Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) 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 the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) provide distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Glory Yellow, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a fluid typing experience without interruptions. In contrast, the POM T1 (Sunflower) brings a tactile punch to your keystrokes, offering sharp tactility and a satisfying clean clack, ideal for users who relish feedback and a more engaging typing sensation. While the Glory Yellow is perfect for gamers and typists who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes, the POM T1 is suited for those who enjoy the invigorating response of pronounced tactile bumps. 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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Proprietary
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Yellow and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches each utilize distinct housing materials that influence their sound profiles and overall feel during use. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top and bottom housing, a material known for its softer properties, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound signature. Nylon's ability to absorb sound gives the switch a duller and rounder auditory character that many typists find pleasing. In contrast, the POM T1 employs POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. While POM also provides a deeper and muted sound profile, it is a harder plastic than nylon, resulting in a slightly different acoustic experience. The unique qualities of each material can lead to variances in performance, affected by the design of the switch itself.
When comparing the bottom housings, both nylon and POM offer depth in sound but through distinct mechanisms. The nylon bottom housing of the Glory Yellow is likely to create a fuller bottom-out sound due to its softer properties, further enhancing the switch's overall sound absorption characteristics. In contrast, the POM bottom housing of the T1 also produces a muted sound but does so with a inherent resilience that provides a different tactile sensation. Users of both switches can expect a satisfying tactile experience as they are pressing the keys, but the nature of that feedback may differ because POM is generally firmer than nylon.
In terms of overall experience, while the Gateron Glory Yellow and Durock POM T1 switch materials are different, they could potentially deliver similar results in terms of sound profile due to their inherent dampening qualities. This means that even with their material differences, both switches can be satisfactory choices for users looking for a deeper and more muted acoustic experience. Ultimately, preferences may come down to subtle distinctions in feel and sound, as the hardness or softness of the housing materials influences how the user perceives the actuation and release of each key press.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Yellow has a known actuation force of 50 grams, making it relatively light and suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions without causing too much finger fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unavailable, which prevents direct comparison in that regard. Conversely, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) has an unknown actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 67 grams, classified as medium-heavy. This heavier bottom out force gives a more substantial typing experience, which may be preferred by those looking for a firmer feedback during use. As such, the Gateron Glory Yellow is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, while the Durock POM T1 is comparatively heavier due to its substantial bottom out force. For users seeking a lighter touch, the Glory Yellow would be the preferable choice, while those wanting more resistance might find the POM T1 more to their liking.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on either switch, you will experience an identical distance before the switch actuates, resulting in a similar feel during usage. Since both switches have matching travel distances, you can expect comparable performance when typing or gaming, as both provide a consistent keypress experience.
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 Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the POM T1 (Sunflower) for $5.57.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower), a noticeable difference emerges. The Glory Yellow switches are often characterized by their smooth keystroke, suggesting a quieter operation overall, which may be more suitable for shared or quiet environments. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) produces a resonant and clean clack sound; its higher-pitched auditory experience contributes to a more pronounced and immersive typing session. Users seeking an engaging aural feedback are likely to favor the POM T1 for its sharp and distinct sound, though both switch types are influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow's smooth keystroke provides a pleasant typing experience, emphasizing glide over tactile feedback. However, the POM T1 (Sunflower) presents a vastly different tactile sensation. With its sharp tactile bump and invigorating feedback, the T1 switch offers a snappy response and a medium tactile experience that strikes a balance between being overly pronounced and too subtle. This makes the POM T1 feel more engaging and responsive, especially for typists who thrive on tactile feedback.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) cater to different typing preferences, they each bring unique qualities to the keyboard experience. The Glory Yellow offers a smooth, quieter performance, ideal for those who prefer less auditory distraction, while the POM T1 delivers an exciting auditory and tactile experience, perfect for users who enjoy pronounced feedback. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize smoothness or tactility in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you’re seeking an incredibly smooth keystroke with a flowing, unhindered travel distance for a comfortable and efficient typing experience, then the Glory Yellow would be your go-to. This switch is particularly well-suited for fast typists or gamers who appreciate a linear feel, as it allows for quick and repeated key presses without the distraction of tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you're someone who thrives on tactile feedback and enjoys the distinct sensation of a pronounced bump with each keystroke, the POM T1 (Sunflower) will likely resonate with you. Its medium-heavy actuation force and sharp, responsive tactile feedback make it ideal for typing enthusiasts who appreciate the satisfying feedback of a tactile switch. Additionally, the clean clack and resonant sound profile of the POM T1 enhance the auditory aspect of your typing experience, making each keystroke feel more rewarding. Therefore, your choice should reflect whether you prefer the smoothness of a linear switch or the pronounced tactility of a tactile one, aligning with your specific typing style and environment.
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