Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Huano Grape Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Huano Grape Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences play a crucial role, especially when considering options like the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Huano Grape Orange, both of which are linear switches. The Gateron Glory Yellow is known for its heavier feel, providing a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance that many typists find enjoyable, making it a great choice for those who prefer more resistance while typing. Additionally, the increased weight can enhance accuracy for gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange stands out with its ultra-light 40g actuation force, offering an exceptionally effortless typing experience that is particularly beneficial for long typing sessions, allowing for quick and fluid keystrokes. While the Glory Yellow caters to those who appreciate a more tactile response, the Grape Orange appeals to users seeking comfort and speed. 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
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Huano Grape Orange, a notable distinction arises from their top housing designs. The Glory Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's relatively softer nature. This means that when typing on these switches, users can expect a thuddier, more muted auditory experience as the nylon absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, crisper sound profile. The denser and stiffer characteristics of polycarbonate contribute to a more resonant auditory output, resulting in a clearer emphasis on each keystroke. Therefore, while both switches can provide satisfying tactile feedback, the quality and pitch of the sound they produce during typing experiences diverge significantly.
Looking closely at the bottom housing, both the Glory Yellow and Grape Orange switches employ nylon materials. This similarity ensures that both switches will showcase a deeper and fuller sound profile, regardless of the differences in their top housings. Since the bottom housing plays a pivotal role in influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches will provide a muted auditory experience when bottomed out. The shared use of nylon in this aspect means that when users press down on either switch, they will enjoy a consistent, warmer sound, allowing for an engaging typing experience that emphasizes the rounded tonal qualities of nylon. Thus, while the top housing materials contribute to the primary differentiation in sound, the nylon bottom casing lends a unifying characteristic to both switches.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials of the top housings serve to provide the Gateron Glory Yellow and Huano Grape Orange with distinctive auditory profiles, while their shared nylon bottom housings ensure that both retain similar performance attributes when it comes to sound and feel. For enthusiasts looking for personalized typing experiences, this combination of housing materials allows for a curated auditory experience. Users focused on a richer, deeper sound may gravitate more toward the Glory Yellow, while those preferring sharper, crystalline tones might favor the Grape Orange. This intricate interplay of materials underscores the importance of housing design in mechanical switches, resulting in a rich tapestry of auditory experiences tailored to user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom-out force for the Glory Yellow remains unknown. The Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it the heavier switch between the two, while the Grape Orange has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This difference in actuation force suggests that users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions will likely favor the Grape Orange switch. In terms of bottom-out forces, the Grape Orange has a defined bottom-out force of 50 grams, indicating a firmer feel when pressing the key all the way down. In contrast, the lack of a specified bottom-out force for the Glory Yellow makes a direct comparison difficult. However, based on the known data, the Grape Orange is the lighter option, while the Glory Yellow offers a heavier touch, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Grape Orange linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Glory Yellow offers a more pronounced key press experience, which some users may find more satisfying, particularly those who prefer a hearty depth when typing. On the other hand, the Grape Orange, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers and individuals who prioritize responsiveness and quicker key actuation. Thus, if you’re looking for a switch that allows for faster response times, the Grape Orange is the better choice. Conversely, if you enjoy a more substantial feel and tactile feedback, the Glory Yellow would be more suitable. In summary, the Glory Yellow's travel distance is longer than that of the Grape Orange.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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 Yellow switch is noted for a relatively muted profile, which contributes to a quieter typing experience, making it ideal for office environments or shared spaces. The Huano Grape Orange, on the other hand, is similarly designed to minimize noise, but it may produce a slightly higher-pitched sound when bottoming out due to its lighter actuation force. Ultimately, while both switches prioritize a sound conducive to a discreet environment, the exact acoustics can still vary significantly based on the keyboard's construction and keycap material selected.
Regarding feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch provides a smooth keystroke with a satisfying travel distance that many users find enjoyable during extended typing sessions. The heavier weight of the Glory Yellow allows for more deliberate key presses, catering to those who prefer a more substantial touch. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange switch excels in providing an ultra-light, effortless typing experience, alleviating finger fatigue during long periods of use. Its 40g actuation force allows for rapid key presses, making it an excellent choice for those who favor speed and bunny-like tapping.
In summary, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Huano Grape Orange are excellent linear switches that cater to different typing preferences. The Glory Yellow's heavier feel and muted sound make it great for those who like a more solid typing experience, while the Grape Orange's light touch and low actuation force make it perfect for speed and comfort. Ultimately, both options will deliver a satisfying experience, but your choice should hinge on whether you prefer a more deliberate or an ultra-light typing sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Huano Grape Orange linear switches, your specific typing preferences and intended use will be key factors. If you lean towards a smooth and enjoyable typing experience with a moderate bottom out force, the Glory Yellow could be your best option. Its characteristics make it suitable for those who appreciate a bit of resistance as they type, allowing for more tactile feedback without being overly taxing on your fingers. On the other hand, if you prioritize an ultra-light feel that minimizes finger fatigue, especially during extended typing sessions, the Grape Orange will likely serve you better. With a notably low actuation force and a light bottom out, this switch is perfect for rapid key presses and long hours of use without discomfort. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing style—whether you prefer a little more weight or an effortlessly smooth experience—ensuring that you find the switch that best enhances your mechanical keyboard journey.
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