Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Luciola both present unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Glory Yellow is renowned for its heavier actuation, providing a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance that allows for a more controlled typing experience. It's an excellent choice for those who prefer a bit more resistance in their key presses, making it ideal for typists who value precision and feedback. Conversely, the Gateron Luciola not only features a medium heft that offers a bouncy and enjoyable typing feel, but it also stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark design and a distinct sound profile reminiscent of a “can of spray paint being shaken.” This switch might appeal to users who appreciate a more vibrant aesthetic and a lively auditory experience while typing. Each switch has its merits depending on your priorities—be it tactile feedback or visual flair. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow and Gateron Luciola switches, the differences in housing materials significantly affect the overall sound profile and tactile experience each switch offers. The Glory Yellow features a nylon housing, both in the top and bottom, which is known for its ability to absorb sound effectively. This characteristic leads to a deeper, more resonant sound when typing—often described as duller and rounder. In contrast, the Luciola employs a proprietary INK blend material for both the top and bottom housings. This unique mixture emphasizes a more pointed and higher-pitched sound profile, yielding a clackier auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. Consequently, the differing materials not only define the sound produced but also enhance the experiential aspects of typing on each switch.
Despite their contrasting materials, both switches will elicit varied auditory experiences based on their design and construction. With the Glory Yellow’s nylon housing, users can expect a lower-toned sound that offers a fuller auditory response through its softer plastic composition. Alternatively, the Luciola’s INK blend allows for a sharper sound profile, which can create an engaging contrast in keystrokes, providing a vivid distinction when typing. Importantly, while both switches produce different tonal qualities, the overall typing experience remains nuanced due to the interplay between the housing materials, as these properties profoundly influence the bottom-out and release sounds.
Both switches demonstrate how variations in housing materials can yield significant differences in sound and feel, even when they serve similar functions. The Glory Yellow relies on nylon's sound-dampening qualities to provide a more subdued typing experience, while the Luciola capitalizes on its INK blend to deliver a snappier, more pronounced keystroke. When comparing user experiences, those seeking a muted sound may prefer the durability and depth of the nylon housing in the Glory Yellow. In contrast, those who appreciate a crisper and more dynamic typing experience will likely gravitate toward the Luciola's distinct tonal properties. Ultimately, while the switches may utilize different materials, both can cater to diverse typing preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The Glory Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, while the Luciola requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams. This means that users favoring a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions may prefer the Glory Yellow, while those who appreciate a more substantial feel might opt for the Luciola. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unknown, but the Luciola has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams, which falls within the medium range. Since the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is not specified, we cannot make a direct comparison, but generally, a defined bottom out force suggests a more structured response during typing or gaming. Overall, if one favors lighter switches, the Glory Yellow may be more appealing, whereas those wanting a firmer feel might select the Luciola for its heavier actuation and clearly defined bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it’s clear that they cater to different preferences in feel and response. The Glory Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional standard and provides a more pronounced, deeper feel when typing. In contrast, the Luciola has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, appealing to those who seek quicker response times, which is often favored by gamers for enhanced performance. Consequently, if you prefer a more robust typing experience with a satisfying depth, the Glory Yellow is the better choice, while the Luciola is ideal for users who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Overall, the Glory Yellow has the longer travel distance, whereas the Luciola offers the shorter option.
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 Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 characteristic of the Gateron Glory Yellow switch is not explicitly provided, but considering its reputation for a smooth keystroke, one can infer that it likely has a relatively low noise profile, blending well with a more muting switch design. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola has a distinct auditory signature described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound with a bit of playful squeak when pressed. The unique sound profile of the Luciola switches stands out, offering an engaging auditory experience that can be particularly pleasing to those who enjoy a tactile, lively feedback when typing.
When discussing tactile feel, the Glory Yellow switch is notably recognized for its heavier weight, smooth action, and enjoyable travel distance, which typically translates into a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola offers a medium heft and features a combination of snappy responsiveness and a buttery, polished typing experience. The snappy aspect of the Luciola makes it feel very reactive and alive, while the buttery and polished elements ensure that each keystroke has an effortless and refined touch, enhancing the overall typing sensation.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Glory Yellow and Gateron Luciola switches both provide enjoyable typing experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Glory Yellow leans towards a smoother, quieter feel, making it perfect for users who prioritize a subtle typing experience, while the Luciola offers a more dynamic auditory experience coupled with a responsive and refined feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual’s preference for sound and tactile feedback, as each switch delivers its unique set of characteristics that can cater to a variety of typing styles.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Luciola linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and how you plan to use your keyboard. If you prioritize a smooth and enjoyable typing experience with an effortless keystroke, the Glory Yellow is likely the better option for you, especially if you're looking for a switch that allows for fluid typing and is suited for long writing sessions or gaming without distraction. However, if you want a switch that offers a bit more character with a medium actuation force and a bouncy feel, as well as unique aesthetic features like glowing in the dark, then the Gateron Luciola would be your ideal choice. The Luciola's distinct sound profile, which includes clacky and chirpy tones, may also enhance your typing experience, particularly if you enjoy engaging audio feedback from your keystrokes. Ultimately, consider what aspects of switch performance—whether it's sound, feel, or aesthetics—matter most to you when making your final decision.
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