Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Neo Lavender HE offers distinct advantages depending on user preference and typing style. The Gateron Glory Yellow, recognized as the heaviest switch in the Glory lineup, features a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more tactile and deliberate typing experience. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE employs hall effect technology, delivering a clean, low sound and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, appealing to gamers and typists who prioritize a quieter operation without compromising performance. While both switches excel in their own right, the Glory Yellow caters to enthusiasts seeking a solid, impactful feel, while the Lavender HE boasts cutting-edge technology and minimal noise. 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
N/A
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
POM
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
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Yellow and Neo Lavender HE switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings, which positions them closely in terms of sound profile and overall typing experience. As both switches feature nylon in their construction, they are expected to deliver a similar auditory outcome characterized by a deeper and fuller sound. The inherent quality of nylon—its relatively softer composition compared to harder plastics—allows for increased sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory signature when typing. This commonality in material choice directly influences the tactile feedback and acoustic response experienced, making them aligned in performance.
Despite the similarities in material, the user experience can differ based on the specific design nuances of each switch, including variations in spring weight, actuation force, and overall structure. While both the Glory Yellow and Neo Lavender HE switches utilize nylon for their housings, variations in other components may result in distinct tactile feedback and responsiveness. For example, if one switch has a longer or shorter travel distance, this could alter the overall feel during use, even if the auditory characteristics remain consistent. Therefore, while users might expect a similar sound profile due to the nylon, they may still notice differences in the typing experience itself.
Finally, it is noteworthy that even though both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Neo Lavender HE employ nylon for their housings, the split impact on sound and feel can play a significant role in how these switches are perceived. The bottom housing tends to influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, while the top housing primarily impacts the sound made upon releasing the key. In essence, users can anticipate a comparable acoustic experience across both switches, yet the unique combination of design elements for each may lead to subtle variations in feel that are crucial for enthusiasts seeking specific typing experiences. Thus, while the essential housing materials are the same, the overall performance is contextually nuanced based on additional features of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch to the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Yellow features an actuation force of 50 grams, making it the heavier option, while the Lavender HE has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Lavender HE more suitable for extended use, especially in work or gaming scenarios. However, the Glory Yellow lacks a specified bottom out force, making it difficult to fully assess its bottoming out characteristics. In contrast, the Lavender HE has a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing users with a consistent feedback when pressing the key all the way down. Overall, the Gateron Glory Yellow offers a heavier push feel, while the Neo Lavender HE is lighter and potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, the differences are notable. The Glory Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the most traditional switch design, offering a deeper and more substantial feel when pressed. In contrast, the Lavender HE has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This minor difference means that while both switches may provide satisfactory feedback to users, the Glory Yellow offers a more pronounced depth, which some users might prefer for a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the Lavender HE's shorter travel distance could appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. Therefore, if you prioritize a hearty depth in keystrokes, the Gateron Glory Yellow would be the better choice, while the Neo Lavender HE may be suitable for those who favor a snappier action.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 per 10 switches.
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 generally produces a more pronounced acoustic profile, offering a deeper and somewhat richer sound when bottoming out. This switch is well-suited to those who appreciate a more classic typing noise that could be heard in traditional mechanical keyboards. Conversely, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch delivers a clean, low sound that is distinctively quieter and less intrusive. This subtlety makes the Lavender HE appealing for environments where noise is a concern, allowing for a more restrained typing experience that may be less distracting to others nearby. It's important to keep in mind that sound quality is influenced by various factors including the choice of keyboard construction and keycap materials, meaning users might achieve similar auditory experiences with both switches depending on their setup.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Yellow switch is known for its smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance, providing a consistently enjoyable typing experience. Its heavier actuation gives it a solid presence that many typists appreciate. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE switch is designed to foster a unique tactile response through its hall effect mechanism, which not only enhances its smoothness but may also introduce an element of quick response time that's particularly advantageous for gamers. Though both switches aim to deliver a satisfying feel, the Glory Yellow is more classic and weighted, while the Lavender HE may offer a lighter touch with an innovative design.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Neo Lavender HE switches provide their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Glory Yellow proves to be favored for those looking for a traditional yet engaging typing sound and feel, while the Lavender HE appeals to users who prefer a quieter, modern switching experience with a distinctive design benefit. Ultimately, selecting between the two will depend on individual taste and usage context, but both switches promise a high-quality typing experience whether you're a typist, gamer, or casual user.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, consider your specific typing needs and preferences. If you value a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance that enhances your overall typing experience, the Glory Yellow is an excellent choice, especially if you prefer a lighter touch without the resistance of a heavier switch. This makes it suitable for extended typing sessions or casual gaming, where comfort and speed are essential. On the other hand, if you're looking for a unique, clean sound profile that works seamlessly with Wooting keyboards, the Lavender HE may be the better option. Its 50-gram bottom out force offers a light yet distinct feedback that can enhance your precision while typing or gaming. Furthermore, the magnetic switch technology provides consistency and durability that you might find appealing. Ultimately, your choice should be guided by whether you prioritize smoothness and comfort with the Glory Yellow or a distinctive auditory experience and reliability with the Lavender HE.
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