Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, gamers and typists often find themselves weighing the options between different types that cater to varying preferences and needs. The Gateron Glory Yellow switch stands out as a linear switch, renowned for its heavier actuation force which provides a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a fluid and uninterrupted typing experience without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switch presents itself as a clicky option, characterized by its distinctive audible click and tactile bump, ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback during keystrokes, enhancing the typing experience with a sensory engagement that can increase typing accuracy. While the Glory Yellow excels in seamless performance, perfect for gaming and long typing sessions, the Milk Blue shifts focus toward a more interactive experience, appealing to those who thrive on auditory cues. 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Milk Blue switches, a marked difference emerges between their respective top housings. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely attributed to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Milk Blue's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This material's rigidity allows for a more resonant and clear audio profile, making the experience of typing on the Milk Blue distinctly different from that of the Glory Yellow. Aesthetically, the translucence of the polycarbonate in the Milk Blue also enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting, which is another notable advantage.
However, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, which presents a shared element in their construction. The construction of both the Glory Yellow and Milk Blue with nylon in the bottom housing means that while they exhibit different sound profiles at the top, they will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile in the bottom-out action thanks to the softer characteristics of nylon. This commonality ensures that regardless of the top housing material, users will experience a similarly muted bottom sound when pressing the keys down. Therefore, while the tactile and auditory experience on the release may vary significantly due to the differing top housings, the bottom-out experience presents a uniformity in sound and feel due to the nylon composition.
In summary, while the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Milk Blue both utilize nylon in their bottom housings, the disparities in their top housings—nylon for Glory Yellow and polycarbonate for Milk Blue—pave the way for distinctly different auditory attributes. The Glory Yellow's nylon top absorbs sound, leading to a more subdued typing sound, while the polycarbonate top of the Milk Blue delivers a crisp, resonant audio character. This design decision results in a typing experience that reflects both unique and shared qualities, appealing to different user preferences based on sound and feel during usage.
Weight
Both the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch share the same actuation force of 50 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to register a keystroke. However, neither switch provides a bottom out force, which makes it difficult to compare how they feel when pressed all the way down. Despite the similar actuation force, the lack of bottom out specifications and the linear versus clicky nature of the switches suggest different typing experiences. The Glory Yellow's linear design allows for a smoother keypress, appealing to those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Milk Blue's clicky feedback offers a more tactile and pronounced experience, which some users may find more satisfying, albeit it is unclear how the bottoming out would feel in comparison. Overall, both switches have the same actuation force, but the Glory Yellow is arguably the lighter choice in terms of feel due to its linear action, making it better suited for those who prefer softer keys.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning they require the same amount of key press distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will experience comparable key feel and responsiveness when pressing these switches, regardless of the distinct characteristics each type offers—linear versus clicky. Therefore, if you are looking for a consistent feel during typing or gaming, you can expect similar performance from both switches due to their equal travel distance.
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 Milk 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 linear switches are known for their relatively quiet operation, producing minimal sound compared to clicky switches, making them more suitable for shared workspaces or environments where noise is a concern. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switches deliver a pronounced audible click with each keystroke, which not only provides satisfying acoustic feedback but also enhances the overall typing experience for those who appreciate a more auditory confirmation of their actions. The distinct sound profile of the Milk Blue switches will likely stand out, particularly in a quieter setting.
In the realm of feel, the Glory Yellow switches offer a smooth, consistent keystroke without any tactile bumps, making them ideal for fast typists or gamers looking for uninterrupted motion. The linear nature means there’s no tactile feedback before bottoming out, which can allow for quicker repetitive key presses. The Milk Blue switches, on the other hand, provide a tactile bump that adds a layer of sensory feedback. This bump, combined with the click, is perfect for typists who enjoy a more engaging experience and helps with accuracy by letting them know when a key is actuated.
In summary, choosing between the Gateron Glory Yellow and Outemu Milk Blue switches depends largely on personal preferences regarding sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter, smoother typing experience, the Glory Yellow switches will likely suit your needs. However, if you enjoy a more pronounced auditory and tactile feedback, the Milk Blue switches will enhance your typing interaction. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities, allowing you to tailor your mechanical keyboard experience to your personal taste.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and how you intend to use your keyboard. If you're seeking a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience, the Glory Yellow is an excellent choice; it's great for long typing sessions, gaming, or general use where you value speed and precision without the distraction of clicks. Its linear profile allows for quick key presses, making it ideal for both typing and gaming scenarios where rapid action is key. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactile feedback and auditory feedback from your keystrokes, the Milk Blue's clicky nature will likely appeal to you. The distinct click sound and feel can enhance your typing experience, making it more satisfying and precise, particularly for typing tasks where you desire to feel each keystroke. Additionally, if you like the nostalgic feel of typewriter-style keys, the Milk Blue may be more to your liking. In the end, consider what you value more in your keyboard experience—smoothness without noise or tactile and audible feedback—and choose accordingly to enhance your typing or gaming experience.
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