Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it’s essential to evaluate the characteristics that best suit your typing style and preferences. The Gateron Glory Yellow switch is a linear switch, known for its smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who value speed and responsiveness without tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is a tactile switch that enriches the typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound while maintaining a quieter profile, thanks to its factory lubrication and muted acoustic design. Its punchy tactile bump offers a gratifying feedback that many find enjoyable for both typing and casual use. While the Glory Yellow appeals to those seeking seamless keystrokes, the Silent Yellow Jade caters to users who appreciate tactile feedback and quieter operation. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Yellow and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade share a striking similarity in their housing materials, as both use nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material is a common trait among premium switches and is celebrated for its ability to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its relatively softer nature compared to harder plastics, nylon tends to absorb sound, producing a duller and rounded auditory experience. Consequently, users of both switches are likely to enjoy a comparable typing sound, marked by its muted and warm characteristics, thanks to the inherent qualities of the nylon used in each housing.
Though the housing materials are the same, the housing design may influence the overall sound profile subtly. Each switch's bottom housing impacts the feel and sound during the bottom-out stage, while the top housing affects the acoustic signature released when the key is released. In scenarios where one switch may utilize slightly different tolerances or configurations, players might perceive nuanced differences in typing experience and feedback. However, since both switches utilize nylon, the overall sound quality remains consistent, and users can expect a solid acoustic foundation regardless of which switch they choose.
Ultimately, the Gateron Glory Yellow and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade leverage the benefits of nylon to optimize the user experience, emphasizing sound dampening and a pleasant tactile experience. With both switches employing the same housing material in their construction, players should anticipate similar auditory and tactile results. As a result, those considering either option won't be at a disadvantage, as the qualities that contribute to a satisfying typing experience are prevalent in both switches, ensuring a fulfilling performance tailored to personal preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, both switches exhibit the same actuation force of 50 grams, meaning they require an equal amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This offers users a similar initial resistance when pressing the keys, making both switches suitable for those who prefer a lighter force for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly; while the Gateron Glory Yellow's bottom out force is unknown, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is categorized as medium-heavy. This indicates that the Silent Yellow Jade switch requires more force to fully engage than the Glory Yellow, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who favor heavier switches. As a result, for users looking for a lighter feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow may be more appealing, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade would be a better choice for those who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, a notable difference emerges. The Gateron Glory Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that users of the Glory Yellow can expect a more traditional and deeper keypress experience, which may be preferable for those who like a substantial feel and depth in their typing. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade, with its 3.3 mm travel distance, offers a more responsive feel that could appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation and faster response times. Overall, if you value a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes, the Glory Yellow is the better choice, while those who prefer a snappier, more immediate feel may find satisfaction with the shorter-travel Silent Yellow Jade.
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 Silent Yellow Jade 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch is known for its smooth keystroke, which typically results in a clean and unintrusive sound profile. It is designed for a pleasant typing experience, making it suitable in environments where minimal noise is preferred, though specific descriptors regarding its auditory characteristics are lacking. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch stands out with a unique sound signature, offering both a muted quality and a "thocky" auditory sensation. This combination allows for a satisfying depth and richness, giving typists a gratifying feedback loop while staying quieter than many other switches, reducing the usual clatter of mechanical keyboards.
Regarding feel, the Glory Yellow switch provides a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, promising a seamless typing experience that's enjoyable over extended periods. However, details about its tactile feedback or resistance characteristics are unspecified. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switch features a sharp tactile bump that is distinctly felt with each keypress, ensuring high feedback intensity that allows the typist to confidently register their strokes. This tactile response enhances the overall typing experience, especially for users who appreciate a more pronounced interaction with their keys.
In conclusion, the Gateron Glory Yellow and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches cater to different user preferences in terms of sound and tactile feedback. The Glory Yellow is smooth and quieter but lacks specific sound characterization, while the Silent Yellow Jade combines a muted yet satisfying "thocky" sound with pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, if you're seeking a quieter typing experience while also enjoying a tactile sensation, the Silent Yellow Jade may serve you better. Conversely, if you're drawn to a fluid typing motion, the Glory Yellow might be more aligned with your needs. Each switch has its strengths, and your choice will depend on what qualities you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch hinges on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you seek a smooth keystroke with a pleasant travel distance and prefer a quieter experience without auditory feedback, the Glory Yellow is an excellent option. This switch caters well to those who enjoy a linear feel and might benefit from a seamless typing experience—ideal for coding or prolonged typing sessions where you want to maintain flow without interruptions. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and want a satisfying sound profile that balances being quiet with a distinct "thock", then the Silent Yellow Jade is the way to go. Its medium-heavy resistance makes it suitable for users who enjoy a bit of heft in their keystrokes, and the sharp tactile bump ensures you feel each actuation, ideal for gaming or typing tasks where precision is crucial. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prefer a gentle linear feel or a tactile response, alongside considerations about noise levels in your workspace.
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