Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow and Outemu Blue switches present two distinct options catering to different preferences. The Gateron Glory Yellow, recognized for its smooth keystroke and enjoyable travel distance, is a linear switch that promotes a quieter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prioritize fluidity and comfort during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Blue switch features a tactile bump and a satisfying click sound, appealing to typists who enjoy auditory feedback and a more engaging experience with each keystroke. While the Glory Yellow might attract users seeking a subtle and smooth typing experience, the Outemu Blue is perfect for those who thrive on the distinct sound and feel of a clicky switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Yellow and Outemu Blue switches present distinct sound profiles largely influenced by their housing materials. The Glory Yellow employs a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon’s softer texture. This material absorbs sound more effectively compared to harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder acoustic experience. In stark contrast, the Outemu Blue utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its rigidity, which generates a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This difference not only alters the auditory feedback while typing but also affects user experience; those who prefer a muted, warmer sound will likely gravitate toward the Glory Yellow, while fans of a clearer and crisper typing experience may favor the Outemu Blue.
When it comes to the bottom housing of each switch, both the Glory Yellow and the Blue utilize nylon. This commonality means that, regardless of the differing top materials, users can expect a similar impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Since nylon produces a fuller acoustic result, the bottom housing will significantly influence the overall tactile feedback during a key press. This pairing of a nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that users will experience the same deep sound profile when bottoming out, creating a cohesive tactile experience despite the contrasting top housing materials.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in the Gateron Glory Yellow and Outemu Blue creates a unique dichotomy in user experience. While the nylon bottom housing of both switches results in a similar bottoming-out sound, the distinct top housings lead to divergent auditory profiles when releasing a key. The softer, sound-absorbing qualities of nylon in the Glory Yellow versus the sharper acoustics from the polycarbonate in the Outemu Blue provide users with varied experiences, allowing them to choose a switch based on personal preference for sound and feel.
Weight
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch share the same actuation force of 50 grams, indicating that both switches require an equal amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of actuation. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown, which means we cannot compare how they feel when pressed all the way down. Generally, lighter switches allow for longer typing sessions with less fatigue, making them preferable for users who type extensively or engage in long gaming sessions. In this case, since both switches have the same actuation force, users might experience a similar typing feel, but without knowing the bottom out force, we cannot definitively label one switch as lighter or heavier during the pressing action. Therefore, while they align in actuation force, the overall typing experience may still differ based on unmeasured bottom out values.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This similarity means that users will experience the same vertical movement when pressing down on either switch. Consequently, gamers and typists can expect similar results in terms of key actuation and tactile feedback. The comparable travel distance allows for a consistent typing experience, regardless of the switch's distinct characteristics—linear for the Glory Yellow and clicky for the Blue.
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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 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 features a relatively quiet operation, contributing to an understated typing experience that won’t disturb those around you. This makes it a suitable option for office environments or shared spaces where noise might be an issue. In contrast, the Outemu Blue switch is characterized by its distinct tactile click, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each keypress. This clicky sound can be very appealing for users who enjoy a more engaging typing experience, although it may not be ideal in quieter settings where typing noise could become distracting.
Feeling the key switches reveals notable differences in each's tactile sensation. The Glory Yellow is recognized for its smooth keystroke, with a consistent pressure throughout its travel distance, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions without finger fatigue. Users often appreciate this gliding sensation that allows for faster typing speeds. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch features a tactile bump in its actuation point, which gives a clear indication of key activation. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy and assist users who prefer to feel each keystroke, although it may be less favorable for those who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted press.
In summary, the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch offers a smooth and quiet typing experience, making it a solid choice for those seeking comfort and discretion. Meanwhile, the Outemu Blue clicky switch caters to users who enjoy the auditory and tactile feedback of clicks, which can enhance their typing engagement. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel—if you lean towards silence and smoothness, the Glory Yellow is your best bet, while the Outemu Blue will delight those who crave that satisfying click.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a smooth keystroke that allows for quick and less tiring typing, the Gateron Glory Yellow is your best bet. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a more fluid typing experience, making it ideal for long gaming sessions or extended writing periods where you want minimal resistance and distraction. On the other hand, if you appreciate auditory feedback and a tactile sensation with each keystroke, the Outemu Blue would be the ideal choice. Its clicky nature not only provides satisfying auditory cues but also helps confirm key presses, making it great for typists who enjoy the sound and feel of their keyboard while typing. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you value smoothness and silence in your typing experience or prefer a more pronounced sound and tactile feedback.
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