Gateron Glory Yellow vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the PH Studio Jacaranda are two compelling options for those who favor linear switches. The Glory Yellow, part of Gateron's lineup, stands out for its smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Jacaranda, manufactured by KTT, offers a unique twist with its gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g, ensuring that long typing sessions feel comfortable and fatigue-free. Additionally, its clacky sound signature and extended 22mm spring provide a bouncier keystroke, giving each press a distinctive auditory feedback and sensation. While both switches provide a linear experience, the Glory Yellow leans towards a heavier feel with a more subdued sound, whereas the Jacaranda offers a lighter touch paired with a resonant, clacky finish. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches, one noticeable distinction lies in the top housing. The Glory Yellow utilizes nylon, a material known for its softer characteristics that facilitate a deeper and fuller sound profile. This property enables the switch to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a typing experience that is more muted and rounded. In contrast, the Jacaranda features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and contributes to a sharper, more resonant sound profile. This difference in materials ultimately translates to a distinct auditory experience, where the Glory Yellow offers a more subdued sound, while the Jacaranda produces a clearer and crisper tone, especially appealing to users who enjoy RGB lighting due to polycarbonate's translucency.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both the Glory Yellow and Jacaranda switches share a commonality, as both switches are constructed from nylon. Given that nylon is a classic choice for switch housing, this similarity ensures a consistent underlying feel and sound profile when the switches are bottomed out. The nylon material at the bottom of both switches absorbs sound in a similar way, leading to that shared deeper and fuller typing experience. Consequently, despite their differences in top housing materials, the two switches provide a cohesive tactile feedback when pressed down, emphasizing the rounded sound quality that nylon offers.
The differentiation in properties between the top and bottom housings also underscores how the overall acoustic and tactile experience varies between the two switches. For the Gateron Glory Yellow, the nylon top and bottom housing combination promotes a consistent and rich sound, with the bottom out feel being particularly dominated by the characteristics of nylon. On the flip side, the Jacaranda's varied materials create a split sound profile, where the polycarbonate top accentuates the crispness during release, while the nylon bottom retains the fuller sound when pressed down. Therefore, users can expect a more hybrid auditory experience with the Jacaranda, while the Glory Yellow presents a more unified sonic identity, thanks to its identical nylon material for both housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, we can see some notable differences. The Glory Yellow switch features an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Jacaranda switch has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams, making the Jacaranda more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming due to its reduced resistance. Regarding bottom out force, the Glory Yellow's bottom out force is unspecified, while the Jacaranda’s is set at 45 grams, indicating that it provides a tangible feedback when fully pressed down. Since the Glory Yellow lacks a specific bottom out force, we cannot directly compare this aspect. Overall, the Jacaranda switch is lighter and offers a more comfortable experience for users who may favor longer use, while the Glory Yellow could be preferred by those who enjoy a heavier, more deliberate typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, there is a distinct difference to consider. The Glory Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional preference for deeper key presses, while the Jacaranda offers a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This shorter distance may appeal more to gamers seeking quick response times, allowing for faster actuation when needed. Conversely, the Glory Yellow's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for users who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for responsiveness and depth; if you lean towards quicker actuation, the Jacaranda is the better option, whereas the Glory Yellow caters to those who favor a more substantial key travel.
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 PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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 sound profile of the Gateron Glory Yellow switch is generally characterized as pleasant and subtle, providing a smooth acoustic experience during typing. In contrast, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a distinct clackiness with a high-pitched sound that produces a sharp and resonant auditory feedback. The Jacaranda's crisp, bright tones make it stand out, but the Glory Yellow offers a more muted sound, which might appeal to users looking for a quieter typing experience. For those who prioritize auditory feedback, the Jacaranda will be more satisfying, while the Glory Yellow is suited for environments where silence is preferred.
Regarding the feel of each switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow is known for its smooth keystroke and comfortable travel distance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience without any noticeable resistance. On the other hand, the Jacaranda switch features an exceptionally silky feel, enhanced further by its longer spring, which contributes to a bouncy and responsive typing sensation. The softer bottom-out force of the Jacaranda allows for effortless keystrokes, making it easier on the fingers. While both switches are linear and prioritize a smooth typing experience, the Jacaranda leans into a unique tactile pleasure that can elevate typing enjoyment.
In summary, while both the Gateron Glory Yellow and PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches cater to enthusiasts seeking a smooth experience, they do diverge significantly in terms of sound and tactile feedback. The Glory Yellow provides a more subtle auditory presence that’s excellent for quiet environments, whereas the Jacaranda is designed to deliver a lively and engaging sound with its clacky nature. Additionally, the Jacaranda’s silky and bouncy feel is distinctive, giving it an edge for those looking to mitigate finger fatigue. Depending on your preferences for sound and tactile feedback, either switch can provide a rewarding typing experience, but the choice ultimately comes down to whether you favor a mellower or a more engaging auditory and physical feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches should reflect your specific typing preferences and needs. If you prioritize a smoother keystroke with a light touch and a great travel distance for an enjoyable and fatigue-free typing experience, the Glory Yellow is an excellent fit. However, if you appreciate a more tactile experience that features a noticeable sound signature, the Jacaranda’s crisp, clacky feedback would cater to you beautifully. The Jacaranda's extended spring gives it a unique bouncy feel that may enhance your typing rhythm, especially if you're looking for something that combines both auditory engagement and a silky, smooth action. So, consider what aspects of typing are most important to you—whether it’s the quiet ease of the Glory Yellow or the lively sound and feel of the Jacaranda.
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