Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow and Cherry Nixie offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Glory Yellow, the heavier option in the Glory lineup, is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a refined and enjoyable typing experience without unnecessary friction. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie switches are regarded as classics in the keyboard community, delivering a substantial heft and a textured typing experience that many enthusiasts seek. With updated materials and springs from Cherry’s recent MX2A innovations, the Nixie switches provide a blend of traditional keyboard feel with modern enhancements, described by users as “thocky” and satisfying. Each switch has unique advantages, tailored for different user preferences, whether you prioritize smoothness and travel or texture and feedback. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Yellow and Cherry Nixie switches share a notable similarity in their housing materials, both utilizing nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material can be attributed to nylon's favorable acoustic properties, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softness of nylon enables it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This commonality in material not only generates comparable sound profiles across both switches but also ensures that users can enjoy a relatively similar tactile and auditory feedback when typing.
When examining the configuration of both switches, it is important to acknowledge that both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Cherry Nixie utilize nylon consistently throughout both the top and bottom housings. This uniformity suggests that the sound characteristics—dull, rounded, and fuller—will be prevalent during both the act of pressing the key down and releasing it. The impact of the nylon material is felt when the key transitions, as both the bottom housing, which plays a crucial role in bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing, which primarily affects the release sound, contribute equally to the overall performance and auditory feedback experienced by the typist.
While the Glory Yellow and Nixie switches may differ in performance metrics like actuation force and travel distance, the use of the same nylon material for both top and bottom housings results in closely aligned sound profiles. Typists who prioritize auditory comfort and a satisfying tactile response may find both switches appealing due to their shared plastic composition. In essence, the consistent use of nylon across both configurations fosters a similar sound experience, allowing users to enjoy the nuanced feel and sound that come from nylon housing irrespective of the specific switch they choose.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Glory Yellow features a relatively lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions and gaming, as it can reduce finger fatigue. In contrast, the Nixie switch has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams, which offers a more substantial and tactile typing experience for users who prefer that sensation. The bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unknown, while the Nixie has a bottom out force of 80 grams, which further emphasizes its heavier feel. Therefore, while the Glory Yellow may cater to those seeking a lighter touch, the Nixie appeals to users desiring more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. As a result, users can expect similar performance in terms of key travel when using either switch. This parity in travel distance ensures that both switches provide a consistent tactile experience, which can be particularly appealing for those looking for uniformity in their typing or gaming experience. Since both switches are designed with the same travel distance, they will allow for a comparable feel and responsiveness when pressed.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 is often noted as being more subdued compared to other switches in their line, focusing on a smooth and quiet experience that can make it less intrusive in shared environments. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie switches are celebrated for their thocky sound, creating a deep, rich auditory feedback that many enthusiasts find satisfying. This thocky characteristic produces a pronounced "thud" or gentle "knock" when the switch is engaged and released, offering an engaging soundscape that can enhance the overall typing pleasure. It’s important to note that the sound a switch produces can also be significantly influenced by the type of keyboard it is used with and the keycaps chosen.
When considering the feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch is best known for its smoother keystroke and a pleasant travel distance, which promotes a seamless typing experience without interruptions. This switch is engineered for those who appreciate a straightforward linear feel, with less friction during use. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switches bring a more textured typing experience, incorporating noticeable friction that can provide users with tactile feedback. This texture can be appealing to those who enjoy feeling the switch engage distinctly with each keystroke. Therefore, while the Glory Yellow leans towards a smoother experience, the Nixie caters to enthusiasts who appreciate a bit of resistance.
In summary, the Gateron Glory Yellow and Cherry Nixie switches offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Glory Yellow is all about a quiet, smooth keystroke suitable for focused environments, while the Nixie impresses with its appealing thocky sound and textured feedback. Choosing between these switches will ultimately determine the kind of typing experience you desire—whether you prioritize smoothness and quiet operation or seek a rich auditory and tactile engagement. Both switches cater to different preferences, allowing users to select based on the qualities that matter most to them.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Cherry Nixie linear switches, consider your typing preferences and what you value most in a switch. If you lean towards a smooth, enjoyable keystroke with a moderate travel distance, the Glory Yellow might be your ideal choice. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who prioritize a lighter typing experience and enjoy a more fluid feel during long typing sessions or intense gaming. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more substantial tactile experience and a pronounced auditory feedback, the Cherry Nixie switches could be more to your liking. Known for their heavier bottom-out force and thocky sound profile, these switches provide a deeply satisfying typing experience with textured feedback that many enthusiasts cherish. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you prefer the smooth responsiveness of the Glory Yellow or the classic, textured heft of the Nixie.
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