Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Lime offer distinct yet appealing experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Gateron Glory Yellow, as a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and comfortable travel distance, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a seamless typing experience without the distraction of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime, classified as a tactile switch, provides a lightweight feel with subtle tactile feedback, perfect for users seeking the responsiveness of a tactile experience without excessive resistance. While the Glory Yellow appeals to typists who enjoy fluidity, the Lime caters to those who appreciate a delicate touch of tactility combined with a muted sound profile. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Lime both feature nylon as their housing material, resulting in a remarkably consistent sound profile during typing. Nylon is known to be a softer plastic compared to other materials, such as polycarbonate or ABS, and this softness contributes to a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. Both switches utilize this material for their top and bottom housings, which means users can expect a muted sound with a rounded quality. The inherent properties of nylon enable it to absorb more sound, ensuring that the typing experience remains gratifyingly subdued, regardless of the switch.
When examining the housing materials more closely, it becomes evident that both the Glory Yellow and the Lime benefit similarly from nylon’s characteristics. The use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings means that each element contributes to the overall acoustic profile of the switch. While the bottom housing is more influential when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing has a considerable impact on the sound produced during actuation. This synergy between the top and bottom nylon components in both switches ensures that users will experience comparable tactile feedback and auditory results, allowing for a consistently pleasing typing experience.
In contrast, if either the top or bottom housing were to utilize a different material, the resulting typing feel and sound profile would potentially vary significantly. Different materials bring different qualities and characteristics that can modify the overall tactile and auditory sensations experienced by the user. However, since both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Outemu Lime employ nylon throughout their construction, the performance and feel of both switches remain aligned. Consequently, enthusiasts looking for a satisfying typing journey would find that both switch options deliver a substantial similarity in sound and tactile sensations, making them excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, several differences emerge. The Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, which means it requires a stronger push to trigger a keystroke compared to the Outemu Lime, which only needs 35 grams for actuation. This indicates that the Glory Yellow is the heavier switch, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime's actuation and bottom out forces contrast sharply; it has a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a clear indication of resistance when the key is pressed all the way down. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the Gateron Glory Yellow is unknown, leaving a gap in the comparison regarding how it feels in terms of resistance after the actuation point. Overall, users seeking lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions might gravitate toward the Outemu Lime, while those desiring a heavier feel may prefer the Gateron Glory Yellow despite the absence of its bottom out force data.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it's clear that the Glory Yellow offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lime has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference highlights a contrasting approach to key feel and feedback; the Glory Yellow may provide a more substantial and traditional typing experience, appealing to those who appreciate a deeper key press. Conversely, the Lime's shorter travel distance could cater to gamers and users who prioritize quicker response times, potentially benefiting from less travel for faster key actuation. Ultimately, individuals looking for a hearty depth in their key presses would likely prefer the Glory Yellow, while those wanting more responsiveness might gravitate towards the Outemu Lime.
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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, the differences become quite apparent. The Glory Yellow typically produces a quieter sound than many traditional mechanical switches due to its linear nature, which lacks the clicking mechanism that some users might find distracting. Meanwhile, the Outemu Lime offers a sound described as neutral and muted, which aligns well with its design aimed at minimizing noise. This makes the Lime suitable for environments where quieter operation is preferred, such as shared workspaces or homes where noise levels should be kept low.
In terms of feel, the Glory Yellow switch provides a smooth and consistent keystroke that many users find greatly enhances their typing experience. It is generally heavier within the Glory lineup, leading to a firm typing sensation that many typists appreciate for its stability. In contrast, the Outemu Lime is characterized by its lightweight, feathery touch, which ensures that less force is needed during keystrokes. This lightness can be especially appealing for users looking for a gentle typing experience, effectively reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use. The Lime also features a mild tactility, making it approachable for those who desire some feedback without overwhelming resistance.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Outemu Lime switches offer unique attributes catering to different preferences. The Glory Yellow provides a more robust and linear feel with a generally quieter sound, while the Lime switch excels in being soft, subtle, and easier on the fingers with its muted sound profile. Both switches allow for enjoyable typing experiences, yet they do so in ways that appeal to distinct user preferences—whether one desires the stability and smoothness of a linear switch or the gentle tactile feedback combined with a low sound output. Ultimately, selecting between these two depends largely on individual typing preferences and intended use environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch will primarily hinge on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you seek a smooth and immersive typing experience, especially for tasks involving rapid keystrokes like gaming or programming, the Gateron Glory Yellow is an excellent choice. Its lack of a tactile bump means there’s no interruption in your typing flow, making it ideal for those who prefer a consistent feel throughout the entire key travel. On the other hand, if you appreciate a light and subtle tactile feedback while typing, the Outemu Lime switch is your best bet. With its moderate actuation force and muted sound profile, the Lime delivers a comfortable typing experience, especially in shared environments where noise levels need to be kept in check. Whether you're tackling long typing sessions for work or simply enjoying casual gaming, the Lime's approachable tactility and feathery lightness are sure to enhance your comfort. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your priorities in terms of typing feel, sound, and the type of tasks you regularly engage in.
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