HMX EVA vs. Gateron Glory Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX EVA and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EVA and the Gateron Glory Yellow both stand out for their unique characteristics and user experiences, despite both being linear switches. The HMX EVA is renowned for its inspired design, drawing from the vibrant aesthetics of Evangelion Unit-01, which translates into a resonant sound signature and a silky smooth typing feel that many users appreciate. This switch offers a tactile experience described as 'Feathery', 'Silky', and even 'Clacky' at times, making it a great choice for those who value both aesthetics and a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Yellow presents a heavier option within its lineup, designed to provide a smooth keystroke with an enjoyable travel distance, perfect for users seeking a solid feel during typing and gaming sessions. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts looking for smooth operation, their nuanced differences in sound, feel, and pressure offer distinct advantages depending on individual preferences. 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
3.60 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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX EVA and Gateron Glory Yellow switches, it's essential to note that both switches feature top and bottom housings made from nylon. This commonality means they will produce similar acoustic and tactile results. Both switches will benefit from nylon's unique properties, which include a softer texture that absorbs sound effectively. This leads to a deeper, rounder sound profile that many typists and gamers appreciate for its smoothness and satisfying auditory feedback. Therefore, users can expect a comparably rich sound experience when typing on either switch, thanks to the shared nylon material.
While the EVA and Glory Yellow switches boast the same nylon composition in their top and bottom housings, it's worth examining how this material's attributes affect each component of the switch. The bottom housing typically plays a more significant role in the switch's bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing significantly influences the sound upon releasing a key. Since both housings are made from nylon, the overall performance remains consistent, and the switch's acoustic characteristics will be cohesive. This uniformity allows enthusiasts to enjoy a satisfying sound experience across different uses—from casual typing to intense gaming—regardless of which switch they choose.
Ultimately, the similarity in housing materials helps ensure that both the HMX EVA and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches deliver comparable auditory experiences, despite any minor variations in design or actuation feel. This shared construction means that both products will embody the foundational advantages of nylon, such as enhanced sound absorption and a smoother keystroke. As such, whether using the EVA or the Glory Yellow, users can expect to reap the benefits of nylon's acoustic properties, resulting in a delightful typing experience characterized by a rich sound profile and tactile satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EVA linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, we see a notable difference in the actuation forces. The EVA switch features a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams, which is conducive to extended typing or gaming sessions due to less strain on the fingers. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users prefer for a firmer typing experience. Regarding the bottom out force, the EVA switch bottoms out at 48 grams, while the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unknown. This disparity means that the EVA switch offers a consistent feel between actuation and bottoming out, while the Glory Yellow's performance in this regard remains uncertain. Consequently, the HMX EVA can be seen as the lighter option overall, making it suitable for those who favor a lighter touch, while the Gateron Glory Yellow is the heavier switch, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX EVA linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, there is a notable difference worth discussing. The EVA switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Glory Yellow switch measures a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that if you opt for the EVA switch, you'll experience a more responsive feel due to its shorter distance, which is often favored by gamers looking for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, the Glory Yellow switch, with its longer travel distance, provides a more pronounced depth, which could be more appealing for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will hinge on your personal preferences for responsiveness versus hearty depth, as the EVA is shorter and the Glory Yellow is longer.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA 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 sound profile of the HMX EVA linear switch stands out with its clacky resonance, producing a sharp, snappy auditory feedback that many typists enjoy. This distinct sound can provide a satisfying auditory cue with each keystroke, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate a more vibrant typing experience. In contrast, the sound qualities of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch have not been explicitly detailed, leaving its sonic characteristics open to interpretation. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound experience can vary significantly based on the keyboard frame and keycap materials used, which will influence both switches if utilized in similar setups.
In terms of tactile feel, the HMX EVA offers a combination of feathery lightness, silky smoothness, and a bouncy responsiveness. This unique blend results in a typing experience that is not only comfortable and fatigue-reducing but also enjoyable for extended periods. The keys are light to actuate and provide a fluid motion that minimizes resistance, making typing effortless. The Gateron Glory Yellow, while its tactile feel hasn't been specified, is noted to provide a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance. This suggests it may also deliver a comfortable typing experience, potentially mirroring some aspects of the EVA's lightness or smoothness.
In conclusion, both the HMX EVA and Gateron Glory Yellow linear switches cater to distinct preferences with their unique qualities. The EVA excels in sound and tactile feedback, providing a satisfying auditory and touch experience. Meanwhile, the Glory Yellow switches, although less defined in terms of sound and feel, still promise a smooth and enjoyable typing performance. Should you choose either, you can expect an engaging and pleasant typing experience, albeit with different strengths in sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX EVA linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, your choice will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the EVA’s bottom-out force of 48 grams and its feathery feel will significantly reduce finger fatigue. The clacky sound signature also adds a unique auditory feedback that can enhance your typing experience, particularly if you enjoy a bit more character in your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you value a sturdy and smooth feel with a satisfying travel distance, the Gateron Glory Yellow step-up in the Gateron lineup might be the better option. While its bottom-out force remains uncertain, it is designed to deliver a robust typing experience that appeals to those who prefer a more solid keypress. In summary, choose the HMX EVA if you're looking for a lightweight, smooth, and acoustically engaging switch, while you might opt for the Gateron Glory Yellow if you seek a more traditional typing experience with a solid keystroke.
Mentioned in this article
