Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between various options that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Glory Yellow switches stand out in this category as a linear switch, renowned for their smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, offering a more immersive typing experience suitable for gamers and typists alike who appreciate a consistent feel without any tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switches are the epitome of subtlety, characterized by their light typing experience and gentle tactile feedback, making them particularly favored by those who enjoy a balance between gaming and typing with minimal noise disruption. While the Glory Yellow provides a vibrant and dynamic feel, the MX Brown emphasizes a more nuanced approach, striking a balance between feedback and quiet operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide which switch is the ideal choice for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Cherry MX Brown switches, it's important to note that both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This similarity in materials hints at relatively comparable acoustic and tactile characteristics. Since both switches employ nylon, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile from either switch. The softer nature of nylon lends itself to sound absorption, leading to a rounder and duller auditory experience when typing. This acoustic quality is particularly beneficial for those who prefer a quieter typing environment, as it minimizes the sharpness often heard with harder plastic switch housings.
While both the Glory Yellow and Cherry MX Brown switches share identical housing materials, the experience when pressing the keys could differ due to their internal mechanisms and actuation points. The nylon housing affects the sound profile significantly, with the bottom housing contributing to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the noise produced when releasing a key. Thus, while both switches provide a similar tactile experience due to the materials used, their performance characteristics may diverge based on distinct design elements not tied to the housing alone.
In conclusion, the sound absorption properties of nylon in both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Cherry MX Brown switches ensure that users will enjoy a comparable acoustic experience, characterized by that deeper and fuller sound. However, one should consider that the nuances in feel and sound may be influenced by other aspects of the switches, such as the type of actuation and spring mechanism they employ. Thus, while the housing materials lay a common foundation for sound quality, individual preferences may ultimately sway a user toward one switch over the other based on overall feel and experience, rather than just the composition of the housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, we find that the Glory Yellow has a slightly heavier actuation force at 50 grams compared to the MX Brown's 45 grams. This makes the Gateron switch feel a bit firmer under the fingers, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unknown, while the MX Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while the Gateron switch might require a little more force to start a keystroke, the specific resistance felt when bottoming out is not available for comparison. Generally, the Cherry MX Brown's lighter actuation force and defined bottom out force may appeal more to those who favor a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended use, whereas the Glory Yellow could cater to those who enjoy a firmer feel with less clarity regarding bottoming out.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch both share the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience a similar amount of key travel when pressing down on either switch. This equal travel distance ensures that both switches provide a comparable tactile feedback sensation, allowing for consistent performance while typing or gaming. Because of their identical travel distances, users looking for a seamless transition between these two switch types will find that they can achieve similar results in terms of keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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
The sound profile of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch remains unspecified, but this type of switch typically offers a more subdued auditory experience compared to tactile switches, suggesting a quieter operation. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is characterized by its bassy and low-pitched sound, providing a richer and deeper audio feedback upon key presses. The auditory experience with the MX Brown offers a more engaging sound signature, making it appealing for those who appreciate auditory cues while typing or gaming.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Yellow switch is known for its smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, which emphasizes a clean and uninterrupted typing experience. This advantage can appeal to users who prefer a seamless action without tactile bumps. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switch features a textured feel with gentle tactility, adding a slight friction that some typists enjoy as a physical confirmation with each actuation. While the Glory Yellow targets a smooth operation, the chaotic blend of textures in the MX Brown caters to those who value feedback in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Gateron Glory Yellow emphasizes a smooth and quieter experience, the Cherry MX Brown delivers a tactile and bassier sound profile, making it more engaging. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether a user prioritizes a smoother linear feel and muted sound or a tactile feedback with a richer auditory experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow and Cherry MX Brown switches significantly depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize a smooth keystroke and a lighter touch, perhaps for gaming or fast typing where you demand responsiveness without the need for tactile feedback, the Gateron Glory Yellow with its enjoyable travel distance will be an excellent option. These switches provide a seamless experience, ideal for those who want to glide through their key presses without interruption. Conversely, if you appreciate the subtle, tactile sensations of a switch while you type, the Cherry MX Brown is the way to go. The tactile bump and minimal audio feedback of the MX Brown offer a satisfying experience that can enhance your typing speed and accuracy, making it well-suited for prolonged writing sessions or office work. In summary, choose the Gateron Glory Yellow for smoothness and speed, and the Cherry MX Brown for a balanced tactile feedback experience.
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