Gateron Glory Yellow vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow and HMX Jelly switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Glory Yellow, known for its heavier feel, provides a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switches stand out with their low-pitched, deep sound, complemented by a lightweight actuation force of just 42g, delivering a super smooth performance thanks to exceptional factory lubrication. While the Glory Yellow excels in providing a rich tactile sensation, the Jelly appeals to users seeking a quieter yet responsive typing experience. Both switches have their merits, but they cater to different user preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
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
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Yellow and HMX Jelly switches both feature nylon as their primary housing material, utilizing this classic choice for both their top and bottom housings. The use of nylon in both products enables a substantial auditory experience, characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. This similarity arises from nylon's inherent properties; being a softer plastic, it absorbs sound effectively, which contributes to a duller and rounder tone. Consequently, both switches promise a satisfying keystroke experience, with a notable emphasis on sound dampening and resonance, making them ideal for users seeking a quieter typing environment.
When considering the switches' sound and feel dynamics during operation, both the Glory Yellow and Jelly exhibit comparable behaviors due to the uniform use of nylon. As these switches are pressed down, the responsive qualities imparted by the bottom housing reinforce a deeper sound impact at bottom-out, while releasing the key results in a more subdued and rounded auditory feedback attributed to the top housing. The overall sensory experience remains consistent across both switches, as the nylon top and bottom operate in synergy, delivering a harmonious sound profile regardless of the specific model being used.
Despite the Gateron Glory Yellow and HMX Jelly being effectively indistinguishable in terms of housing materials, the nuanced differences could potentially arise from manufacturing tolerances or other design specifications. However, with both switches sharing the same nylon composition for both the top and bottom housings, enthusiasts can expect similar sound and feel results in their typing experience. Therefore, whether opting for the Glory Yellow or Jelly, users are likely to enjoy a satisfying tactile feedback while benefiting from a significantly muted auditory footprint during usage.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, there's a notable difference in their actuation forces, which affects typing experience. The Glory Yellow has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, while the Jelly has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This indicates that the HMX Jelly switch is easier to press, making it potentially better suited for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less effort. Regarding the bottom out force, while the Jelly switch has a defined bottom out force of 48 grams, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow switch is unknown, making it challenging to assess how it compares in that regard. Without knowing the bottom out force of the Glory Yellow, we can't conclude how it might feel to type on it in terms of tactile feedback, but the known force of the Jelly indicates a lighter overall experience. Thus, for those who prefer a lighter touch to minimize finger fatigue, the HMX Jelly linear switch would be the better choice, whereas the Gateron Glory Yellow may appeal to users looking for a more robust keystroke feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, we find that the Glory Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jelly measures slightly shorter at 3.8 mm. This means that the Glory Yellow offers a more pronounced depth when pressed compared to the Jelly, making it a better choice for those who prefer a hearty feel with their keystrokes. On the other hand, the shorter 3.8 mm travel distance of the Jelly aligns well with the trend of gamers seeking faster response times, enhancing performance during rapid key presses. Ultimately, the choice may depend on personal preference: if you favor a more robust and deeper typing experience, the Glory Yellow is the way to go, whereas the Jelly suits those prioritizing quickness and responsiveness.
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 HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly for $2.99.
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 provides a more traditional linear experience, producing a relatively quiet keystroke that emphasizes smoothness over pronounced auditory feedback. While it might not offer a distinct sound profile, users often appreciate the subtlety, making it suitable for both typing and gaming without disturbing others. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switch is characterized by a low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, which can evoke a more satisfying auditory experience when compared to other linear switches. This sound profile not only enhances the perception of each keystroke but also invites a certain level of enjoyment during usage, though it's essential to keep in mind that the overall acoustic quality can be influenced by the keyboard's build and the keycaps used.
When discussing feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch stands out with its smooth keystroke and a comfortably weighted action that makes for an enjoyable typing experience. The heavier resistance of this switch adds a level of control that many typists prefer, particularly during intensive sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly switch is notably lighter, requiring only a 42g actuation force, which tends to appeal to those who prefer quicker, more effortless keystrokes. The Jelly switch also benefits from excellent factory lube, contributing to a remarkably smooth feel that enhances the overall tactile experience and makes it suitable for rapid typing and gaming alike.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and HMX Jelly linear switches offer unique advantages tailored to different preferences. While the Glory Yellow provides a controlled and quiet typing experience, the Jelly excels with its thocky sound and lighter actuation force. Those looking for a smooth, satisfying experience will find pleasing qualities in either option, but the specific sound and feel will cater more to individual taste. Ultimately, the choice between them should consider personal preferences in sound and feel, making both suitable options depending on what resonates more with the user’s typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch should ultimately depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and the nature of your keyboard usage. If you prefer a heavier, more substantial keystroke with a smooth travel distance for a satisfying typing experience, the Glory Yellow is likely the better choice. This switch excels in offering a pleasing and enjoyable tactile response, which is particularly ideal for long typing sessions or gaming where feedback is key. However, if you're looking for a switch that emphasizes a lightweight feel and a pronounced sound profile, the HMX Jelly is worth considering. With its low-pitched, deep thock and super smooth action due to excellent factory lubrication, the Jelly provides a delightful auditory experience while making it easy to activate keys with a light touch, making it perfect for those who value sound and a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, assessing how you type and your acoustic preferences will guide you in making the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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