Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow and Durock Lupine offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Gateron Glory Yellow switches stand out with their heavier feel, providing a smooth keystroke and an enjoyable travel distance, making for a satisfying typing experience that's favored by those who appreciate a more substantial touch. In contrast, the Durock Lupine switches captivate users with their innovative design featuring two-stage long springs, which create a consistent weight distribution while delivering a powerful rebound. This unique mechanism not only enhances the typing experience but also produces a classic clacky sound profile that many enthusiasts find appealing. While the Glory Yellow is geared towards users who enjoy a heavier, smooth action, the Lupine caters to those who prefer a dynamic and engaging feel with an auditory delight. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow switches and the Durock Lupine switches, there's a distinct contrast in the top housing's composition that affects their overall sound profiles. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This is due to nylon's softness, which allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a dull yet rounded auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. This stiffer plastic produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is crisper and more resonant. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it advantageous for RGB lighting applications, offering an aesthetic flair that nylon simply cannot provide.
Contrasting the bottom housings, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Durock Lupine feature a nylon bottom housing. This shared material contributes to a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, owing to nylon's inherent qualities. Consequently, while the top housings differentiate the switches significantly, the nylon bottom ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying auditory experience that is consistent, particularly in terms of the bottom-out sound. When actuating the keys, users can expect that the softer nylon will contribute to a plush tactile feel as well as a muted acoustic signature, reinforcing the characteristic softer sound with a rounder tone.
The combination of different materials for the top housing and the same material for the bottom housing means that the typing experience will be a blend of both the sharpness of polycarbonate and the warmth of nylon. The unique contributions of each material to the sound profile and responsiveness of the switches provide a comprehensive tactile and auditory experience. With the nylon bottom creating a deeper, subdued sound while the polycarbonate top sharpens those nuances, users can expect a well-rounded performance from both switch types. Ultimately, while there are clear contrasts in their top housings, the synergy of materials allows for a satisfying experience, with the nylon bottom ensuring a consistency of depth in sound across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, we see a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, which makes it a lighter option for users who prefer ease of typing during long sessions. However, its bottom out force remains unknown, leaving a gap in our understanding of how it performs when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Durock Lupine has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 62 grams, marking it as a heavier choice that offers a more substantial feel when typing. This variability means that while the Glory Yellow provides a potentially easier keystroke experience, the Lupine may appeal to those who favor a firmer response with more feedback during keystrokes. For enthusiasts looking for a more definitive typing experience, the heavier bottom out force of the Lupine will likely offer a different sensation compared to the Glory Yellow, whose characteristics are only partially known.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Lupine linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference indicates that the Glory Yellow provides a deeper key press, which can appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial feedback sensation when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Lupine's 3.7 mm travel distance aligns with modern preferences for quicker response times, making it a suitable choice for gamers or those who favor rapid key action. In this comparison, the Glory Yellow is the longer switch, offering a more traditional and substantial feel, whereas the Lupine, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those seeking increased responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for depth versus speed in key presses.
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 Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
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 switches provide a smooth operation but do not have a definitive description given here; however, they likely maintain a relatively neutral auditory profile typical of linear switches. In contrast, the Durock Lupine switches produce a classic clacky sound profile, combining elements of high-pitched crispness and moderate tones, making them suitable for various environments, whether for gaming or typing at work. The sound signature of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard it is paired with and the choice of keycaps, so it's essential to consider these factors when evaluating how they might perform in practice.
When considering feel, Glory Yellow switches are recognized for their smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance aimed at delivering an enjoyable typing experience. The Durock Lupine switches, on the other hand, feature a mild and polished typing experience enhanced by their two-stage long springs, providing consistent weight distribution and a powerful rebound. This interesting combination of characteristics results in a refined feel with reduced friction, contributing to overall satisfaction during use. Both switches cater to users who appreciate smoothness, albeit with different nuances.
Ultimately, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Durock Lupine linear switches offer distinct experiences, each with their strengths in sound and feel. The Durock Lupine excels with its clacky sound and polished touch, providing a pronounced auditory feedback and refined typing experience. While the Glory Yellow is more subdued in terms of sound, it offers a smooth and comfortable keystroke, making it a pleasant tool for typing. Depending on personal preferences and typing styles, users may gravitate towards one or the other, but both can provide satisfying typing experiences with a focus on smooth keystrokes and rewarding performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Durock Lupine linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you're someone who values a buttery smooth keystroke and enjoys a lighter touch while typing, the Glory Yellow switches might be the ideal choice for you, offering a satisfying travel distance and a snappy response ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing. However, if you prefer a bit more resistance and a consistent weight distribution throughout your key presses, the Lupine switches would be a better fit. Their medium actuation force and dual-stage springs provide an engaging typing experience, accompanied by a pleasant clacky sound, making them suitable for both casual and professional environments. In summary, choose the Glory Yellow for a smooth, responsive experience with lighter key presses, while the Lupine is perfect for those who appreciate a more robust feedback with a polished feel.
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