Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow and Gateron Ink Box Black offer distinct yet fascinating experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Glory Yellow, noted for its heavier feel, is designed to provide a smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a tactile engagement and enjoy a more substantial feedback during typing. In contrast, the Ink Box Black switches are celebrated for their silky-smooth operation and unique sound signature that resembles the satisfying shake of a spray paint can—ideal for users who favor a quieter workspace with a touch of auditory delight. While both switches fall under the linear category, their individual characteristics cater to different preferences; whether you desire a heavier switch for better control or a lighter switch with an alluring sound, each has its own merits. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and Gateron Ink Box Black switches exhibit notable differences that significantly influence their acoustic characteristics. The Glory Yellow switch features a nylon top and bottom housing, known for its softer composition that dampens sound and produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Ink Box Black switches are constructed with Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings. This specialized material yields a higher-pitched, clacky sound that provides a sharp and distinct auditory experience. While both switches utilize innovative materials from Gateron, the nylon housing of the Glory Yellow creates a more muted sound compared to the pointed brightness of the Ink Box Black.
When typing on the Gateron Glory Yellow switches, users will experience the benefits of nylon's acoustic dampening qualities. The softer plastic absorbs and minimizes sound reverberation, contributing to a quiet and round typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Box Black's INK blend enhances sound clarity and sharpness, resulting in a more vibrant auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. While the bottom housing of both switches has a key impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, the difference in material means that the Glory Yellow provides a deeper thump when bottomed out, while the Ink Box Black delivers a sharper and more pronounced sound upon key release.
Despite their material disparities, both switch types offer distinct sensory experiences that cater to different typing preferences. If the switches were to be mixed or matched, one could achieve a blend of auditory profiles by selecting combinations of tops and bottoms that exemplify each material's qualities. For instance, pairing an Ink Box Black top with a Glory Yellow bottom would yield a switch that balances the high-pitched clackiness with the deeper, fuller sound of nylon, creating a unique typing experience that simultaneously leverages the strengths of both housing materials. This versatility in customization allows users to tailor their keyboards to best fit their desired sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation forces of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, the Glory Yellow requires a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, while the Ink Box Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. This difference indicates that the Glory Yellow would be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, making it ideal for extended typing periods or gaming sessions, whereas the Ink Box Black might appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel during keystrokes. As for the bottom out forces, the Glory Yellow lacks this specification, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons. The Ink Box Black, however, has a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorized as medium-heavy, suggesting a firmer resistance when bottoming out. Overall, the Gateron Glory Yellow is the lighter option, whereas the Ink Box Black provides a heavier feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, the Glory Yellow stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ink Box Black features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Glory Yellow, having the traditional travel distance, offers a more pronounced keystroke that some users may find beneficial, particularly those who appreciate a more substantial depth during typing or gaming. In contrast, the Ink Box Black caters to a more modern preference for responsiveness, making it a suitable choice for gamers seeking quicker actuation. Thus, the Glory Yellow switch, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who favor a more tactile experience, while the Ink Box Black, with its shorter travel distance, is ideal for users who prefer faster response times.
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 Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 Yellow linear switches offer a unique auditory experience that can be characterized as pleasant and subdued. Users often report that the sound they produce is soft and relatively muted, making for a typing experience that is less intrusive and more focused. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches provide a notably different sonic profile. They are known to be clacky and high-pitched, resembling the sound of a spray paint can being shaken. The sharp and crisp sound produced by the Ink Box Black switches tends to be more noticeable and can lead to a livelier typing atmosphere, though the overall sound is highly dependent on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow switches are praised for their smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, making them enjoyable to type on for extended periods. They offer a consistent linear motion without any tactile bump or feedback, ideal for those who prefer uninterrupted key presses. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black switches elevate the typing experience with their silky and polished characteristics. The enhanced smoothness reduces any friction during typing, leading to a luxurious feel as your fingers glide across the keycaps. Both switches promise a satisfying typing experience, though the Glory Yellow leans towards a more traditional linear feel, while the Ink Box Black infuses a sense of velvety opulence.
In conclusion, the Gateron Glory Yellow and Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Glory Yellow excels with its gentle and muted acoustics, complemented by a smooth keystroke, making it suitable for a quieter workspace. In contrast, the Ink Box Black switches offer a more vibrant auditory experience, marked by their crisp and sharp sounds, paired with an exceptionally silky typing experience. Choosing between these two will ultimately depend on personal preference, as both can provide a delightful typing experience in their own right.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches hinges on your personal preferences for typing experience and tactile feedback. If you prioritize a light and smooth keystroke with less resistance, the Glory Yellow is an excellent choice, particularly suited for fast-paced typing, gaming, or if you simply enjoy a very fluid feel without the heaviness. It's perfect for those who prefer less tactile feedback and a more effortless interaction with their keyboard. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more robust typing experience with a satisfying weight, the Ink Box Black excels in providing that medium-heavy feedback. Its unique crisp and clacky sound profile, paired with a silky and polished feel, makes it ideal for typists who enjoy a more tactile and auditory feedback with each keypress, enhancing the overall satisfaction that comes from typing. Ultimately, your selection should reflect your typing style—whether you lean towards lighter and swift movements or prefer the more deliberate, weighted actions of the Ink Box Black.
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