Gateron Glory Red vs. Gateron Glory Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Red and Glory Yellow offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Gateron Glory Red, renowned for its lighter touch, presents a smooth keystroke that makes rapid typing feel effortless, ideal for users who favor speed and agility during gaming or extensive typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow, being the heavier of the two, provides a firmer resistance that can appeal to those who prefer a more deliberate and controlled typing experience. Both switches feature satisfying travel distances and a tactile feedback that enhances overall usability. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you favor the ease of the Glory Red or the solid response of the Glory Yellow in your daily tasks. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POK
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 Gateron Glory Red and Glory Yellow switches, it is essential to note that both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This similarity means that users can expect a consistent sound profile and tactile sensation across both switches. Nylon is recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer properties, which enables it to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, both the Glory Red and Glory Yellow switches will exhibit a rounder, more subdued auditory experience, making them both appealing choices for those seeking a quieter typing environment.
Interestingly, while the materials are the same, the vibrations and acoustics generated during use will be influenced by additional factors such as the design and characteristics of each switch type. The impact of the top and bottom housings should not be overlooked, as nuances in switch actuation and bottom-out feedback can result in slightly varied experiences, despite the shared material. For example, if one switch utilizes a lighter spring or different actuation force, the result might be a distinct "feel" during keystrokes, even though the sound signature remains consistent. Therefore, while users will enjoy the same auditory quality, the tactile feedback may vary based on other design considerations.
Ultimately, users will find that both Gateron Glory switches provide similar acoustic results due to their identical nylon housings, which effectively absorb sound and enhance a quieter typing experience. However, what sets the two apart may lie in how each is engineered outside of the housing material, influencing the overall performance. This shared use of nylon guarantees that the sound profile retains a consistent character, while the different internal mechanics may offer subtle, yet significant differences that could tip the scales for users with specific preferences in their typing feel and experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red and Glory Yellow linear switches, the actuation forces reveal some key differences in their intended user experience. The Glory Red switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter and potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions, suitable for users who favor a softer touch. In contrast, the Glory Yellow switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, which could cater to users who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing or gaming. Unfortunately, the bottom out forces for both switches are not available, preventing a direct comparison in that aspect. However, given the differences in actuation forces, one can infer that the Glory Red will generally provide a lighter and more forgiving keystroke experience compared to the firmer feel of the Glory Yellow, aligning with the preferences of different types of users.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch have different travel distances, with the Glory Red measuring 3.6 mm and the Glory Yellow at 4 mm. This 0.4 mm difference highlights the preference for varying levels of feedback and responsiveness in keyboard switches. The shorter travel distance of the Glory Red may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, allowing for rapid key presses without much depth. In contrast, the Glory Yellow’s 4 mm travel distance offers a more traditional feel, which can provide a satisfying depth for users who prefer a less abrupt actuation. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on individual preferences for responsiveness versus tactile depth, with the Glory Red being the shorter option and the Glory Yellow the longer.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red 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 Red for $4.19.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Glory Red and Glory Yellow switches show similarities that tend to vary based on the keyboard they’re mounted on and the keycaps used. In general, linear switches like the Glory Red and Glory Yellow are designed to produce minimal sound during activation, with a relatively muted profile compared to their tactile or clicky counterparts. Both switches promise a quiet operation, making them suitable for environments where noise might be a concern. However, specific auditory characteristics may emerge from the build materials, keystroke speed, and external factors, which can lead to subtle differences in the overall acoustic experience.
As for the feel, the Glory Red switches are recognized for their lighter actuation force, which many users find to offer a quick and effortless typing experience. This can be particularly appealing for gamers who benefit from rapid key presses. The Glory Yellow switches, being heavier, provide a bit more resistance, which may lead to a different sensation during typing, offering a more deliberate feedback that some typists prefer. Despite these differences, both switches feature a smooth keystroke and a pleasing travel distance, ensuring that users enjoy an engaging typing experience with either option.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Red and Glory Yellow switches present attractive attributes for linear switch enthusiasts. While the Glory Red offers a lighter touch ideal for fast-paced gaming and quick inputs, the Glory Yellow caters to those who appreciate a bit of resistance in their keystrokes. The sound profiles are generally subdued and subject to variation based on external components, but both switches ensure a smooth keystroke and enjoyable travel distance, allowing users to choose based on personal preferences for actuation force while still enjoying a similar typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Red and Glory Yellow linear switches, your choice should be guided by personal preference and your intended use. The Glory Red is the lighter option, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a more delicate touch and faster actuation—ideal for tasks that require quick typing and gaming where rapid key presses can provide an advantage. Its smooth keystroke and enjoyable travel distance make it well-suited for those who prioritize comfort and a gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Yellow, being the heavier switch, is better for individuals who favor a firmer feel, offering more resistance that can help prevent accidental key presses. This can be advantageous for users who engage in significant typing sessions or intense gaming, where a more tactile response might enhance accuracy and control. Ultimately, if you lean towards lighter, quicker keystrokes, opt for the Glory Red; if you prefer a bit more weight and feedback, the Glory Yellow is likely the better fit for you.
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