Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options from Gateron stand out: the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie. The Glory Yellow switches, being the heavier of the two in their lineup, are renowned for providing a smooth keystroke with a satisfying travel distance, which many typists find enhances their overall typing enjoyment. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie is a medium-weight switch that boasts an enticing thocky sound profile, giving it a unique auditory experience while delivering exceptional smoothness thanks to its all-POM construction. Both switches cater to different preferences—those seeking a firmer feedback might lean towards the Glory Yellow, while users desiring a more balanced feel without sacrificing sound quality might find the Sea Salt Smoothie more appealing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POM
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
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie employ different housing materials that contribute distinctively to their sound profiles and typing experiences. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top and bottom housing, known for its ability to absorb sound and create a deeper, fuller auditory experience. The use of nylon, a softer plastic, results in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing sensation. This is particularly important since both the top and bottom housing share the same material, leading to a cohesive sound profile where the characteristics of nylon take the forefront, providing a consistent experience throughout both the key press and release.
In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housings. POM, or polyoxymethylene, is recognized for producing a unique and pleasing sound that, while also on the deeper side, is described as more muted than that of the Glory Yellow. The differences in material properties mean that the POM housing can generate a different tactile and auditory profile, showcasing its unique characteristics across both the top and bottom of the switch. Each material contributes its own texture and feeling, with the POM likely providing a more refined and acoustically distinct typing experience compared to the nylon of the Glory Yellow.
Interestingly, despite their material differences, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Sea Salt Smoothie achieve similar results in terms of sound depth. Each switch features a sound profile that remains on the deeper side but is shaped by the unique properties of the housing materials. Therefore, while the overall auditory experience might differ slightly due to the materials—nylon for the Glory Yellow and POM for the Sea Salt Smoothie—listeners and typists will still find that both switches deliver an appealingly muted sound at the bottom-out point. The specific nuances brought by each housing material ultimately shape how you experience these switches, providing distinct yet comparably satisfying typing sensations.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the actuation forces highlight a subtle difference in feel. The Glory Yellow requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is slightly lighter at 48 grams. This means that for users who prefer a lighter touch for more comfortable typing during extended sessions, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be the better choice. Both switches have unspecified bottom out forces, making it difficult to assess their full range of resistance when pressed down completely. As a result, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is the lighter option and may appeal more to those who desire a softer touch, the Glory Yellow offers a marginally heavier actuation force for those looking for a more substantial feel. Regardless, if the bottom out forces were known to be the same, users could expect a similar typing experience despite the minor difference in actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find that the Glory Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Glory Yellow provides a more pronounced tactile experience, making it suitable for users who prefer a deeper key press that can feel more substantial and satisfying. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal more to gamers or those who favor quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation and less travel between key presses. Ultimately, if you prioritize a robust typing feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow would be the better choice, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is ideal for speed and responsiveness.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 Gateron Glory Yellow switch offers a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, which contributes to a moderately quiet sound profile during typing. This switch is designed to provide a more understated auditory experience, making it suitable for office environments or shared spaces where noise might be a concern. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch delivers a thocky sound profile, characterized by a more pronounced auditory feedback that can be quite satisfying for users who enjoy a richer sound when typing. Like the Glory Yellow, the actual sound output can be influenced by the specific keyboard and keycap materials used, but the Sea Salt Smoothie is likely to provide a more resonant sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch is noted for its smooth keystroke and enjoyable travel distance, which contributes to a pleasant typing experience. The heavier action of the Glory Yellow provides a sense of control and assurance with each press, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more deliberate typing style. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie switch boasts a medium weight along with its smoothness, which offers a balance that appeals to many typists. Its build quality, aided by the all-POM construction, supports a fluid keystroke without any hindered travel, allowing for both comfort and responsiveness during extended typing sessions.
Overall, both switches present distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Glory Yellow switch is ideal for those who prefer a subdued sound combined with a heavier action for more control. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches provide a thocky sound and a medium weight that many find enjoyable. While they may share some qualities like smoothness, your choice between them will ultimately depend on your individual auditory and tactile preferences. If you're seeking a more muted and refined experience, the Glory Yellow might be your go-to. If you relish more pronounced sound and response, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be the better option.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that offers a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, the Glory Yellow may be the better choice for you. It is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a more consistent typing experience without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you're looking for a medium-weight switch that provides a thocky sound profile along with exceptional smoothness, the Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent option. This switch strikes a balance between comfort and acoustic satisfaction, making it perfect for users who appreciate both a good feel and a pleasing auditory experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a smoother and potentially lighter typing experience or a satisfying sound and feel that comes with a more well-rounded switch. Assessing these nuances will help you make an informed decision that enhances your overall typing experience.
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