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HMX Canglan V2 vs. Gateron Glory Yellow

An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference, and the HMX Canglan V2 and Gateron Glory Yellow offer distinct experiences despite both being linear switches. The HMX Canglan V2 is hailed for its thocky feel and deep sound signature, thanks to carefully selected materials and advanced molding techniques, making it a favorite for those who crave a unique auditory and tactile experience while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow stands out with its heavier actuation force, providing a smooth keystroke and a comfortable travel distance that appeals to users who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience. While the Canglan V2 may attract those seeking lightness and acoustic richness, the Glory Yellow caters to those who prefer a bit more resistance under their fingers. 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

42g

Actuation force

50g

Bottom-out force

48g

Bottom-out force

N/A

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.50 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

T2

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

20mm single-stage spring

Spring

15mm single-stage spring

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and the Gateron Glory Yellow, it's striking to see that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This classic material influences the acoustic properties and tactile feedback of both switches, leading to similar user experiences. Since nylon is a softer plastic, it effectively absorbs sound waves, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that resonates well with typists who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback. This inherent characteristic of nylon ensures that users of either switch would experience a duller and rounder sound when typing, contributing to a satisfying and muted keystroke feedback.

On a closer examination, the construction of both switches reflects a homogeneity in their acoustic profiles due to the shared nylon material for their housings. In terms of performance, both the Canglan V2 and Glory Yellow will generate similar results because of the way nylon absorbs sound, eliminating much of the harshness often found in switches made from harder plastics. This creates a consistent experience where the auditory feedback during key presses—whether bottoming out or releasing—is similarly felt, ultimately making both switches appealing for users who prioritize sound dampening in mechanical keyboards.

However, if there were to be a difference in the housing materials utilized, such as variations in the types of plastics or composites, it could lead to a divergence in the sound and feel characteristics. For instance, a switch with a harder bottom housing might produce a sharper bottom-out sound, while a softer top housing might still soften the sound profile during release. Nevertheless, since both the Canglan V2 and Glory Yellow utilize nylon for both top and bottom components, users can expect a harmonious typing experience marked by a well-rounded auditory feedback, reinforcing the notion of consistency across these specific models.

Weight

The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch present notable differences in actuation force, impacting user experience based on individual preferences. The Canglan V2 has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it ideal for those who type for extended periods or prefer a more responsive feel during gaming sessions. In contrast, the Glory Yellow requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, which might appeal to users looking for a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, while the bottom out force for the Canglan V2 is 48 grams, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow switch remains unknown. Therefore, while the Canglan V2 provides a consistent and lighter typing experience, the Glory Yellow's heavier actuation may cater to those who favor a firmer keystroke. Overall, the preference between these switches will depend on whether a user prioritizes a lighter touch or a more pronounced resistance.

Travel distance

The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch have distinct travel distances, with the Canglan V2 measuring at 3.5 mm and the Glory Yellow at 4 mm. This makes the Canglan V2 the shorter option, appealing to those who favor quicker response times, such as gamers, who often prefer more responsive key presses. In contrast, the Glory Yellow, with its longer travel distance of 4 mm, may be more suitable for users who appreciate a deeper key press, providing a more tactile feedback that some users might find preferable. Thus, while both switches serve different user preferences, the choice between them hinges on the balance between responsiveness and key depth.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The HMX Canglan V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Canglan V2 for $2.99.

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.

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

The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch produces a deep and thocky sound signature that many enthusiasts highly appreciate, making it a standout option for those who enjoy auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch tends to offer a smoother keystroke with a pleasant travel distance but lacks the pronounced depth of sound found in the Canglan V2. Additionally, it’s important to remember that the overall sound experience can be influenced by the keyboard's construction, such as the choice of board and keycaps, meaning both switches can sound somewhat different depending on these factors.

When it comes to feel, the Canglan V2 is noted for its smooth and light tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous key press. Meanwhile, the Glory Yellow provides a slightly heavier feel, which some users may find more satisfying as they type due to its firmer resistance. This difference in force required may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial key press but may not be ideal for everyone, especially those who prefer a lighter touch.

In summary, the HMX Canglan V2 and Gateron Glory Yellow linear switches cater to different preferences but share a smooth typing experience. The Canglan V2 stands out with its deeper thocky sound, while the Glory Yellow offers a more enjoyable travel distance with its heavier feel. Ultimately, your personal preferences—whether you lean towards a richer auditory experience or appreciate the increased resistance—will determine which switch aligns more closely with your typing style. Both switches promise a satisfying typing experience, but they do so in distinct ways, making it essential to consider your own needs and preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, your personal preferences and typing style will play a crucial role. If you favor a lighter and more tactile experience that produces a deep, thocky sound signature, the Canglan V2 is an excellent choice. Its 48-gram bottom-out force contributes to a smooth and effortless keypress, making it great for both gaming and typing where agility is paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a heavier keystroke with a satisfying travel distance, the Glory Yellow switch will likely suit you better, providing a more robust feel that enhances your overall typing experience. Ultimately, consider what you value most in a switch—whether it's the lighter and more acoustically pleasing sensation of the Canglan V2 or the sturdier and rewarding feedback of the Glory Yellow—as this will guide you toward the switch that best matches your needs.

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