HMX FJ400 vs. Gateron Glory Yellow

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX FJ400 and the Gateron Glory Yellow stand out as two compelling options for linear switch enthusiasts. The FJ400 is celebrated for its balanced sound profile and smooth actuation, making it an excellent middle ground within the HMX Film switch lineup—ideal for users who seek a versatile switch for both gaming and typing. Conversely, the Gateron Glory Yellow is known for its heavier feel, providing a smooth keystroke and a pleasing travel distance that many find enhances their typing experience, especially during long sessions. While both switches offer high-quality performance and a linear feel, the choice ultimately depends on personal preferences regarding tactile feedback and actuation force. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.

By the numbers

HMX FJ400 Linear

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX FJ400 and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches, a notable contrast arises between their top housings. The FJ400 features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for creating an incredibly pleasing and unique sound profile that skews towards the deeper and more muted side. This characteristic may provide the user with a distinctive auditory experience during typing, as the POM material’s inherent rigidity contributes to a controlled sound emission. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, which is recognized as a classic and well-loved material in the keyboard community. The nylon’s softer properties allow it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is reminiscent of traditional switch designs. As such, users might notice significant differences in sound dynamics when using these two switches.

The bottom housings of both switches present an interesting juxtaposition, as they both utilize nylon material. This shared characteristic leads to a similar auditory experience when typing on both the FJ400 and the Glory Yellow switches; both will elicit a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon enhances sound absorption, giving typing a duller and rounder profile that many users find appealing. The consistency in bottom housing material suggests that when bottoming out during typing, the sound quality will be primarily influenced by the nylon materials in both switches, creating a uniform experience in this regard.

In terms of overall switch performance, the differing top housing materials play distinct roles. While the bottom housing is pivotal in shaping the bottom-out sound, the top housing significantly influences the sound produced on key release. Users seeking a more muted and controlled sound may gravitate towards the FJ400 with its POM top housing, while those preferring a richer, fuller auditory experience might favor the Glory Yellow's nylon top housing. Ultimately, despite their differences in top materials, the similarity in the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying and deep sound profile upon key press, allowing users to achieve similar auditory results in specific contexts.

Weight

The HMX FJ400 and Gateron Glory Yellow linear switches exhibit similarities and differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 50 grams, which makes them equally responsive for keystrokes, appealing to users who prefer a medium-weight typing experience. However, the FJ400 has a bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating a slightly firmer resistance when pressing the key all the way down. In contrast, the Glory Yellow's bottom out force is currently unavailable, making a direct comparison difficult. While the FJ400 is the heavier option overall due to its bottom out force, the similarities in actuation force suggest that both switches can provide a comparable typing experience, particularly for extended usage. Users seeking a lighter switch may be inclined toward the Gateron Glory Yellow if it ultimately has a lower bottom out, but without that information, the FJ400 currently stands as the heavier choice.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, the FJ400 measures at 3.8 mm, while the Glory Yellow extends to 4 mm. This makes the FJ400 the shorter of the two switches, offering a more responsive feel that some gamers may prefer for quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Glory Yellow, with its 4 mm travel distance, provides a more traditional and deeper typing experience, which may appeal to those who favor a more substantial keypress without the abruptness often associated with shorter distances. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference: if quick response times are your priority, the FJ400 could be the better fit, while those seeking a hearty depth may find the Glory Yellow more satisfying.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX FJ400 linear switch is known for its balanced sound profile, ensuring a muted yet satisfying acoustic experience that won’t overpower your environment. It strikes a good compromise between being too loud and too quiet, making it suitable for both work and gaming scenarios. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch is also engineered to provide a smooth keystroke, but it is recognized for having a heavier feel compared to other switches in the Gateron lineup. This results in a more pronounced sound when typed upon, contributing to a richer auditory experience, although the exact character of the sound may vary depending on the keyboard and keycap choices.

Regarding the tactile experience, the FJ400 offers a well-rounded feel, being smooth and linear without any interruptions during keypresses. This quality makes it ideal for typists who favor an unimpeded transition from key to key. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Yellow is lauded for its smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, which also adds an enjoyable aspect to typing, particularly during gaming sessions. The heavier switch might lend a sense of sturdiness and assurance during fast-paced activities, while still being linear enough to facilitate effortless typing.

In conclusion, both the HMX FJ400 and Gateron Glory Yellow linear switches bring unique qualities to the table, making them appealing options for different preferences. While the FJ400 offers a balanced sound profile and smooth tactile experience, the Glory Yellow distinguishes itself with its heavier feel and a smooth keystroke that enhances the overall typing satisfaction. Ultimately, regardless of which switch you choose, you’re likely to achieve a rewarding typing experience, albeit with subtle differences in sound and tactile feedback that cater to individual tastes.

Conclusion

To wrap up, your choice between the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch should hinge on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a balanced switch that provides a satisfying middle ground in terms of sound and feel, the FJ400 is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams makes it suitable for a variety of tasks, offering a good compromise for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you desire a switch that delivers a smooth keystroke with a heavier feel and an enjoyable travel distance, then the Glory Yellow is likely the better option for you. The Gateron switches are known for their pleasing travel, which can enhance your overall typing experience, making it perfect for those who value a more tactile feedback. Ultimately, consider what aspects of a switch matter most to you—be it the actuation force, the sound profile, or the overall typing sensation—so you can select the switch that aligns best with your needs.

Mentioned in this article

HMX FJ400 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more