Gateron Glory Red vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy options to consider are the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade. The Gateron Glory Red switch, known for its smooth keystroke and lighter resistance, offers an enjoyable typing experience with a satisfying travel distance that appeals to users who prefer a linear switch. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who value swift key presses and minimal tactile interruption. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch caters to those seeking a quieter yet tactile experience. With its distinct "thocky" sound and a pronounced tactile bump, this switch stands out among Outemu's silent lineup, providing a delicate balance between audible feedback and stealth. While the Glory Red excels in speed, the Silent Yellow Jade thrives in delivering a satisfying tactile sensation with minimal noise. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade both utilize nylon for their top and bottom switch housings, and this results in some remarkable similarities in the typing experience they offer. Nylon, known for its softer nature compared to harder plastics, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile with both switches. This is primarily due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound, thus generating a duller and rounder acoustic when typing. As a result, users can expect a rich auditory feedback that enhances their typing experience, making both switches appealing options for those who prioritize sound quality in their keyboard choices.
Despite these similarities, the key difference in the two switches lies in the overall design and tuning that each manufacturer employs. While both switches share the same housing material, the internal mechanisms, such as the springs and stem design, can lead to different tactile and audible results when typing. For instance, the Gateron Glory Red is known for its smooth linear action, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is designed to offer a quieter operation that is ideal for noise-sensitive environments. This distinction in internal design can create variations in how the switches feel and sound, even if the nylon housing's characteristics are similar.
Ultimately, the composition of the housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the user experience. Both the Gateron Glory Red and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade will produce a consistent deep sound owing to their nylon construction, but the unique engineering of each switch lends itself to different tactile feedback and sound profiles when engaged. Therefore, while users can expect a somewhat similar foundational auditory quality due to the shared housing materials, the nuanced performance differences due to their respective designs will cater to varying preferences among typists.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Glory Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, which makes it the lighter option, ideal for those who prefer less resistance while typing or gaming over long periods. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, giving it a firmer feel. Additionally, the Silent Yellow Jade bottoming out force is 65 grams, indicating a more substantial push when fully pressed down, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. The bottom out force for the Glory Red is unavailable, but since it lacks a specified bottom out force, it could be assumed to have a softer landing compared to the Yellow Jade. Overall, if you favor a lighter touch, the Gateron Glory Red is the better choice, while the heavier Silent Yellow Jade may appeal to those seeking a more robust and tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference indicates that the Glory Red offers a deeper experience when pressing a key, making it more suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback, whereas the Silent Yellow Jade caters to those who prefer faster response times due to its shorter travel distance. If you favor a lighter touch for quick actions, the Silent Yellow Jade may be the better option. Conversely, if you enjoy the sensation of a deeper press, the Glory Red would likely be more appealing. Overall, the Glory Red is the longer of the two switches, allowing for a more pronounced keystroke compared to the shorter travel of the Silent Yellow Jade.
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 Jade 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch is known for its very quiet operation, which is typical for linear switches that do not feature tactile bumps or clicks. This makes it a great choice for environments where noise is a consideration, such as shared workspaces. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is designed to provide a unique sound profile characterized by a satisfying "thocky" sound due to its construction. While it offers a quieter experience than many traditional tactile switches, it retains a distinct auditory feedback thanks to the tactile bump, making it enjoyable for users who appreciate a subtle auditory response while typing.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Red provides a smooth keystroke with no tactile feedback, allowing for a fluid and uninterrupted typing experience. This can be particularly beneficial for users who prefer rapid keypresses, whether for gaming or fast-paced typing. The Silent Yellow Jade, on the other hand, offers a punchy tactile bump that gives users clear feedback upon actuation. This tactile response enhances typing accuracy and satisfaction, appealing to those who enjoy a more engaged and deliberate feel while typing. The factory-lubed nature of the Silent Yellow Jade further contributes to a smooth overall experience, although it is still punctuated by the tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Red and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Glory Red excels in providing a quiet, smooth keystroke ideal for environments requiring minimal noise, making it a superb choice for users focused on speed. Conversely, the Silent Yellow Jade strikes a balance between a tactile feel and a subdued auditory feedback, offering a satisfying experience for those who appreciate a tactile bump. Choosing between the two will ultimately come down to whether you prioritize a linear, noise-reduced typing experience or a gratifying tactile sensation paired with a muted but defined sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you favor a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke where each press glides effortlessly, the Glory Red is the ideal option for you. Its lighter actuation makes it particularly appealing for fast-paced gaming or for those who type for extended periods and desire a satisfying, fatigue-free experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and a more pronounced keystroke with a satisfying sound, the Silent Yellow Jade would better suit your needs. It provides a quiet yet tactile typing experience, making it an excellent choice for shared workspaces or environments where noise is a concern. The medium-heavy resistance of the Silent Yellow Jade also allows for a more deliberate typing experience, which can be advantageous for tasks that require precision. Ultimately, your priorities in sound, feedback, and keyboard dynamics will guide you to the perfect switch for your setup.
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