, while the Glory Yellow's characteristics remain less defined in terms of bottoming out.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch measures at 3.7 mm. The Glory Yellow, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, offers a depth that some users may find more satisfying and substantial during key presses, making it an appealing choice for those who value a hearty feel. In contrast, the Silent Red's 3.7 mm travel distance aligns with the growing preference for shorter distances, particularly among gamers seeking quicker response times for competitive play. Thus, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the TTC Silent Red would be the preferred option; however, if you lean towards a more pronounced keypress experience, the Gateron Glory Yellow would be more suitable. Ultimately, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Red allows for a more rapid actuation, while the longer travel of the Glory Yellow provides a more classic and tactile feel.
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 TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the TTC Silent Red switches, the distinction is quite pronounced. The Glory Yellow produces a conventional sound more typical of mechanical switches, although specifics of its acoustic signature aren't provided. In contrast, the Silent Reds stand out with their muted sound profile, designed to minimize the typical clack associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes them an excellent choice for office environments or shared living spaces where noise levels need to be kept in check, allowing for more discreet typing without disturbing others.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow is noted for delivering a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, which enhances the overall typing experience. The tactile feedback it provides is comfortable and satisfying, making it suitable for long typing sessions. Meanwhile, the TTC Silent Red switch is characterized by a buttery, mild, and polished feel. This implies a seamless and effortless experience, perfect for those who favor a gentle touch. The combination of these descriptors suggests that the Silent Red is engineered for a refined feel with reduced friction, making it approachable for typists of all levels.
In summary, while the Gateron Glory Yellow and TTC Silent Red switches serve different purposes in terms of sound, their smooth feel remains a common denominator. If noise is a priority for you, the Silent Red offers a quiet experience ideal for calm environments, while the Glory Yellow provides a more conventional acoustic response with a satisfying keystroke feel. Both switches promise a pleasant experience, but your choice ultimately hinges on the sound environment and tactile preferences you prioritize.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, you'll want to consider your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a smooth keystroke and a pleasant travel distance, the Glory Yellow is an excellent choice. It's particularly suited for those who enjoy a more responsive typing experience and don’t mind a bit of sound, which the Glory Yellow switch provides. On the other hand, if you are in an office or shared living space and need a quieter option without sacrificing performance, the TTC Silent Red switch stands out as the ideal pick. Its muted sound profile and buttery feel offer a comfortable key press, ensuring minimal noise that won’t disrupt others around you. Furthermore, its medium-heavy bottom-out force provides a tactile satisfaction, which can enhance typing efficiency for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, your choice should reflect both your personal typing style and the settings in which you'll be using your keyboard.
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