Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Mountain Top both present appealing options, yet cater to different preferences and environments. The Glory Yellow switch is recognized for its heavier feel and smooth keystroke, providing a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience with a preferred travel distance for those who appreciate a more substantial feedback during use. In contrast, the Mountain Top switch is designed with the office in mind, prioritizing discretion with a quietly responsive action that balances a light actuation with a slightly subdued sound signature. This makes it particularly suitable for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. While the Glory Yellow may appeal to those who enjoy a more tactile experience, the Mountain Top caters to professionals seeking a serene typing environment. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Yellow and Gateron Mountain Top switches feature nylon as their housing material, both in the top and bottom. This choice of material means that both switches are likely to produce a comparable auditory profile, characterized by a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softer properties. The inherent qualities of nylon, including its sound absorption capabilities, foster a sound signature that tends to be duller and rounder compared to switches made with harder plastics. As a result, users can expect a similar acoustic experience when typing on both switches, which will likely appeal to those who prioritize auditory feedback during their typing sessions.
Despite both switches employing nylon for their housing, the precise characteristics of each switch can still vary based on factors such as design and internal mechanisms. Since the sound profile associated with nylon is consistent across both switches, typing experience may still differ slightly due to the unique tuning or spring dynamics inherent to each switch's design. However, the overall feeling of typing on either the Glory Yellow or Mountain Top will evoke a soft and pleasant touch, underscored by the acoustic qualities imparted by the nylon material. Thus, while there is a foundational similarity based on the use of nylon, the individual switch design remains a factor for differentiation.
In terms of the practical implications of these materials, the impact of the top and bottom housings on overall performance will be nuanced. With both the Glory Yellow and Mountain Top utilizing nylon throughout, users can expect a satisfying bottoming-out sound and feel that is influenced equally by both housings. The softness of the nylon material ensures that both switches capture and enhance the typist's experience, as the wealth of sound absorption allows for a well-rounded auditory response during both key presses and releases. This unique quality of nylon, coupled with the design specifics, ensures that typing on both switches will yield a pleasant, cohesive experience, reflecting the shared advantages of their housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch features an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This difference indicates that the Mountain Top switch requires less force to register a keystroke, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, especially during extended periods of use. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unavailable, which makes it difficult to draw a direct comparison in that aspect; in contrast, the Mountain Top's bottom out force is documented at 50 grams, reflecting the force needed to press the switch all the way down. Overall, while both switches offer a distinct feel, the Mountain Top is the lighter option, while the Glory Yellow's overall feel is less defined due to the unknown bottom out force.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch reveals a notable difference in their performance. The Glory Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional measurement and offers a fuller keystroke experience, ideal for those who appreciate a deeper feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Mountain Top switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it a more responsive choice that can appeal to gamers looking for quicker actuation times. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Mountain Top's shorter travel distance might be preferable; however, if you enjoy a more substantial keystroke, the Glory Yellow would be the better option. In this case, the Glory Yellow is the longer switch, while the Mountain Top is the shorter one.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch is not specified in the provided information, leaving its acoustic profile open to interpretation. However, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is engineered for discretion, offering a quiet typing experience that is well-suited for office environments. Its neutral sound profile makes it an ideal choice for both beginners and advanced users, ensuring that whether you're at work or home, your typing won't disrupt others around you. The moderate actuation force combined with its subdued sound signature emphasizes its focus on providing a balanced typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Glory Yellow switch is characterized by a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, which likely translates to a seamless typing experience. In contrast, the Mountain Top switch stands out with its bouncy and easy-to-press nature, making it exceptionally comfortable for extended typing sessions. This switch features gentle resistance that caters to a mild and responsive feel, minimizing finger fatigue. The combination of a lively rebound and a subtle typing experience provides a nice tactile feedback that is both engaging and low-impact.
Overall, while the Gateron Glory Yellow and Gateron Mountain Top switches cater to different preferences, they both offer unique advantages. The Glory Yellow emphasizes a smooth typing experience ideal for dedicated typists seeking pleasure in the keystroke, while the Mountain Top prioritizes a quiet and comfortable feel, making it suitable for shared workspaces. Both options ensure a satisfying typing experience, whether you prefer a straightforward keystroke or a more bouncy and gentle response. Whichever switch you opt for, you are likely to find similar results in comfort and performance tailored to your specific typing needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switches, consider your primary typing environment and personal preferences. If you're looking for a switch that offers an exceptionally smooth keystroke and a longer travel distance, the Glory Yellow may be the right choice for you, especially if you enjoy a satisfying typing experience with the potential for quicker actuation. However, if you're primarily working in an office setting or shared workspace and need a quiet yet responsive switch, the Mountain Top is tailored to meet those requirements. Its lighter bottom-out force and discreet sound make it ideal for environments where noise reduction is critical, while still providing a bouncy and enjoyable typing feel. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a more nuanced feedback and travel experience with the Glory Yellow or a subtle, office-friendly experience with the Mountain Top.
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