Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and intended use, and two popular options are the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Cherry MX Speed Silver. The Glory Yellow switch is known for its heavier actuation and smooth keystroke, providing a satisfying travel distance that many typists find enjoyable. This switch delivers a balanced feel, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a comfortable typing experience while tackling long writing sessions. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver excels in rapid response, making it a favorite among gamers who thrive on speed. With its low spring resistance and full-height design, this switch triggers instantly, allowing for lightning-fast actions in high-stakes gameplay. The Speed Silver's textured and thocky nature adds to its appeal, contributing to a more tactile feel during use. Ultimately, the choice between these two linear switches hinges on whether you prioritize typing comfort or gaming responsiveness. 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
3.40 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches, both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This similarity in materials leads to comparable acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. Both switches benefit from nylon's inherent qualities, which include a softer feel and sound dampening properties. As a result, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound when typing on either switch, owing to nylon's capacity to absorb sound waves effectively. This absorption results in a muted, rounder auditory experience, enhancing the overall typing comfort and reducing potentially jarring noises associated with harder plastics.
However, even though both switches feature nylon in their construction, the interaction between the top and bottom housings can create subtle differences in feel and acoustics. With both the Glory Yellow and MX Speed Silver utilizing nylon, the bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out sound while the top housing affects the sound produced upon releasing a key. These dynamics lead to a rich and satisfying acoustic feedback regardless of the specific switch type. Users might feel similar comfort levels while typing, but they may notice distinct characteristics during the actuation and release phases depending on the switches' designs and internal mechanisms.
In conclusion, the shared use of nylon in both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches lends them an acoustic and tactile similarity that many typists appreciate. Despite this commonality, the nuances in design may result in some experiential differences between the two switches. While both provide a muted and enjoyable sound profile thanks to their nylon housings, the overall feel and response can vary, enhancing the typist's experience based on personal preference. Therefore, users looking for a satisfying typing sensation with deep sound profiles will find value in either switch, with the ultimate choice coming down to the subtle differences inherent in their specific designs.
Weight
Comparing the actuation forces of the Gateron Glory Yellow and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches reveals a distinction in their overall weight. The Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it heavier compared to the Cherry MX Speed Silver, which features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This difference may influence user preference, as those who favor a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions might gravitate toward the MX Speed Silver. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, leaving some ambiguity regarding the total pressure needed to bottom out, but this also means we can't draw a comparison between their bottom out characteristics. Thus, while both switches present unique attributes, the Gateron Glory Yellow offers a heavier actuation experience, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver is lighter and could be more suitable for users seeking a faster response with less fatigue during prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, there is a notable difference that can impact user experience. The Gateron Glory Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option that provides a deeper keystroke. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is advantageous for users seeking quick response times, particularly gamers who benefit from faster actuation. While both switches provide linear feedback, the longer travel distance of the Glory Yellow may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke, whereas the Speed Silver caters to those who appreciate a more abrupt and responsive feel. Therefore, if responsiveness is a priority, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, while the Gateron Glory Yellow is preferable for users who enjoy a fuller typing experience.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 comparing the sound profile of the Gateron Glory Yellow and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches, it's important to note that the Glory Yellow's acoustic qualities remain unspecified. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver is characterized by a thocky sound, producing a deep and rich tone with each keystroke, which is further complemented by its low-pitched nature. This results in a satisfying auditory feedback that many users find enjoyable, especially in gaming scenarios where sound can enhance the experience. It’s essential to remember that the overall sound of a switch can vary based on the keyboard and keycap materials used, which may further influence user preference.
In terms of tactile feel, details about the Glory Yellow’s texture are again not provided. However, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is noted for its textured sensation, which can introduce a degree of friction during typing. This textured feel may appeal to users who prefer a bit of resistance in their strokes, allowing for distinct feedback with each press. In contrast, if the Glory Yellow provides a smoother keystroke experience, this would cater to those who favor a less tactile and more fluid typing experience. Thus, the feel of these switches may cater to vastly different preferences among users.
In conclusion, the Gateron Glory Yellow and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches present unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. While the sound profile of the Glory Yellow is not defined, the MX Speed Silver's appealing thocky sound enriches the gaming experience with its low-pitched traits. On the feel front, the unspecified characteristics of the Glory Yellow may offer a smoother typing experience, contrasting with the textured feedback of the MX Speed Silver. Ultimately, both switches can serve specific niches within the mechanical keyboard community, and your choice may depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of factors based on your individual typing and gaming needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switches, your preferences and primary usage scenarios will guide your choice. If you prioritize a smooth keystroke with a more pronounced travel distance that offers a satisfying typing experience, the Gateron Glory Yellow may be the better option for you. This switch is ideal if you enjoy casual typing and want to indulge in a switch that provides a pleasant tactile sensation without the need for speed-focused performance. Conversely, if you are a competitive gamer who values rapid response times and minimal resistance to achieve quick key presses, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is your go-to choice. Its low spring resistance and full-height design make it perfect for those fast-paced moments where every millisecond counts. Additionally, if you prefer the deep, thocky sound with a low-pitched tone that the Speed Silver produces, this switch will enhance your gaming experience significantly. Ultimately, understanding your typing style, sound preferences, and how you intend to use your keyboard will help you make the best choice between these two remarkable switches.
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