Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to achieving the perfect typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches plays a crucial role, and two popular options are the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Crystal Brown. The Glory Yellow is a linear switch known for its smooth keystrokes and pleasingly weighted travel distance, making it particularly appealing for those who prioritize swiftness and fluidity in their keystrokes—perfect for gamers and fast typists alike. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is a tactile option that provides a noticeable bump on actuation, offering valuable feedback that can enhance typing precision and comfort, ideal for those who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience. Choosing between these switches ultimately boils down to personal preference: whether you favor the unencumbered feel of linear switches or the tactile engagement of bump switches. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches, a notable distinction arises in their top housing materials. The Glory Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes to a sound profile that is deeper and fuller. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's relatively softer nature, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The greater stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when a key is released. This divergence in materials leads to significant differences in auditory feedback, illustrating how top housing material choices can dramatically affect the typing experience and sound.
Moving to the bottom housing, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Crystal Brown switch employ nylon. This shared material results in a similar auditory experience when the switch bottoms out, as nylon's properties produce a deeper and rounder sound. Since the bottom housing significantly influences how a switch feels and sounds at the point of actuation, both switches will deliver a consistent response in this regard. Even though the top housings differ, the nylon bottom in both switches creates a cohesive tactile experience, allowing users the enjoyment of a satisfying audible response that remains uniform across both models.
Consequently, the contrasting materials in the top housing lead to different sound profiles during releases, while the common use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a similar experience when bottoming out. This means that while users might enjoy the plush, muffled response of the Glory Yellow during active typing, they can expect the Crystal Brown to deliver a brighter sound when releasing keys due to its polycarbonate top. Overall, the combination of different top housing materials coupled with a shared bottom material highlights how designers manipulate housing choices to customize auditory experiences in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to distinct preferences among users. The Glory Yellow switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Crystal Brown features a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unavailable, whereas the Crystal Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, classified as medium-light. This means that the Crystal Brown switch provides a more substantial feeling when pressed all the way down, which some users prefer for a heavier typing experience. Consequently, while both switches can result in a comfortable typing experience, those who favor a lighter touch might lean toward the Crystal Brown, whereas those who appreciate a firmer feedback may find the Glory Yellow switch appealing — despite its less defined bottom out force. Overall, the Crystal Brown switch's lighter actuation and defined bottom out force offer a different typing sensation compared to the Gateron Glory Yellow's currently unspecified metrics.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch both feature the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience a similar distance when pressing down on the keys. This equal travel distance allows for comparable performance in terms of key feel and response, allowing typists and gamers to enjoy a consistent experience regardless of the switch they choose. Consequently, both switches can be seen as providing the same level of travel, appealing to those who prioritize uniformity in their keyboard 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 Outemu Crystal Brown 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
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch produces a sound that is generally quiet, allowing for a more discreet typing experience. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise might be disruptive. The Outemu Crystal Brown, being a tactile switch, emits a more pronounced sound due to its tactile bump, which gives users audible feedback upon actuation. This characteristic can enhance the typing experience for some, as the sound can serve as a satisfying indicator of successful key presses. However, it's important to note that the overall sound profile can vary based on the keyboard build and the keycaps used, leading to different auditory experiences even with the same switch.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Yellow switch provides a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback, which is a hallmark of linear switches. This characteristics allows for effortless key presses, making it ideal for fast typing or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown features a tactile bump that provides a noticeable resistance at the actuation point, offering a more engaging feeling while typing. This tactile feedback can aid typists in accurately gauging their keystrokes, which many users find enhances their overall typing experience, especially for those who appreciate a more traditional feel in their switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron Glory Yellow and Outemu Crystal Brown switches each cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Glory Yellow's quiet operation and smooth keystroke make it perfect for users who favor a seamless and silent experience. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown’s tactile feedback and audible clicks provide a more interactive and classic typing sensation. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a linear and quiet feel or a tactile and responsive experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, you should consider your primary use case and personal preferences. If you prioritize a smooth keystroke and enjoy a linear switch for gaming or fast-paced typing, the Glory Yellow is your go-to option. Its lack of tactile feedback makes it ideal for those who value fluidity and speed without interruption during your key presses. On the other hand, if you appreciate some tactile feedback while typing, the Crystal Brown is the better choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force gives a satisfying response that can enhance your typing experience, making it suitable for everyday typing and mixed-use scenarios. Moreover, if you’re in a shared environment or sensitive to sound, the characteristics of each switch will also matter; the quieter operation of the Glory Yellow might be more suitable for late-night sessions, while the Crystal Brown’s slight tactile bump provides additional engagement without being overly noise-generating. Ultimately, your decision should align with your typing style, auditory preferences, and whether you favor speed or tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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