Ever felt that satisfying click or smooth glide under your fingertips when typing? That perfect feel is what makes a keyboard truly special. But when you look at Glorious Switches, the choices can feel like a maze. Do you want a quiet, smooth ride, or a loud, tactile bump? Picking the wrong switch can leave your typing experience feeling dull or even frustrating.
This is where the hunt for the “perfect click” gets tough. Glorious offers fantastic switches, but knowing the difference between a Panda and a Lynx can be confusing for beginners. You want a switch that matches your speed, sound preference, and how you use your keyboard every day.
Don’t worry! This guide cuts through the jargon. We will break down every popular Glorious switch, telling you exactly what you get with each one—the sound, the force, and the feel. By the end, you will know which switch will make your keyboard sing.
Ready to transform your typing from ordinary to extraordinary? Let’s dive into the world of Glorious Switches and find your perfect match!
Top Glorious Switches Recommendations
- Precise Switching: Glorious Panda switches for mechanical keyboard have a very precise and clearly noticeable switching point; this makes both typing and playing on a keyboard equipped with this keyboard switch
- High compatibility: Glorious Gaming Panda Mechanical Switches are three-pole switches, just like Cherry MX and Kalih switches, so the vast majority of sockets is compatible with this mechanical keyboard switch.
- Key Caps: Thanks to the use of a popular mounting profile such as that of the Cherry MX, this allows seamless adjustment of your key switches keyboard use.
- High-quality: Glorious has chosen high-quality materials; the top cover of INVYR is made of polycarbonate, the lower cover is made of PA66 nylon, the shaft is made of POM and the spring is made of nickel-plated stainless steel. These are pre lubed switches using high quality Glorious switch lube.
- Engineered with the most premium materials sourced from around the world, The feeling of Glorious Pandas could be described as a very snappy and responsive tactile switch. They feature a strong 'bump' at the start of the downstroke with a quick snap back to position in the upstroke. You'll notice less pre-travel, smoother operation, and a quicker snap back than its "holy" cousin.
- Premium: 5 Pin PCB mounted linear switch. Unique light blue polycarbonate top shell with Glorious branding + Nylon PA12 bottom shell. The ultimate premium mechanical keyboard switch.
- Soft and Flexible: A POM stem provides an unbelievably smooth, quiet operation. Material is sourced from Japan, with a bottom out force of 60g. These mechanical keyboard switches are perfect for all workspaces.
- Unique: The factory-designed spring with nickel plating is sourced from Korea. Using premium grade copper leaf sourced from Japan. Creating premium linear switches.
- RGB: Passthrough for RGB compatibility, with Light Blue housing. Creating a premium look for these premium use mechanical switches.
- Compatible with all “+” stem keycaps and GMMK models. To be compatible with the GMMK 1, you need to clip the switches’ legs before installation. Compatible with non-glorious "+" stem keycaps and models.
- Crisp Clicky Precision: Delivers sharp, typewriter-like feedback with each keystroke, providing a precise and satisfying typing experience perfect for both gaming and everyday use.
- Superior Click Bar Design: Delivers more precise sensory feedback than standard clicky switches, empowering gamers to confidently execute split-second decisions.
- Lubricated POM Stem: Reduces friction for a buttery smooth press that feels addictively satisfying while typing or gaming.
- Crystal Clear Design: Ensures keyboard backlighting shines through with peak brightness and accurate color.
- Exclusively for GMMK 3 HE Keyboards: Glorious Magnetic Hall Effect magnetic switches enable Rapid Trigger, Customizable Actuation, 4:1 Dynamic Keystroke, and more.
- Experience smooth and precise keystrokes with Glorious Mechanical Fox Switches, pre-lubed for optimal performance, 45g operating force, 60g spring bottom out, offering a transparent housing with colored stem.
