Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Yellow and Gateron Ink Yellow both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Glory Yellow, part of Gateron's heavier switch lineup, is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance, making it an ideal choice for those who favor a traditional mechanical feeling under their fingers. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow presents a shorter travel distance, blending the typing experience of a laptop with that of a standard mechanical keyboard. This switch is particularly appealing to users who appreciate a pleasant smoothness combined with a touch of clackiness, perfect for both typing and gaming. While the Glory Yellow provides a more robust clicky experience, the Ink Yellow targets those looking for a balanced, polished feel. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and Gateron Ink Yellow switches, a significant difference emerges between their top and bottom housings. The Glory Yellow employs a classic nylon material for both the top and bottom housings, which is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's relatively softer plastic composition, which excels at absorbing sound and mitigating higher frequencies. As a result, users can expect a typing experience characterized by a rounder sound when typing on the Glory Yellow switches, making them appealing for those who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback.
Conversely, the Ink Yellow utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings. This innovative material is designed to produce a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, which many users find particularly satisfying. The INK blend contributes to a clacky sound that is sharper than the rounder tones produced by the Glory Yellow switches. Given the distinct properties of the INK material, the typing experience on the Ink Yellow switches is markedly different, promoting a lively feedback that can be especially enjoyable for users seeking a more pronounced auditory response to their keystrokes.
Despite the contrasting sound profiles and material compositions, it's possible for users to achieve a somewhat similar typing experience with both switch types if they focus on the tactile feedback of the switches. The bottom housing of each switch plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel when bottoming out or releasing a key. Therefore, while the Glory Yellow leans towards a fuller sound profile and the Ink Yellow offers a sharper and clackier response, the overall typing experience can still be balanced depending on the user's preferences for sound, feel, and what they prioritize in their keyboard switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal taste, with some users gravitating toward the smoothness of nylon while others prefer the refined tonality of the INK blend.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch to the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation forces that cater to different user preferences. The Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Ink Yellow requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. This makes the Glory Yellow the lighter option, which can be more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it demands less effort to register a keystroke. In terms of bottom out forces, the Glory Yellow's bottom out force information is unavailable, whereas the Ink Yellow features a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams. While the exact bottom out force for the Glory Yellow cannot be determined, the available data indicates that the Ink Yellow is heavier not only in actuation but also when bottoming out. Thus, users who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged usage may gravitate towards the Glory Yellow, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may find the Ink Yellow more satisfying.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow and Gateron Ink Yellow linear switches, the two exhibit notable differences. The Glory Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Ink Yellow measures at 3.5 mm, which means it offers a shorter travel distance. This distinction can significantly affect user experience: those who prefer a more substantial key press might gravitate towards the Glory Yellow for its deeper travel, providing a more tactile feel. Conversely, the Ink Yellow caters to gamers or those seeking quicker key responses with its shorter distance, which can facilitate faster reaction times. Thus, while both switches are linear in nature, their travel distances present different benefits depending on personal preference and usage scenario.
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 Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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's profile is not explicitly detailed, yet it can be inferred that it likely produces a pleasing acoustic feedback in line with its smooth keystroke, which can be desirable for users seeking a balanced auditory experience. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a more complex sound profile, described as both neutral and clacky. The neutral characteristics imply a moderate sound level suitable for various environments, while the clacky aspect adds a sharp, crisp sound that can enhance tactile engagement during typing. This variety in auditory feedback can cater to different user preferences, particularly if one enjoys a more pronounced sound while typing.
When considering the feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow is noted for providing a smooth keystroke with an enjoyable travel distance, which typically contributes to a satisfying typing experience. While the specific feel of the Glory Yellow is not elaborated upon, it can be understood that it seeks to offer a plush and cushioned experience. The Ink Yellow, on the other hand, is characterized by its mildly polished and refined sensation, which allows for gentle key presses. The smooth finish of the Ink Yellow contributes to a reduced friction experience, creating a more effortless long-term typing engagement. This refined feel can appeal to users who appreciate a blend of comfort and a responsive typing surface while the Glory Yellow focuses on a more robust, heavier keystroke.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Ink Yellow linear switches provide a smooth typing experience, they offer different auditory and tactile profiles that may suit varying preferences. The Glory Yellow tends to favor a more balanced sound with a delightful keystroke experience, making it appealing for users desiring a traditional feel. In contrast, the Ink Yellow delivers a more diverse soundscape with its clacky overtone and a polished, mild feel, catering to those who prefer a lighter but still substantial typing interaction. By selecting either switch based on these qualities, a newcomer can find a satisfying experience that aligns with their personal typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches will largely depend on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you seek a smooth and pleasant keystroke experience, the Glory Yellow may be your go-to option, especially if you prefer lighter actuation and a satisfying travel distance that enhances your typing without taxing your fingers. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more traditional mechanical keyboard feel and want to minimize any potential finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that delivers a medium-heavy feel with a shorter travel distance, the Gateron Ink Yellow could be a better fit, particularly if you want a typing experience that balances between a laptop and a mechanical keyboard. The Ink Yellow's neutral and clacky sound profile makes it suitable for environments where you might appreciate a bit more tactile feedback and auditory engagement, while still being polite enough for shared spaces. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style, the sound you prefer, and the type of environment you'll be using the keyboard in.
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