Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Outemu Tom

Overview

When exploring the vast world of mechanical keyboard switches, two contenders stand out: the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Tom. The Gateron Glory Yellow is a linear switch, renowned for its smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, making it an ideal choice for typists and gamers who value speed and fluidity in their typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Tom is a tactile switch, providing a noticeable bump at the actuation point, which can enhance typing accuracy and offer satisfying feedback for those who prefer a more tactile feel. Choosing the Glory Yellow may appeal to users seeking swift and uninterrupted keystrokes, while the Tom may be the go-to for those who enjoy a more engaged typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

Outemu Tom Tactile

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and Outemu Tom switches, significant differences emerge primarily in their top housing materials. The Glory Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely attributed to nylon’s softer plastic characteristics, allowing it to absorb sound rather than amplify it. In contrast, the Outemu Tom features a polycarbonate top housing that generates a sharper and crisper sound. Polycarbonate, known for its rigidity, enhances the clarity and resonance of sounds produced during typing. The aesthetic distinction is also notable; the translucent nature of polycarbonate facilitates RGB lighting effects, while the opaque nylon maintains a more classic appearance.

The bottom housings of both switches, however, are aligned in their use of nylon material. This commonality ensures that both switches will produce similarly deep and rounded auditory experiences when the key is bottomed out. As nylon is able to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, it results in a consistent acoustic profile for both switches during this critical phase of key activation. Thus, while the top housing materials yield different sound characteristics upon release, the shared nylon bottom housing helps anchor both switches with a familiar sonic consistency when pressed down.

Ultimately, the impact of the differing top and similar bottom housings in the Gateron Glory Yellow and Outemu Tom leads to a nuanced typing experience. The deeper, fuller sound from the Glory Yellow’s nylon top contrasts sharply with the crisper sounds of the Tom’s polycarbonate top, showcasing how each material influences key release. Meanwhile, the reservation of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both switches retain the same robust sound when keys are fully pressed. Users may enjoy different auditory sensations depending on their preference for key release and bottoming out, signifying that while the switches are distinct, there remains a thread of similarity in their overall acoustic performance.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, the actuation forces differ slightly, with the Glory Yellow requiring 50 grams of force to actuate, while the Tom requires a heavier 55 grams. This means that the Glory Yellow is the lighter option, which could be preferable for users seeking a switch that facilitates longer typing sessions or intense gaming without as much finger fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Tom provides a stronger push feel, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience while typing. Unfortunately, both switches have their bottom out forces listed as unavailable, making it difficult to assess how they compare in terms of the force required to bottom out. However, given that the actuation forces differ, users can expect a slightly different feel between the two switches, with the Gateron Glory Yellow being lighter and more suited for prolonged use, while the Outemu Tom may cater to those who favor a heavier keystroke.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, the Glory Yellow stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Tom has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that provides a deeper feel and more substantial feedback during typing, the Gateron Glory Yellow is the better option, as its longer distance offers a more traditional experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom, with its shorter 3.3 mm travel distance, caters to those who may prefer quicker response times, making it more suitable for fast-paced gaming. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding depth versus responsiveness, with the Gateron Glory Yellow providing a more hearty depth and the Outemu Tom delivering a quicker, more abrupt feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch produces a quiet operation, characterized by its smooth keystrokes that enhance the overall typing experience. The lack of a tactile bump means that it doesn't have any distinct sound that could disrupt concentration, making it suitable for environments where stealth is preferred. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch typically generates a noticeable sound upon actuation, thanks to its tactile feedback mechanism. However, much like the Glory Yellow, the sound profile can vary based on the keyboard build and choice of keycaps, so these characteristics are not entirely fixed.

When considering the feel of each switch, the Glory Yellow offers a smooth and consistent keystroke throughout the entire travel distance, providing a satisfying experience for users who prefer uninterrupted movement when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Tom switch delivers a distinctive tactile bump that signals actuation, which can help typists feel exactly when they’ve registered a keypress. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy for those who appreciate a bit of resistance and feedback during their keystrokes.

In conclusion, while both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Outemu Tom switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they each have qualities that can benefit various types of users. If you prefer a smoother and quieter experience, the Glory Yellow excels, while the tactile response of the Tom switch may appeal to those seeking more pronounced feedback when typing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences and gaming or typing requirements, allowing you to achieve an optimal keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, your choice ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing feel and purpose. You would want to opt for the Gateron Glory Yellow if you value a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming or typing where fluidity is paramount. Its linear nature ensures that you won’t experience any tactile bumps, allowing for a clean and consistent execution of keystrokes, which can enhance your overall typing experience, particularly during long hours of usage. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers tactile feedback with each keystroke, the Outemu Tom would be more suitable for your needs. This switch can be particularly appealing for typists who enjoy the sensation of feeling each keypress, which may help to improve typing accuracy and provide a satisfying auditory click. In summary, choose the Gateron Glory Yellow for a smooth and speedy input experience, while the Outemu Tom is your go-to for tactile feedback, making it a strong candidate for everyday typing tasks.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Tom Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more