Gateron Glory Yellow vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, particularly when comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow and the SP-Star Polaris Purple. The Glory Yellow, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance, making it an appealing option for those who appreciate a seamless typing experience without tactile interruptions. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple, which is categorized as a tactile switch, delivers an exhilarating tactile bump that enhances the typing sensation, providing feedback with each press—ideal for those who prefer a more engaged and pronounced response. While the Glory Yellow offers a heavier feel that can be gratifying for some, the snappier sound profile of the Polaris Purple may attract users who enjoy audible feedback along with tactile 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches, the differences in their housing materials significantly influence their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Gateron Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Polaris Purple incorporates a polycarbonate top housing that generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature enhances sound clarity and resonance, making it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory response when typing. Thus, users may find that the Glory Yellow provides a more subdued and muted sound, whereas the Polaris Purple offers a brighter and more articulate tone.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a similar contrast in material effects. The Glory Yellow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, reinforcing the overall deeper sound profile characteristic of this switch. This soft material again absorbs sound, contributing to a cohesive sound experience that is even more pronounced during the bottoming out of keys. Conversely, the Polaris Purple’s polycarbonate bottom housing adds to its crisp sound profile, enhancing the keypress feedback with a cleaner and more resonant sound. As both switches differ in both top and bottom housing materials, users can expect distinct sound characteristics resulting from the juxtaposition of nylon's softness and polycarbonate's rigidity.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials dictates the overall sound profile of a switch. Each component contributes uniquely—while the top housing influences the sound emitted when keys are released, the bottom housing shapes the auditory experience upon bottoming out. Consequently, if both the Glory Yellow and the Polaris Purple featured the same materials for both components, the results would reflect a consistent auditory experience. However, since each switch utilizes different materials for the top and bottom, their distinctive sound qualities warrant individual consideration. Users looking for a more muted and rounded experience might gravitate towards the Gateron Glory Yellow, while those seeking clarity and brightness would likely prefer the SP-Star Polaris Purple.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, we find some notable differences. The Gateron Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option for those who prefer a less demanding feel when typing or gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unknown, leaving us without a comparison on that front. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This higher bottom out force suggests a more substantial typing experience, which may appeal to users who favor a stronger tactile feedback. Consequently, the Gateron Glory Yellow is the lighter switch overall, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple is heavier at bottoming out, catering to different preferences in typing styles.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch both exhibit a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that the distance traveled from the top to the bottom when a key is pressed is identical for both switches. This equal travel distance ensures that users will experience similar keystroke lengths, providing a consistent typing experience regardless of the switch chosen. As both switches have the same travel distance, typists can expect comparable results in terms of key press feedback and overall feel.
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 SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
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 switches present a smooth and relatively muted acoustic profile, making them suitable for quieter environments where minimal distraction is desired. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches deliver a snappier sound, characterized by a more pronounced click upon actuation. This snappy sound can add a lively element to your typing experience, but may not be ideal for those seeking discretion in quieter settings. It’s important to note that the ultimate sound output for both switches can be influenced by the keyboard frame and keycap selection, so users can achieve tailored acoustics according to their preferences.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow switches offer a smooth keystroke with a satisfying travel distance. This results in a consistent and enjoyable typing experience, making them appealing for long hours of use where fatigue could otherwise set in. Conversely, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches feature a noticeable tactile bump that provides an exhilarating typing experience. The combination of this tactile feedback and a polished finish results in a refined and gentle feel, ensuring each keystroke is both engaging and accessible. Therefore, while the Glory Yellow emphasizes a smoother actuation, the Polaris Purple infuses a more tactile sensation that may enhance engagement for users who appreciate feedback with their keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches offer distinct advantages depending on user preference. The Glory Yellow is favored for its smooth sound and feel, making it ideal for extensive typing sessions, while the Polaris Purple shines in providing tactile feedback accompanied by a more dynamic sound profile. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prefer a serene or an engaging typing experience, with both options promising a high-quality response, ensuring you can achieve a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience tailored to your personal taste.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a buttery smooth keystroke with a lighter touch, the Glory Yellow might be the perfect choice as it delivers an enjoyable and fluid typing experience, ideal for long sessions of typing or gaming. This option is particularly appealing if you prefer a quieter operating environment since it has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for both home and office use. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more dynamic typing experience with tactile feedback, the Polaris Purple would be the switch for you. Its pronounced tactile bump adds excitement to every keystroke, providing you with a satisfying feel that can enhance your typing accuracy and enjoyment. The medium-heavy bottom-out force of the Polaris Purple makes it well-suited for those who appreciate a more deliberate, structured feedback while typing, even though it may require more effort than the Glory Yellow. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the smoothness of linear switches or the tactile feedback of tactile switches, so consider what feels right for you during your typing tasks.
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