Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of different options to suit their typing preferences. Two popular linear switches are the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Durock Mamba. The Glory Yellow, known for its heavier feel within the Glory lineup, offers a smooth keystroke with an enjoyable travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a firmer touch and a reliable typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Mamba celebrates the legacy of Kobe Bryant with a typing sensation that glides effortlessly across the keyboard, accompanied by a rich and creamy auditory experience that adds a touch of elegance to each keystroke. While the Gateron Glory Yellow excels in providing a more substantial feedback, the Durock Mamba stands out for its polished and thocky sound profile, appealing to those who prioritize a more auditory typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
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
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Durock Mamba, a clear distinction arises in the compositions of their top housings. The Glory Yellow employs a classic nylon material known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for those seeking a warmer typing sound, as the nylon’s softness contributes to a more muted sound profile. Conversely, the Durock Mamba features a unique polymer blend of nylon and UHMWPE, which introduces a slightly brighter tonal quality. While both materials are rooted in nylon, the addition of UHMWPE in the Mamba's housing shifts the auditory experience towards a more pleasant and less sharp sound, underscoring their distinct sound profiles despite their shared nylon base.
The difference continues with the bottom housings, as the Glory Yellow utilizes nylon while the Mamba opts for POM (polyoxymethylene). The advantage of POM is in its ability to create a deeper and relatively muted sound. This aligns well with the softer qualities of the nylon bottom housing in the Glory Yellow, which also contributes to a rounded sound profile. However, the inherent differences in materials reveal that while both switches might deliver an overall pleasing acoustic experience, the Mamba may present a more pronounced bottom-out feel due to the POM’s unique attributes. The synergy between the top and bottom housings in each switch leads to varied sound profiles that influence the user experience, affecting everything from sound quality to tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in both switches plays a critical role in shaping their overall performance. While the Gateron Glory Yellow primarily relies on nylon, providing a soft and rounded sound profile, the Durock Mamba incorporates a blend that enhances brightness through its unique top housing, coupled with the deeper muted qualities of POM at the bottom. Users may find similarities in terms of overall sound quality and typing feel, but distinct auditory characteristics and feedback experiences emerge from the contrasting materials used. Ultimately, those who prefer a deeper, fuller sound might lean towards the Glory Yellow, while those looking for a slightly brighter auditory experience paired with a significant bottom-out feel may find the Durock Mamba more appealing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Yellow features an actuation force of 50 grams, indicating a moderately light feel that can facilitate extended typing sessions, making it ideal for users who prefer less resistance while typing or gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unknown, which means we can't directly compare how it feels when fully pressed down. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a more substantial feel upon bottoming out. This higher bottom out force suggests that the Mamba will provide a heavier feel overall, potentially appealing to users who favor a stronger tactile feedback. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow is the better choice, while the Durock Mamba, with its heavier bottom out force, will cater to those seeking a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option preferred by those who enjoy a deeper feel when pressing keys. In contrast, the Durock Mamba linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This shorter distance can lead to faster response times, which is often favored by gamers looking for a more responsive experience. While the Glory Yellow may offer a more substantial and pronounced keystroke, the Mamba's 3.5 mm travel is ideal for users who appreciate quick actuation, even if it feels more abrupt. Ultimately, the Gateron Glory Yellow is the longer switch, whereas the Durock Mamba is the shorter, offering distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences.
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 Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 profile of the Gateron Glory Yellow switch is not explicitly detailed, but it generally tends to produce a sound that aligns with typical linear switches, which is relatively quiet compared to tactile or clicky switches. In contrast, the Durock Mamba switch offers a more dynamic auditory experience, combining a neutral tone with a "thocky" sound. This deep, rich sound when pressed creates a satisfying feedback loop, making it enjoyable for typists who appreciate auditory reinforcement in their keystrokes. Ultimately, while the Glory Yellow may provide a quieter typing experience, the Mamba excels in delivering a pronounced sound that enhances typing satisfaction.
When it comes to the tactile feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch emphasizes a smooth keystroke and a pleasing travel distance, providing an enjoyable typing experience; however, specifics on its tactile feedback are not provided. In contrast, the Durock Mamba switch is characterized by its mild feedback and polished feel, resulting in a gentler typing experience. The combination of a smooth finish and a careful design gives the Mamba a refined touch, while the Glory Yellow appears to focus on a more straightforward linear action. Both switches offer a pleasurable typing experience, but the Mamba leans towards a more nuanced sensation, catering to those who value a gentle touch.
In conclusion, if you are considering the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Durock Mamba switches, both will provide satisfying results, but they do have distinct qualities. The Glory Yellow might appeal to those who prefer a simpler, quieter switch, while the Mamba shines with its rich sound and a gently refined tactile feel, making it suitable for users seeking a more engaging typing experience. Your choice will ultimately depend on your specific preferences for sound and feel, but either way, you'll be in for a pleasurable typing journey with these exceptional linear switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Durock Mamba linear switches, consider your personal preferences in typing experience and sound. If you’re seeking a smooth keystroke that provides an enjoyable typing experience and you appreciate a lighter touch, the Glory Yellow might be the right choice for you. This switch is great for those who enjoy a more effortless typing motion and prioritize speed and agility in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust feel with a medium bottom-out force, the Durock Mamba is an excellent option, offering a polished and mild typing experience along with a satisfying thocky sound profile. This makes it suitable for both typing and gaming, providing a rich auditory feedback that may enhance your overall experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you lean towards a more fluid and lightweight option or a more substantial and tactile switch that boosts both auditory and haptic feedback.
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