Gateron Glory Yellow vs. HMX Lucky

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the HMX Lucky are two excellent linear options that cater to differing preferences. The Gateron Glory Yellow is celebrated for its heavier feel within the Glory lineup, offering a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance that many typists find enjoyable. Its robust design appeals to those who prefer a more tactile feedback while typing, making it a great choice for users who value a solid, consistent keypress. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switches are characterized by their softer, glittery nylon housings, providing a lightweight and neutral typing experience that is both smooth and deeply satisfying. This makes them an enticing option for gamers and those who favor quick typist motions without sacrificing comfort. Both switches have their unique strengths, yet the choice ultimately comes down to individual typing style and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

HMX Lucky Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Gateron Glory Yellow and the HMX Lucky switches feature nylon top and bottom housings, making them quite comparable in terms of construction material. With both switches utilizing nylon, they are expected to deliver a similar tactile experience and sound profile. The flexibility and softness of nylon enable these switches to yield a deeper, fuller sound, largely due to the material's natural ability to absorb sound waves. This shared characteristic creates a duller, rounder auditory response when typing, resulting in a pleasant typing experience for users who favor a smoother acoustic signature.

While the housing materials of the Glory Yellow and Lucky switches are identical, the arrangement and design of each switch could lead to variations in their overall performance. For instance, while both switches may produce similar sound profiles due to their nylon composition, the feel of pressing down on each switch may differ based on factors like spring tension or internal design. Each manufacturer can introduce slight tweaks that affect how the nylon interacts during actuation, which in turn influences the overall typing experience, but fundamentally, their shared material properties will usually mitigate stark contrasts in sound and feel.

Ultimately, typists can expect a similar auditory experience from both the Gateron Glory Yellow and HMX Lucky switches, thanks to their identical nylon housings. This commonality means that, regardless of any minute differences in switch design, both options will offer a consistent foundation in terms of sound quality. When typing, users are likely to appreciate the balanced acoustics that nylon provides, which enhances the overall feel of the switches. Therefore, regardless of which switch is chosen, the nylon material ensures that the typing experience will resonate with a pleasant fullness, making both switches appealing options for users seeking satisfying acoustics in their mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, as well as an unknown bottom out force for the Glory Yellow. The Gateron Glory Yellow requires an actuation force of 50 grams, making it heavier than the HMX Lucky, which has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This difference means that users who favor a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Glory Yellow, while those who seek a lighter feel for longer typing or gaming sessions might opt for the Lucky. As for the bottom out forces, the Lucky's is measured at 43 grams, indicating that it provides a clear tactile response when pressed down completely. In contrast, since the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unknown, we can't draw any conclusions about how the two switches compare in that regard. Therefore, while the Glory Yellow is heavier in terms of actuation, the overall typing experience will vary significantly due to these differences in force characteristics.

Travel distance

The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Lucky linear switch measures 3.8 mm. This means that the Glory Yellow switch offers a longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced keystroke experience that some users may prefer for its hearty depth. In contrast, the Lucky switch, with its shorter travel distance, might appeal more to gamers seeking quicker response times and a snappier feel when pressing keys. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference: those who enjoy a deeper keystroke may gravitate towards the Glory Yellow, while those who favor a faster, more responsive action might opt for the Lucky.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Glory Yellow switch is characterized by a sound profile that is likely to be crisp yet muted, creating an environment that is unobtrusive for both the user and those around them. The switch operates smoothly, which minimizes any clacking noises. The HMX Lucky switch, while also maintaining a relatively quiet operation, boasts a soft sound due to its nylon housing, which can absorb and dampen some of the sound produced during keystrokes. Both switches offer an agreeable auditory experience, making them suitable for office environments or shared spaces, although individual preferences and the choice of keycaps and board will influence their final sound.

When it comes to feel, the Glory Yellow switch is noted for its heavier resistance, providing a satisfying and deliberate keystroke that rewards users with a distinct feedback upon bottoming out, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a more substantial feel. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switch is softer and designed to deliver a more neutral typing experience, which many find deeply satisfying. The lighter actuation force of the Lucky switch can make it easier for rapid typing, appealing to gamers or those who prefer a lighter touch. Both switches, while differing in resistance, are smooth and can cater to different typing styles.

In summary, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and HMX Lucky linear switches provide unique yet satisfying experiences. While the Glory Yellow leans towards a heavier and more deliberate keystroke, the Lucky offers a lighter, more neutral feel. Sound-wise, both are relatively quiet but have their distinct qualities—all of which can be influenced by your keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences for weight and sound signature, but either switch will deliver an enjoyable typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the HMX Lucky linear switches, you should consider your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you favor a smoother keystroke with an enjoyable travel distance, the Glory Yellow might be your best choice, particularly if you appreciate a heavier switch feel that allows for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that prioritizes a light touch and a neutral typing experience, the Lucky switch could be your go-to, especially if you enjoy a softer, glittery design combined with a satisfying response. Furthermore, if sound dampening is a priority for you, it’s essential to compare the acoustic profiles of both switches to see which aligns better with your environment or personal preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to whether you prefer a more defined, weightier keystroke or a feather-light, smooth experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more