- Designed for enthusiasts, the Fox Switches feature a plate mount with a 3-pin configuration, ensuring compatibility with MX keycaps and hot-swappable sockets on GMMK 2 and GMMK PRO keyboards.
- Engineered with top-quality materials, including a POM stem in PANTONE 7597C, PC transparent housings, stainless steel nickel wire spring, and phosphor copper leaf housing for reliable, long-lasting use.
- Enjoy an impressive sound signature and feel similar to Gateron Red switches, with no stem wiggle and pre-applied G-Lube lubrication for a satisfying typing experience right out of the box.
- Certifications include RoHS, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards, making these switches a dependable choice for both entry-level and experienced mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
- Rounded Tactile Bump: Provides a crisp, satisfying feedback with every keystroke, offering an engaging and precise typing experience perfect for both gaming and everyday use.
- Whisper-Quiet Acoustics: Internal sound dampening ensures every press is silent, perfect for late night gaming and shared spaces.
- Lubricated POM Stem: Reduces friction for a buttery smooth press that feels addictively satisfying while typing or gaming.
- Works with 5-pin Hotswap Keyboards: Compatible with all Glorious GMMK keyboards and most mechanical keyboards with 5-pin hotswap sockets.
- Gentle Tactile Bump: Mako's subtle tactility confirms each press without hindering keystroke speed, ensuring a fast and highly responsive gaming experience.
- Lubricated POM Stem: Reduces friction for a buttery smooth press that feels addictively satisfying while typing or gaming.
- Crystal Clear Design: Ensures keyboard backlighting shines through with peak brightness and accurate color.
- Works with 5-pin Hotswap Keyboards: Compatible with all Glorious GMMK keyboards and most mechanical keyboards with 5-pin hotswap sockets.
- One Box Fits All: Each box contains 110 switches, enough to entirely fill 60%, 75%, TKL, and Full Size mechanical keyboards.
- Gentle Tactile Bump: Mako's subtle tactility confirms each press without hindering keystroke speed, ensuring a fast and highly responsive gaming experience.
- Ultralight Press Resistance: A 40g actuation force makes presses effortless, maximizing keystroke speed for fast-paced gameplay.
- Crystal Clear Design: Ensures keyboard backlighting shines through with peak brightness and accurate color.
- Works with 5-pin Hotswap Keyboards: Compatible with all Glorious GMMK keyboards and most mechanical keyboards with 5-pin hotswap sockets.
- One Box Fits All: Each box contains 110 switches, enough to entirely fill 60%, 75%, TKL, and Full Size mechanical keyboards.
- Crisp Clicky Precision: Delivers sharp, typewriter-like feedback with each keystroke, providing a precise and satisfying typing experience perfect for both gaming and everyday use.
- Superior Click Bar Design: Delivers more precise sensory feedback than standard clicky switches, empowering gamers to confidently execute split-second decisions.
- Lubricated POM Stem: Reduces friction for a buttery smooth press that feels addictively satisfying while typing or gaming.
- Crystal Clear Design: Ensures keyboard backlighting shines through with peak brightness and accurate color.
- Works with 5-pin Hotswap Keyboards: Compatible with all Glorious GMMK keyboards and most mechanical keyboards with 5-pin hotswap sockets.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Glorious Switches
Choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches can change how you type and game forever. Glorious offers a great lineup of switches, but knowing what to look for helps you pick the best ones for you. This guide breaks down everything you need to know before buying Glorious Switches.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for Glorious Switches, focus on these main features. They decide how the switch feels and sounds.
1. Switch Type (Linear, Tactile, Clicky)
- Linear Switches (e.g., Glorious Lynx): These move straight up and down without any bump. They feel smooth. Gamers often love these because they are fast.
- Tactile Switches (e.g., Glorious Panda): These have a small “bump” you feel when you press the key. This bump tells you the key has registered. Writers often prefer tactile switches.
- Clicky Switches: These have a bump and make a loud, satisfying “click” sound. They are fun to type on but can annoy others nearby.
