Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can significantly impact your typing experience. The Gateron Glory Yellow, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance, making it an excellent option for those who prefer uninterrupted, fluid typing without the tactile feedback found in other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch, classified as a tactile switch, offers a distinct bump during each keystroke, providing tangible feedback that many typists and gamers find rewarding and engaging. The heavier Glory Yellow may appeal to individuals seeking a more robust feel, while the Dustproof Purple is ideal for users who enjoy the sensory confirmation of their key presses. 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
55g
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
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 Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Dustproof Purple, the primary distinction lies in their top housings. The Glory Yellow's top housing is crafted from nylon, a material known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. As nylon is a softer plastic, it effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Dustproof Purple features a top housing made from polycarbonate, which is a stiffer plastic that yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The transparency of polycarbonate not only adds to the switch's aesthetic appeal, especially for those using RGB lighting, but it also enhances the clarity of the sound produced, evidenced by its more resonant quality compared to nylon.
While the top housings of these two switches differ markedly in their materials and resulting sound profiles, their bottom housings provide a point of similarity. Both the Glory Yellow and the Dustproof Purple utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality means that when you engage these switches, the experience of bottoming out—both in sound and feel—will be quite similar. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound regardless of the contrasting top, ensuring that the foundational auditory feedback remains consistent between both switches. As a result, the deep, fuller sound associated with nylon will resonate through the bottom of both switches.
The interplay of materials in these switches significantly influences the overall typing experience. The Gateron Glory Yellow, with its nylon top, predominantly generates a duller sound when keys are released, while the Outemu Dustproof Purple, thanks to its polycarbonate top, offers a more pronounced sound profile upon release. However, both switches benefit from the nylon bottom housing, which anchors their performance together, enhancing the depth and texture of the auditory feedback at the bottom-out point. Thus, while users can expect nuanced differences in sound and feel when pressing the keys down, the characteristics imparted by the bottom housing create a sense of cohesion amid the variety of materials used in their construction.
Weight
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch differ in their actuation forces, with the Glory Yellow requiring 50 grams to actuate, while the Dustproof Purple necessitates a heavier force of 55 grams. This means that the Glory Yellow is the lighter option, potentially offering a more comfortable typing experience for those who prefer to type for extended periods, like during work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Dustproof Purple's tactile feedback and higher actuation force may appeal to users seeking a more substantial keystroke feeling. Regarding bottom out forces, the Dustproof Purple demonstrates a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, while the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unknown. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch that provides a heavier tactile experience when pressed all the way down, the Outemu Dustproof Purple might be the better choice, while the Glory Yellow is likely more suited for those who favor a lighter touch overall.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them identical in this aspect. This means that users pressing down on either switch will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom of the keypress. Therefore, if you are looking for a consistent keypress feel in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results, offering an equal experience in that regard.
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 Dustproof Purple 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 typically provides a quiet and smooth sound profile, which can create a more subdued typing experience. This quietness is ideal for environments where noise might be a concern. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch's sound characteristics are less well-documented, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison. However, tactile switches often produce a slightly audible click or bump when activated, but this specific switch's sound details remain unclear. Ultimately, the sound output of both switches can be influenced by factors such as the type of keyboard used and the keycap material, so users seeking a particular auditory experience may want to experiment with different setups.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Yellow switch is celebrated for its smooth keystroke, providing a satisfying and consistent experience throughout the key's travel. This makes it a favorite for typists who prefer an uninterrupted feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch is known for its tactile feedback, typically giving users a noticeable bump at the actuation point. This tactile response can enhance typing precision for those who appreciate a bit of feedback to guide their fingers, contributing to a more engaging typing experience.
In summary, the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch excels in providing a smooth and quiet typing experience, while the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch offers tactile feedback that many find satisfying. While sound characteristics of the Dustproof Purple may not be clearly defined, the feel of each switch caters to different user preferences. When selecting between these two options, it ultimately depends on your personal typing style—whether you lean towards a smooth and quiet input or one that provides tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke and prefer a lighter touch, the Glory Yellow would be ideal for you. This switch is well-suited for gaming or extensive typing sessions where speed and fluidity are paramount, as it offers a pleasant travel distance that enhances the overall experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback while typing, the Dustproof Purple may be more your speed. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force provides a satisfying resistance that can help you feel each key press, making it a great option for those who enjoy a more deliberate typing style. Additionally, if you are concerned about dust and longevity in your keyboard, this switch is designed with that in mind. Thus, consider what aspects you prioritize—whether it's the light, smooth action of the Glory Yellow or the tactile sensation of the Dustproof Purple—because both have their unique advantages depending on how you intend to use them.