Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the contrast between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Gold brings a variety of typing experiences to the table. The Gateron Glory Yellow, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance, catering to users who prefer a quiet and uninterrupted typing experience. Its heavier weight provides stability and reduces the likelihood of accidental key presses, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who enjoy a fluid keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold is a clicky switch that delivers audible feedback with each keystroke, ideal for those who enjoy the tactile sensation and sound that accompanies every press. This clicky response not only adds a layer of engagement to the typing experience but can also help typists feel more connected to their keyboard. Both switches have their unique advantages, appealing to different preferences in typing style 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
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 Gold, a clear distinction can be observed in their top housings. The Glory Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for providing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its relatively soft plastic composition. This softness allows the material to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic experience that many users might find appealing for a more muted typing environment. In contrast, the Outemu Gold features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, crisper sound. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature enhances resonance, particularly accentuating higher-frequency sounds. Thus, typists seeking a louder and more tactile auditory feedback will likely prefer the characteristics of the Outemu Gold's housing.
On the other hand, both switch models share a commonality in their bottom housing material, which is nylon for both the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Gold. This consistency means that when it comes to bottoming out, users will experience a similar deeper, fuller sound profile irrespective of the differences in the top housing. As the nylon material is effective at absorbing sound, the bottoming-out experience remains cohesive across both switches. Therefore, users can expect that both switches will feel similar in terms of bottoming out, contributing to a solid and satisfying tactile feedback regardless of the differing acoustic properties of the top housings.
Ultimately, the overall acoustic performance of these switches will be characterized by a combination of their unique top and bottom housing materials. While the Gateron Glory Yellow's nylon top housing emphasizes a softer and more muted sound, the Outemu Gold's polycarbonate top housing allows for a brighter sound profile. However, due to the nylon bottom housing shared by both switches, users can anticipate a similar experience upon bottom-out, as the qualities of the bottom housing dominate that aspect. This synergy between different materials can help users identify the perfect switch for their personal preference, balancing the sound experience between the top and bottom motions.
Weight
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Yellow features an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Outemu Gold has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Outemu Gold requires a bit less force to register a keystroke, making it a preferable choice for users seeking a lighter feel, especially during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier actuation force of the Glory Yellow may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unspecified, while the Gold switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating that it requires greater force to press all the way down. Consequently, while both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, the Outemu Gold is the lighter option and the Glory Yellow is the heavier option, creating different tactile experiences based on their actuation and bottom out characteristics.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch both possess an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that when pressing down on either key, the distance traveled is the same. This similarity allows for a comparable feel and responsiveness during typing or gaming, making them suitable for users who prefer a consistent key actuation depth. While the Gold switch has a clicky mechanism that produces audible feedback, the Glory Yellow switch provides a smooth linear experience, highlighting the contrast in tactile feedback despite their equal travel distance. Overall, users can expect a similar travel feel from both switches while enjoying different auditory experiences.
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 Gold 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 comparing the sound profile of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch to the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it's clear that they occupy different auditory spaces. The Glory Yellow is generally designed to provide a smooth and quiet typing experience, with minimal sound to distract from the act of typing itself. In contrast, the Gold switch, characterized by its clicky nature, produces a distinct and audible click with each keystroke, which many enthusiasts find satisfying and engaging. Ultimately, the Gold will offer a more pronounced sound signature, while the Glory Yellow keeps things understated, appealing to those who prefer a quieter environment.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow offers a smooth keystroke that is particularly enjoyable thanks to its linear design. This switch allows for effortless key presses without any tactile bumps or interruptions, providing a seamless typing experience ideal for many users. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold, with its clicky mechanism, offers a tactile feedback that is pronounced and engaging. The click sound is often accompanied by a noticeable tactile bump, giving typists a clear indication of actuation. While both switches cater to different preferences, the Glory Yellow emphasizes fluidity, whereas the Gold enhances typist engagement through its tactile and auditory cues.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Outemu Gold switches each have their distinct characteristics that cater to varied typing preferences. The Glory Yellow's smooth and quiet nature provides an unobtrusive typing experience, ideal for those who prioritize minimalism and fluidity. In contrast, the Outemu Gold's clicky feedback can be appealing for users who enjoy auditory and tactile sensations while typing. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you seek a quieter and smoother feel or a more interactive and assertive typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a smooth keystroke and desire a lighter touch for effortless typing, the Gateron Glory Yellow is the better option for you. Its enjoyable travel distance makes it ideal for long typing sessions and allows for quick gaming responses without feeling fatigued. Conversely, if you’re someone who appreciates tactile feedback and a satisfying audible click with each keystroke, the Outemu Gold clicky switch would suit you better. Its medium bottom-out force provides a solid feel, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy that distinct audible and physical response for every keystroke. In the end, consider your typing style, noise tolerance, and the primary uses of your keyboard when deciding which switch will enhance your overall typing experience.
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