Gateron Glory Red vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often consider the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Silent Yellow, both of which fall into the linear switch category. The Gateron Glory Red switch is recognized for its lighter actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a smooth keystroke and an easy typing experience, thanks to its pleasant travel distance. This switch caters well to gamers and typists who enjoy a more responsive feel without tactile feedback. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is designed to be quieter than typical linear switches, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction is a priority, while still offering a smooth and consistent keystroke. Each switch presents unique advantages; the Glory Red provides a more buoyant typing experience, while the Silent Yellow prioritizes subdued sound levels. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Silent Yellow switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, which influence their overall sound profiles. The Glory Red features a nylon top housing that tends to absorb sound due to its softer composition. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that many users find appealing for its warmth and richness during typing. In contrast, the Silent Yellow's top housing is made of polycarbonate, a stiffer material that produces a sharper and crisper sound. The transparency of polycarbonate also supports RGB lighting, creating a visually engaging typing experience that features brighter light diffusion than nylon. Thus, while both switches serve the purpose of facilitating effective typing, they deliver uniquely different auditory experiences due to their contrasting top housing materials.
When examining the bottom housing, both the Glory Red and Silent Yellow utilize nylon, providing a uniform sound characteristic that is defined by a softer, more absorbent feel. This shared nylon composition contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during key presses in both models. As the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, users can expect a consistent tactile feedback when bottoming out, thereby maintaining a level of comfort in typing regardless of whether they choose the Glory Red or Silent Yellow switch. This attribute underlines the importance of the bottom housing in modulating how each switch feels to the fingertips as they engage with the keyboard.
In summary, the key differences between the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Silent Yellow switches lie primarily within their top housing materials. Users attracted to a muted, warmer sound might favor the nylon top housing of the Glory Red, while those seeking clarity and brightness may prefer the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Yellow. Nonetheless, due to the identical nylon bottom housing in both switches, the tactile experience during key presses will feel familiar, ensuring that users enjoy a consistent typing sensation across both models. Thus, even though they diverge in certain facets, these switches collectively present a satisfying typing experience tailored to different auditory preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, we find an interesting contrast in their performance. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive and suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force diverges significantly; while the Silent Yellow has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams, the bottom out force for the Glory Red switch is unavailable. This means that the Silent Yellow provides a firmer resistance when fully pressed down, contributing to a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer heavier switches. Therefore, while both switches feel similar during actuation, the Silent Yellow ultimately caters to users who enjoy a heavier push feel at the bottom.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, the Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Yellow measures 4.0 mm. This means that the Glory Red offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow, making it potentially more responsive for users who prefer quicker actuation, like gamers. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow's longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel, which some users may find more satisfying for typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between a shorter and longer travel distance depends on individual preferences, with the Glory Red being the best option for those seeking speed and the Silent Yellow favorable for those who enjoy a deeper keypress experience.
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 Outemu Silent Yellow comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 Gateron Glory Red switch is characterized by a quiet operation thanks to its linear design, which minimizes any auditory feedback during typing. While the exact sound profile of the Glory Red might not be explicitly noted, linear switches like this generally produce less noise compared to their tactile and clicky counterparts. The Outemu Silent Yellow switch, on the other hand, is specifically designed to be silent, making it particularly appealing for environments where noise reduction is crucial. The aim of the Silent Yellow is to provide a discreet typing experience with no click sound, reinforcing its reputation as a quiet option. It's important to note that sound can also vary based on the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, so individual experiences may differ.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red switch provides a very smooth keystroke, allowing for quick and effortless key presses, which enhances the overall typing experience. This smoothness, coupled with a comfortable travel distance, encourages fluid typing and gaming sessions alike. The feel of the Silent Yellow switch is expected to align with the linear category as well, providing a similarly smooth experience without the tactile feedback that some users might enjoy. Both switches are designed to support uninterrupted key presses, which is ideal for users who prioritize swiftness and consistency in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Silent Yellow switches lean towards a linear feel with a focus on smoothness, making them great choices for users seeking a quiet typing experience. While the Glory Red may benefit from a bit more noise than the virtually silent Yellow, the overall typing experience is likely to be satisfying with both switches. Choosing either switch will result in a fluid keypress experience, making your decision a matter of personal preference in terms of subtle sound levels and specific ergonomic nuances.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch should ultimately depend on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you're seeking a smooth and light keystroke with a satisfying travel distance for a more enjoyable typing experience, the Gateron Glory Red may be the ideal switch for you, especially in a gaming or casual typing setting where rapid keystrokes are beneficial. On the other hand, if you prioritize a more tactile experience with a moderate bottom-out force, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or work environments where noise might be a concern, the Outemu Silent Yellow could be your go-to option. While the Silent Yellow provides a more subdued sound profile—ideal for quieter settings—the Glory Red caters to those who enjoy a snappier and more responsive feel. Therefore, carefully consider where and how you will be using your keyboard to make the best choice for your needs.
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