Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Mars present two distinct options for enthusiasts seeking enhanced typing experiences. The Glory Yellow, known for its heavier feel within the Glory lineup, offers a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance that many users find enjoyable, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more substantial switch for typing and gaming alike. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switches feature an innovative POK stem and a housing crafted from a unique blend of Nylon and POM, providing a distinctive typing feel that some users may find preferable, particularly for prolonged use or lighter touch typing. While both switches are categorized as linear, catering to users who appreciate fluid keypresses without tactile feedback, their differing designs and characteristics give rise to unique typing experiences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Yellow and Gateron Mars switches both feature nylon as the material for their top housing, which creates a common foundation in terms of sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer characteristics, allowing the switches to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This shared top housing contributes to a similar auditory experience when typing; both switches provide a duller and rounder sound due to the material's ability to absorb vibrations. As a result, users can expect a comparable sound quality when pressing the keys, highlighting the advantages of nylon in creating a pleasant tactile feedback.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the two switches diverges significantly, with the Glory Yellow utilizing nylon and the Mars incorporating POM. The choice of POM for the Mars’s bottom housing ushers in a unique sound quality that, while still leaning towards deeper tones, carries a distinct sound that is muted and pleasing in its own right. The Gateron Glory Yellow’s nylon bottom housing, similar to its top, emphasizes consistent sound characteristics by enhancing the overall fullness. This difference in bottom housing material introduces an interesting dynamic to the typing experience. For users, the switch feel and bottom-out sound will vary, as POM typically has a harder texture compared to nylon, thus impacting how each switch feels when pressed down.
When comparing the overall typing experience, the interaction between the differing bottom housings of the Glory Yellow and Mars switches will lead to subtle contrasts in sound and feel. While both switches benefit from nylon at the top, the Glory Yellow’s dual nylon housings may provide a more uniform experience, emphasizing the characteristics of a single material across both key components. In contrast, the Mars aims to create a distinctly different tactile feedback and auditory experience, blending the traits of nylon and POM to cater to users who might appreciate the nuanced differences in sound profile and switch feel. Ultimately, while the similarities in the top housing foster a comparable sound effect, the divergent bottom housings ensure that each switch offers its own unique character.
Weight
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Gateron Mars linear switch is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams. This indicates that the Mars switch may be more suitable for those who prefer a light touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, making it a potentially better choice for users who prioritize comfort over long durations. In contrast, the Glory Yellow, with its heavier actuation force, might appeal to individuals who favor a more pronounced typing experience. Both switches have unspecified bottom out forces, so we cannot compare them directly in that regard. However, since the actuation forces differ, users can expect to feel a noticeable difference in the required pressure to trigger a keystroke between the two, making the Mars lighter and the Glory Yellow heavier in terms of actuation.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mars linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Glory Yellow switch offers more depth when pressed, catering to users who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Mars switch, with its 3.6 mm travel distance, caters to the growing preference for shorter travel distances, making it potentially more appealing for gamers seeking faster response times. For those who enjoy a more tactile experience, the Glory Yellow is the better choice due to its longer travel distance, while the Mars may be favored by users who prefer a snappier, more responsive action. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference for depth versus speed.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch is noted for a relatively quiet operation, allowing for a more subdued typing experience that won't disturb those around you. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars linear switch also tends to produce a soft and muted sound, thanks to its innovative design elements. However, it's important to note that the actual sound profile can be influenced by the keyboard build and keycap material used, so both switches may exhibit slight variations in sound depending on the setup.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Yellow switch is characterized by its smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance, providing a pleasant and consistent typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switch, with its unique POK stem and Nylon-POM housing, is engineered to deliver a distinct feel that may offer a slightly different tactile sensation. Users might find that both switches provide a smooth typing experience, but the specific nuances in their designs could impart subtle differences in how the keystrokes are perceived.
Overall, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Mars linear switches cater to typists looking for smooth performance and a quiet operation. The Glory Yellow excels in providing a more traditional linear switch experience with its responsive feel and sound, while the Mars offers an innovative twist with its unique materials and stem design. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch could lead to a satisfying typing experience, making it possible for newcomers to explore and identify which qualities they value most in their mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Mars linear switches, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance that enhances your overall typing experience, the Glory Yellow may be the better option for you. This switch is known for providing a comfortable feel, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where you want to minimize finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you're intrigued by innovative designs and enjoy a unique tactile experience, the Gateron Mars switches might be more appealing. The combination of a POK stem and a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM suggests a distinctive feel and sound that could enhance your keyboard experience. Ultimately, it comes down to what you value more in a switch—whether it's the smoothness and travel distance of the Glory Yellow or the novel design and potentially unique characteristics of the Mars.
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