Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Silver both stand out as compelling linear options, yet they cater to different preferences. The Glory Yellow is recognized for its heavier feel within the Glory lineup, providing a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance that many enthusiasts find enjoyable for both typing and gaming. Its design is tailored for those who appreciate a robust typing experience with a deliberate actuation. On the other hand, while the Outemu Silver may not have a prominent reputation, it emphasizes speed with its light actuation force, appealing to gamers who crave rapid responses and quick key presses. Each switch brings unique advantages; the Glory Yellow can be ideal for users looking for stability and control, while the Outemu Silver is better suited for those prioritizing speed and agility. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Silver, it's evident that their top housings differ significantly in material and sound profile. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound effectively due to its softness. This results in a deeper and fuller auditory experience, making keystrokes feel more substantial and rounded. Conversely, the Outemu Silver employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is a stiffer plastic that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material choice creates a clearer and more resonant sound, emphasizing the higher frequencies when typing. Therefore, using the Gateron Glory Yellow may lead to a more muted sound experience, while the Outemu Silver offers a more pronounced auditory feedback.
The distinction between the bottom housing materials is less pronounced, as both switches utilize nylon for their respective bottom housings. This similarity means that the impact on sound and feel during bottom-out—when the key is pressed down completely—will offer a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches due to the inherent characteristics of nylon. As a result, users will not notice a substantial difference in the sound or feel when bottoming out these switches. However, the combined effect of different top and bottom housing materials will lead to unique typing experiences across the two switches.
Ultimately, the interaction between the different housing materials for the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Silver results in nuanced differences in typing experience. The nylon top housing in the Glory Yellow softens the sound, creating a plush and muted typing session, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silver sharpens the audio feedback for a more vibrant and resonant experience. In terms of bottom housing, both switches exhibit similar properties due to their nylon composition. Thus, while there are distinct differences in the sound profiles contributed by the top housings, the shared bottom housing materials ensure that both switches maintain a level of depth and fullness during activation, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy varied experiences based on their typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch to the Outemu Silver linear switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out characteristics. The Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Outemu Silver requires a lighter 45 grams to register a keystroke. This makes the Glory Yellow slightly heavier and potentially offers a more substantial typing experience, which some users may prefer for better tactile feedback. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unknown, while the Silver switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams. As a result, users looking for a lighter switch will find the Outemu Silver more appealing due to its lower actuation force, which can enable longer typing sessions with less fatigue. Conversely, those who prefer a heftier feel may lean towards the Gateron Glory Yellow for its heavier actuation force. Overall, the key difference lies in the actuation forces, while the bottom out force information for the Glory Yellow remains unspecified.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch have identical travel distances of 4 mm, meaning that the distance each switch travels from the top to the bottom is the same. This results in a consistent keystroke experience for users, as feeling the switch bottom out will be akin across both types. Since their travel distances are equal, users can expect similar performance and feedback when using either switch, allowing for a smooth typing experience without noticeable differences in depth.
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 Silver 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 linear switch is noted for its relatively quiet operation, producing a subtle thock that is pleasing without being overly distracting. This makes it a suitable choice for those who prefer a low-noise environment while typing or gaming. The Outemu Silver linear switch, on the other hand, is not commonly described in detail regarding its acoustic properties; thus, there's limited information available to compare it directly to the Glory Yellow in this aspect. However, both switches can still yield similar sound characteristics depending on the keyboard build and the choice of keycaps used, as these factors greatly influence the overall auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Yellow switch offers a smooth and linear keystroke with a heavier actuation, which many users find satisfying for extended typing sessions or intense gaming. This makes it an appealing option for individuals who enjoy a more substantial tactile presence beneath their fingers. Similarly, while the Outemu Silver does not have much information available regarding its feel, it is expected to deliver a linear experience as well. Without specific feedback, it is difficult to provide a comparative analysis, but those opting for linear switches can anticipate a smooth keystroke action with minimal resistance from either switch.
Overall, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Outemu Silver linear switches cater to users seeking a smooth typing experience. While the Glory Yellow is celebrated for its sound and feel, the Outemu Silver lacks comprehensive descriptions, leaving some qualities unknown. However, with the right keyboard build and keycap options, users can generally achieve satisfying performance from either switch, reinforcing the notion that the subjective experience can often be tailored to individual preferences and setups.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're looking for a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance that enhances your overall typing experience, the Glory Yellow is an excellent option. It's perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a more carefree typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams that provides a bit more resistance, making each keystroke feel more deliberate, the Outemu Silver is likely a better fit for you. This switch may appeal to those who enjoy tactile feedback and a more robust feel while typing. Additionally, consider the sound profile; however, the specific characteristics of each switch are not provided here. Evaluate what matters most to you between a smooth action with lighter resistance or a firmer, more controlled typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths, so assess your priorities and choose accordingly based on your typing style and comfort.