2. Actuation Force
This is how hard you must press the key to make it work. It is measured in grams (g). Lighter switches (around 45g) require less effort. Heavier switches (60g or more) prevent accidental presses. Think about how tired your fingers get during long typing sessions.
3. Pre-travel Distance
This is how far you press the key before it registers a keystroke. Shorter pre-travel means faster response times, which is great for competitive gaming. Longer pre-travel gives a more deliberate typing feel.
Important Materials
The materials used in the switch housing and stem affect durability and sound.
- Housing Material: Glorious often uses strong plastics. Higher-quality plastics reduce wobble and make the switch sound less hollow.
- Stem Material: The stem moves up and down. Different materials (like POM or Nylon) change the sound profile. Some materials create a deeper sound, while others make it higher-pitched.
- Springs: The spring controls the actuation force. Good quality stainless steel springs keep the feel consistent over time.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all switches are created equal. A few small details make a big difference in the quality of your typing experience.
Quality Boosters:
- Factory Lubing: Many Glorious switches come pre-lubricated (factory lubed). This makes the keypress incredibly smooth right out of the box. It removes scratchiness.
- Tight Tolerances: When the parts fit together snugly, the switch feels solid. Less side-to-side movement (wobble) equals a premium feel.
Quality Reducers:
- Scratchiness: If the stem rubs roughly against the housing, the switch sounds and feels scratchy. This often happens without proper lubrication.
- Spring Ping: Sometimes, the spring vibrates and makes a high-pitched metallic “ping” sound when pressed. Better materials and lubing fix this.
User Experience and Use Cases
Consider what you will use your keyboard for most often.
- For Gaming: Look for fast, light linear switches. They allow for quick double-taps and rapid key presses with less fatigue.
- For Typing/Work: Tactile switches are excellent. The feedback bump confirms your keypress, which can increase typing accuracy.
- For Shared Spaces: If you share an office or room, avoid loud clicky switches. Silent linear switches are the best choice for quiet environments.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Glorious Switches
Q: Are Glorious Switches hot-swappable friendly?
A: Yes, most Glorious keyboards are designed to work perfectly with their hot-swappable switches. This means you can change them without soldering.
Q: What does “linear” mean for a switch?
A: Linear means the keypress feels smooth from top to bottom, like pushing a button on a remote control. There is no bump or click.
Q: Should I buy lubed or unlubed switches?
A: Factory-lubed switches offer a smoother, generally better sound experience right away. If you enjoy customizing, unlubed switches let you apply your own preferred lubricant.
Q: How do I choose the right actuation force?
A: If you type a lot and want to avoid typos, choose a slightly higher force (55g+). If you are a fast gamer, lower forces (45g-50g) might feel quicker.
Q: Do Glorious Switches fit all mechanical keyboards?
A: Glorious switches use the standard 3-pin (or 5-pin) MX style mounting. They fit most modern mechanical keyboard PCBs, especially those that support hot-swap.
Q: What is the lifespan of a Glorious Switch?
A: Most high-quality switches, including Glorious options, are rated for 70 million to 100 million keystrokes before failure.
Q: Can I mix different types of Glorious Switches on one keyboard?
A: Absolutely! If you want tactile keys for letters and linear keys for WASD, you can mix and match them easily on a hot-swappable board.
Q: Why do my new switches sound scratchy?
A: Scratchiness usually means the plastic parts inside need lubrication. If they are unlubed switches, you will need to open them and apply switch lube for a smoother feel.
Q: Are Glorious switches loud?
A: It depends on the type. Clicky switches are very loud. Tactile and linear switches are much quieter, but they still make a sound when they bottom out.
Q: What is the difference between the Panda and the Lynx switches?
A: The Panda is a tactile switch, meaning you feel a bump. The Lynx is a linear switch, meaning it is smooth all the way down. They offer very different typing feelings.