Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow and Huano Sakura present two compelling options for typists and gamers alike. The Glory Yellow switches, known for their heavier actuation, deliver a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, making them ideal for those who appreciate a solid and substantial feel while typing. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switches offer a feather-light touch and medium acoustics, providing a more delicate typing experience that is perfect for long hours of use without fatigue. While the Glory Yellow appeals to those seeking a robust and tactile feedback, the Sakura caters to users who prefer a lighter touch and quieter operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Huano Sakura, the distinctions become apparent, particularly in the choice of materials used for the top housings. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing which is renowned for its ability to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic construction. This sound-absorbing property leads to a typing experience that feels rounded and subdued. In contrast, the Huano Sakura utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which offers notable smoothness due to its low coefficient of friction. While the POK material is engineered for durability, offering wear resistance significantly higher than POM and exceptional shock resistance, it yields a typing experience that is described as clacky. Thus, while both materials contribute unique auditory characteristics to the switches, the nylon of the Glory Yellow emphasizes a softer sound, whereas the POK of the Sakura allows for sharper auditory feedback.
Examining the bottom housings reveals an interesting similarity between the two switches. Both the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Huano Sakura use nylon for their bottom housings, creating a uniformity in sound profile characteristics that embody deeper and fuller acoustics. The nylon's ability to absorb sound contributes to a more muted bottom-out sound and combines harmoniously with the top housings. Therefore, despite the differences in the top housing materials—nylon versus POK—the similar nylon construction at the bottom promotes a consistent and rich typing experience, allowing users to enjoy the pleasing auditory qualities the material offers during key presses.
In terms of overall performance, the split qualities of the various housing materials play a crucial role in the typing experience. The Glory Yellow's nylon top and bottom combine to provide a cohesive sound profile that is both deep and rounded, ideal for users seeking a softer typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura, with its POK top housing and nylon bottom, produces a typing feel that marries the smoothness of POK with the acoustic dampening of nylon, thereby creating a balance of clackiness and full sound. Ultimately, while the top housings diverge in composition and resultant sound characteristics, the shared nylon bottom housing contributes to a foundational similarity that enhances the overall typing experience across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces are noteworthy. The Glory Yellow features an actuation force of 50 grams, which provides a more substantial feel during typing, while the Sakura's actuation force is significantly lighter at 35 grams, offering a smoother and less strenuous experience for extended use. Additionally, the Sakura switch has a defined bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating the force needed to press the switch all the way down, whereas the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is not specified. This uncertainty leaves the Glory Yellow switch's overall bottom out experience unclear. Therefore, those who prefer a lighter switch for comfort over long typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Huano Sakura, while users who enjoy a firmer push should consider the Gateron Glory Yellow for its heavier actuation force. In conclusion, the Sakura is the lighter option, which caters to comfort, while the Glory Yellow offers a heftier feel that may appeal to users seeking more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Sakura measures a shorter 3.6 mm. This makes the Gateron Glory Yellow the option for those who appreciate a deeper feel when pressing down on a key, providing a more traditional typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura, with its shorter travel distance, offers a more responsive feel that can cater to gamers seeking quicker keystrokes and faster response times. Ultimately, if you prioritize a more pronounced actuation, the Gateron Glory Yellow would be the preferable choice, whereas those who lean towards quickness and agility might opt for the Huano Sakura switch.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch is characterized by a smooth and muted acoustic profile, which contributes to a typing experience that is unobtrusive yet satisfying. Its sound is subtle, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise discipline is essential. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch presents a medium acoustic level, striking a balance between being audible without being overly loud. This makes the Sakura a suitable option for those who enjoy a bit more feedback with their keystrokes while still maintaining a moderate sound level during typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch offers a heavier keystroke, providing a substantial resistance that helps prevent accidental presses, making it a solid option for typists who prefer a more deliberate and controlled action. The smooth keystroke without any tactile bumps adds to the overall experience, allowing for a seamless flow when typing. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch is known for its feather-light touch, making it particularly enjoyable for extended typing sessions. This lightweight action results in rapid, effortless typing but may require some adjustment for those used to a more substantial key feel.
In summary, while both switches cater to different preferences, they each provide a unique typing experience. The Gateron Glory Yellow's heavier feel and smoother sound appeal to users who favor control and discretion in their keystrokes, while the Huano Sakura's light touch and medium acoustics suit those looking for efficiency and comfort over longer periods. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize weight and sound or prefer a lighter, more responsive key action. Both switches have their distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience based on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Huano Sakura linear switches ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are seeking a switch that offers a smooth keystroke with a satisfying travel distance, the Gateron Glory Yellow might be the perfect match for you. It is particularly suitable for typists who enjoy a more substantial feel and may appreciate a heavier switch for enhanced control, despite not having a specified bottom-out force. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lighter touch and effective acoustics for longer typing sessions, the Huano Sakura could be your best bet. Its 45-gram bottom-out force provides an easy, feather-light action that delivers a pleasant auditory experience, making it ideal for those who type for extended periods and prefer a more relaxed keystroke. By assessing your typing habits and the kind of feedback you desire from your keyboard, you can choose the switch that best complements your activity, ensuring a satisfying experience with your mechanical keyboard.
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