Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing experience, with each option catering to different preferences and needs. The Gateron Glory Yellow switches stand out as a linear option, providing a smooth keystroke and a pleasing travel distance, making them a favorite for users who seek a consistent and uninterrupted typing feel. Their heavier profile within the Glory lineup ensures a robust and satisfying engaging experience. In contrast, the BSUN Olive switches offer a tactile experience, characterized by their pronounced feedback and resonant sound, thanks to their all-POM housings and unique long pole stem design. This results in a satisfying auditory experience coupled with a crisp bottom-out, appealing to those who relish a more dynamic and engaging type feel. While the Glory Yellow emphasizes smoothness and fluidity, the Olive focuses on tactile feedback and sound. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Bsun Olive switches, we observe distinct yet comparable sound profiles attributable to their construction. The Glory Yellow utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. This material is revered for its softness, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Bsun Olive incorporates POM for its top and bottom housings, a material known for creating unique and muted sounds. While both nylon and POM are sturdy options for switch construction, their acoustic properties diverge; nylon absorbs sound effectively, leading to a more rounded sound, while POM produces a deeper tone with a distinct character.
Although the housing materials differ between the Glory Yellow and the Olive, the resulting sound profiles share some similarities due to the inherent qualities of each material. Both switches are designed to deliver a deeper sound experience while typing, albeit through slightly different means. The softer nature of nylon in the Glory Yellow enhances sound absorption, yielding a fuller auditory experience. On the other hand, the POM material in the Olive offers a unique sound that is more muted, yet still appealing. This shared focus on creating a satisfying typing sound allows users to enjoy rich acoustic feedback with both switches, despite the difference in housing materials.
Lastly, while the individual characteristics of nylon and POM contribute to distinct experiences in sound and feel across switches, their differences can also complement each other in hybrid switch designs. In the case of the Glory Yellow and Olive, users can expect that each housing contributes differently to the overall sound profile: nylon will create a more muted expression when releasing the key, and POM will add its own unique layer of depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference for sound and tactile feedback, but with both materials contributing to deeper auditory experiences, the result is consistently enjoyable for typists.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, the Glory Yellow requires a slightly heavier actuation force at 50 grams compared to the 45 grams needed for the Olive switch. This difference makes the Gateron Glory Yellow the heavier option, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, the lack of a defined bottom out force for the Glory Yellow leaves its full characteristics somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the Bsun Olive has a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorized as medium-heavy, indicating that users will experience a firmer feel when pressing all the way down. For those who favor a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Olive might be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. In summary, the Gateron Glory Yellow offers a heavier actuation and an unknown bottom out force, while the Bsun Olive provides a lighter actuation force with a confirmed heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Glory Yellow boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Olive offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Glory Yellow provides a more substantial depth during key presses, catering to those who appreciate a hearty feel and a traditional typing experience. Conversely, the Olive's shorter 3.4 mm travel distance aligns with the preferences of gamers and users seeking quicker responsiveness in their keyboard. As such, those who prioritize swift key activations may find the Olive switch more appealing, while individuals who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback might prefer the Glory Yellow. Thus, the two switches serve different user needs based on their distinct travel distances.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 switch remains unspecified, leaving room for personal interpretation based on the keyboard build and environment. However, the Bsun Olive switch is noted for its resonant and deep auditory quality, thanks to its all-POM housing. This design choice gives the Olive a distinct character, producing a rich sound that can create an immersive typing experience. Since the sound can be influenced by the choice of board and keycaps, users can enhance or modify the auditory experience of the Glory Yellow switch through similar means; however, the Olive’s inherent qualities may give it an edge in terms of depth and resonance.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Yellow switch boasts a smooth keystroke paired with a satisfying travel distance, creating a pleasant typing experience characterized by an ease of motion. Meanwhile, the Bsun Olive switch is recognized for its pronounced tactile feedback and various engaging qualities such as being medium-weight, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. This combination results in a more textured and dynamic typing sensation with a clear tactile bump that registers distinctly during use. The Glory Yellow offers a more linear experience, whereas the Olive engages the typist on a different level, immersing them in a more tactile journey.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch provides a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, the Bsun Olive tactile switch stands out with its deep sound and pronounced tactile feedback. Users who prioritize a tranquil typing experience may prefer the Glory Yellow, whereas those drawn to a tactile and resonant feel might find the Olive more satisfying. Both switches present unique qualities, ultimately catering to different preferences, and while specific sound characteristics vary, the typing feel differentiates them significantly.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke and enjoy a linear switch that provides a consistent feel without tactile bumps, then the Glory Yellow will be your go-to. It's ideal if you prefer typing or gaming that requires swift and fluid motions as there are no interruptions in the keypress. On the flip side, if you seek a switch that delivers a tangible tactile feedback along with an auditory experience, the Olive switch would be more suitable. Its medium-heavy actuation force and pronounced tactile bump make it a great choice for those who appreciate a more immersive typing sensation and enjoy the satisfaction of feeling the key actuate. Therefore, for general typing, especially if speed is your priority, go with the Glory Yellow. However, if you enjoy a more engaging experience with distinct feedback, opt for the Bsun Olive. Ultimately, your preference for linear smoothness or tactile responsiveness will dictate your ideal switch choice.
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