Gateron Glory Yellow vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the HMX Poro 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 HMX Poro both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Glory Yellow is celebrated for its heavier feel, providing a smooth keystroke and a pleasing travel distance that enhances the overall typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX Poro boasts an ultra-light actuation force, allowing for a silky smooth typing experience complemented by a delightful poppy and clacky sound profile, perfect for users who crave a lighter touch and vibrant auditory feedback. While the Glory Yellow emphasizes a robust and controlled feel, the Poro leans towards a quick and responsive typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Yellow and HMX Poro switches utilize identical housing materials, as both feature a nylon composition for both the top and bottom housings. This similarity in materials is significant because nylon is recognized for its softer properties, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. With both switches made from nylon, users can expect a comparable auditory experience, characterized by a duller and rounder sound due to the material's natural ability to absorb sound waves effectively. This mutual use of nylon across both switches underscores a shared design philosophy aimed at enhancing the overall acoustic performance.
When examining the impact of nylon on the sound production of these switches, it's important to note how the housing design influences the typing experience. Since both the Gateron Glory Yellow and HMX Poro feature nylon housings, the differences in sound profile are minimized, keeping the auditory feedback consistent across both options. Each switch, when pressed, will produce a sound that is pleasant and muted, ideal for users looking for a quieter typing experience. The softer nature of nylon across both the top and bottom housings means that any variations in sound and feel are unlikely to stem from the materials themselves, but rather from the internal components or design characteristics of each switch model.
However, the overall feel and feedback during typing may still differ slightly due to the unique design elements of each switch, which include factors beyond just housing materials. Even though the Gateron Glory Yellow and HMX Poro both utilize nylon, their internal mechanisms, such as the type of stem and spring used, could lead to variations in tactile sensation and sound upon actuation and release. While users can expect a similar sound profile due to the nylon's properties, the nuances in how each switch responds during use will create a distinct typing experience. Ultimately, players and typists can choose based on their preferences for feedback and sound, knowing that both options will maintain a softness and richness attributable to their nylon housings.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, their actuation forces present a notable distinction. The Glory Yellow requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Poro demands a lighter 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This makes the Poro the lighter switch, which can be advantageous for users who prefer a softer touch during long typing sessions or extended gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Gateron Glory Yellow remains unknown, whereas the Poro switches bottom out at 50 grams. Without specific information on the Glory Yellow's bottom out force, we cannot draw direct comparisons there, but we can infer that if it aligned more closely with the Poro's, the overall typing feel would still be lighter due to the lower actuation force. Users seeking a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the heavier actuation and bottom out feel of the Gateron switch, provided that its bottom out force is indeed greater than that of the Poro.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch have differing travel distances, with the Glory Yellow measuring 4 mm and the Poro measuring 3.7 mm. This makes the Poro switch the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker actuation. Conversely, the Glory Yellow, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, provides a deeper keystroke that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you favor rapid response times or a more pronounced keypress.
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 HMX Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro for $2.99.
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
The sound generated by the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch is characterized by its smooth and muted tone, which translates to a quieter typing experience. This makes it suitable for environments where noise levels matter, as the heavier actuation helps minimize disruptive key sounds. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch is noted for its distinctly clacky sound profile, offering a sharper and more percussive audio feedback with each press. This sound is described as crisp and bright, enhancing the tactile experience of typing, particularly for those who enjoy auditory feedback. It's important to note that the overall sound can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, meaning both switches can produce varying acoustic results based on their configuration.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch provides a smooth, continuous keystroke that is complemented by a satisfying travel distance, making it an enjoyable choice for those who appreciate a predictable and consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switch delivers a much more dynamic feel, characterized by a bouncy response that provides a spring-like satisfaction when pressed. This switch is also described as creamy, indicating a buttery smoothness that allows fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, the feathery lightness of the Poro offers minimal resistance, making it particularly comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it significantly reduces finger fatigue.
In conclusion, the Gateron Glory Yellow and HMX Poro linear switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard landscape. The Glory Yellow excels in its subdued sound and smooth feel, making it a great option for those who prioritize quiet typing with a consistent keystroke. Conversely, the Poro is ideal for users who value auditory feedback and a dynamic typing experience, thanks to its clacky sound and responsive feel. Depending on personal preferences, either switch can significantly enhance one’s typing experience, and similar results can be achieved by choosing one based on the desired sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately hinges on the typing experience you desire. If you prefer a more substantial key feel and a smooth keystroke that delivers a bit of resistance without bottoming out harshly, the Glory Yellow is your go-to option. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a little heft in their keystrokes, offering an enjoyable typing experience that can keep you engaged during long sessions. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a lighter touch and want a switch that feels feathery and bouncy, the HMX Poro is likely a better fit for you. With its effortless glide and clacky sound profile, it caters well to those who enjoy a livelier typing experience, particularly great for gaming or fast-paced typing where quick actuation is valued. In summary, choose the Glory Yellow for a more traditional, substantial feel, and opt for the Poro if you want a delightful, airy typing experience that enhances both agility and comfort.
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