Gateron Glory Yellow vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the SP-Star RedBlue each present unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The Glory Yellow switch stands out for its heavier actuation force, offering users a smooth keystroke with a satisfying travel distance that's ideal for those who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience. In contrast, the RedBlue switch provides a medium-light typing experience, appealing to users who prioritize speed and fluidity in their key presses. Moreover, the RedBlue switch is noted for its relatively low-pitched sound profile, characterized as 'thocky' and 'polished,' making it a great choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback without the sharpness often associated with other switches. While both switches are linear and cater to specific typing styles, they offer distinct experiences that can significantly influence your overall satisfaction. 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
57g
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
The Gateron Glory Yellow and the SP-Star RedBlue switches present a compelling contrast in their housing materials, each contributing distinct auditory experiences to the typist. The Glory Yellow utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. This choice of material is known for its ability to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is particularly pronounced during typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder. In contrast, the SP-Star RedBlue switches employ polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate is recognized for its stiffness, which translates to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This attributes a crisper and clearer auditory feedback during use, making it ideal for enthusiasts who prefer a more pronounced acoustic experience.
When we consider the impact of the materials used in the bottom housings, the differences become even more apparent. The nylon bottom housing of the Glory Yellow contributes significantly to the overall typing experience by emphasizing the softer, fuller sounds associated with the switch bottoming out. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the RedBlue accentuates a clearer, resonant feedback that may appeal to users looking for a distinct tactile feel coupled with a bright sound. Thus, while both switches employ premium materials, they harness these materials differently, leading to contrasting sound profiles and tactile sensations that cater to varying user preferences.
Despite these differences, there are similarities in the overall performance of the Glory Yellow and RedBlue switches that may still produce satisfactory results for users across different needs. If both types of switches are used in appropriate configurations—specifically, within keyboards designed to complement their unique sound profiles—typists can achieve a satisfying experience from either switch. For example, using the RedBlue in a setup with RGB lighting allows its polycarbonate housing to shine aesthetically while maximizing sound clarity. Meanwhile, the Glory Yellow may provide a warmer sound experience in a more subdued lighting environment. Overall, while their materials differ in composition and sound properties, the effectiveness of each switch can be preserved based on contextual usage, contributing to overall user satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, we find key differences that may cater to varying user preferences. The Glory Yellow has a specified actuation force of 50 grams, but its bottom out force remains unknown, making it difficult to assess its full responsiveness during typing. In contrast, the RedBlue switch does not have a specified actuation force but features a bottom out force of 57 grams, categorized as medium-light. This indicates that while we may not know the actuation force of the RedBlue, its bottom out force suggests a firmer feel when fully pressed down. Based on available information, the Glory Yellow with its known actuation force is likely the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the RedBlue's bottom out force implies a heavier typing experience, which might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback. Overall, these two switches offer distinct feels that cater to different typing preferences, with the Glory Yellow leaning towards a lighter touch and the RedBlue providing a heavier bottoming out experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they share identical specifications in this regard. As a result, users can expect similar feedback and responsiveness when pressing down on either switch. Since both switches have the same travel distance, they should provide a comparable typing experience, making them equally adept for various typing tasks and gaming scenarios.
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 RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 profile of the Gateron Glory Yellow and SP-Star RedBlue linear switches, you’ll find some distinct characteristics. The Glory Yellow features a pleasant sound that contributes to an enjoyable typing experience, though specifics are not detailed. In contrast, the RedBlue switches are recognized for their low-pitched sound, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone. They also maintain a neutral quality, making them versatile for various users, and the thocky nature of their sound provides a satisfying depth, creating a resonant experience that many find pleasurable. Ultimately, while the Glory Yellow’s sound is described positively, the RedBlue appears to offer a more defined sound profile that balances depth and neutrality.
In terms of feel, the Glory Yellow switch provides a smooth keystroke that many users appreciate for its pleasant travel distance, although specific details about its feel are not provided. On the other hand, the feel of the RedBlue switches is characterized as mild, which provides a gentle typing experience that is well-suited for all users. Their polished nature indicates that they have been refined, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This ensures that both switches can provide a satisfying tactile experience, but the RedBlue seems to offer a more approachable and universally appealing feel for those just entering the mechanical keyboard world.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and SP-Star RedBlue linear switches have unique qualities that can cater to different preferences. While the sound of the Glory Yellow remains a bit more ambiguous, the RedBlue switches provide a well-defined low-pitched and thocky tone. On the feel front, Glory Yellow boasts a smooth keystroke, while RedBlue offers mildness paired with a polished finish, ensuring a refined typing experience. Ultimately, both switches promise to deliver enjoyable results, with users likely to find satisfaction in either option, blending quality sound and tactile experiences in their typing endeavors.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switches largely depends on your typing preferences and what you seek in your typing experience. If you enjoy a heavier feel with a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance, the Glory Yellow may be your go-to option, especially if you value an enjoyable typing experience without the concern of bottoming out. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience that is still approachable yet polished, the RedBlue might be the better fit for you. With its low-pitched sound profile and mild switch characteristics, it caters well to those who want a more versatile switch suited for various environments, whether at home or work. Ultimately, consider your personal comfort and the specific tactile and acoustic qualities you desire in your keyboard; this will be the key to making the right choice between these two excellent options.
Mentioned in this article
