Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow and Outemu Purple stand out as popular options catering to different typing preferences. The Glory Yellow, a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, providing a satisfying and uninterrupted typing experience, which makes it ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a more fluid action. In contrast, the Outemu Purple, classified as a tactile switch, offers a distinct bump at the actuation point, catering to those who enjoy tactile feedback during their typing sessions. This feature can enhance accuracy and typing satisfaction, especially for users who appreciate the sensation of each keystroke. While the Glory Yellow may appeal to individuals seeking efficiency and speed in their typing or gaming endeavors, the Outemu Purple can be the right choice for those who desire a more engaged, tactile feedback experience. 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
2.00 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 Purple switches, notable differences arise in the choice of top housing materials. The Gateron Glory Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This attribute allows nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the Outemu Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The clear nature of polycarbonate enhances its aesthetic appeal, making it an excellent choice for RGB lighting setups due to its translucency. Thus, while both switches can deliver unique sound characteristics, the differing materials create contrasting auditory effects during the typing experience.
Examining the bottom housing reveals a similarity between the two switches. Both the Glory Yellow and the Outemu Purple employ nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a shared characteristic that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This continuity in material means that users can expect similar sound absorption properties and typing sensations when bottoming out on either switch. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a rounded sound profile, emphasizing a smooth, pleasant tactile feedback that users can appreciate regardless of the switch type. This consistency ensures that while the top housing diverges significantly in performance and sound quality, the bottom housing maintains a common ground for both options.
Ultimately, the distinct materials used in the top housings of the Gateron Glory Yellow and Outemu Purple shifts the emphasis of their sound profiles. The nylon top of the Glory Yellow tends to create an overall softer, more muted sound, while the polycarbonate top of the Outemu Purple results in a clearer and more resonant sound. However, with both switches featuring nylon at the bottom, users will find a familiar experience when bottoming out and releasing the keys. This structural difference underscores how the combined effects of the top and bottom housings culminate in a nuanced typing experience, where the choice of top material significantly influences the switch's tonal qualities.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, both have the same actuation force of 50 grams, indicating that they require an equal amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, since the bottom out forces for both switches are listed as unavailable, we cannot make a definitive comparison regarding how they feel when pressed all the way down. Given that their actuation forces are identical, users seeking a typing experience that balances between comfort and effort will likely find both options comparable in terms of initial keystroke activation. The Glory Yellow, being a linear switch, is expected to provide a smoother experience without tactile feedback, while the Purple’s tactile nature may appeal to those who prefer a noticeable bump during typing. In terms of weight, both switches classify as having the same actuation force, so neither can be declared lighter or heavier purely based on that metric. Ultimately, individual preferences will dictate which switch best suits a typist’s or gamer's needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, which means that they offer the same keypress depth when pressed down. Since their travel distances are identical, users can expect similar results in terms of keystroke engagement and feedback, providing a consistent typing experience regardless of the switch chosen. Therefore, in this comparison, there is no shorter or longer travel distance between the two switches, as they both operate at the same measurement of travel.
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 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 sound characteristics of the Gateron Glory Yellow switch are typically subdued and quiet, providing a more muted acoustic profile that is great for less disruptive typing experiences in shared environments. This switch allows for smoother, less pronounced keystrokes, making it an ideal option for those who prefer a keyboard that won’t attract too much attention. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch is known for a more pronounced click sound that gives auditory feedback and creates a more engaging typing experience. The distinct sound of the Purple switch can be satisfying for users who enjoy auditory confirmation of their key presses, especially in a tactile typing rhythm.
In terms of feel, the Glory Yellow switch is celebrated for its smooth linear action, providing a seamless keystroke from top to bottom without any tactile bump. This can be advantageous for those who favor rapid, uninterrupted typing and gaming, allowing for swift actuation without resistance. Conversely, the Outemu Purple switch features a tactile bump that provides a noticeable resistance point during key presses, offering users a clear differentiation between the actuation point and the bottom-out position. This tactile feedback can enhance precision for typists who appreciate the confirmation of each keystroke, making it a popular choice for more deliberate typing.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Outemu Purple switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Glory Yellow excels in offering a quiet, smooth typing experience, best suited for those who prioritize silence and fluidity in their keystrokes. Meanwhile, the Outemu Purple stands out for its tactile feedback and distinctive click sound, appealing to those who enjoy a more defined and auditory typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer linear smoothness or tactile engagement in your keyboard use.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, your choice should hinge on your typing preferences and intended use case. If you prioritize a smooth keystroke and a pleasing travel distance that provides an enjoyable typing experience, the Gateron Glory Yellow is an excellent option, especially for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks where quick actuation and fluidity are essential. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback that allows you to feel each keypress and enjoy a little resistance as you type, then the Outemu Purple would be more suitable. It’s particularly beneficial if you're doing more traditional typing or tasks where the tactile response can help improve accuracy and reduce mistakes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on whether you value smoothness or tactile feedback in your keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
