Gateron Glory Yellow vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, especially when comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow and the TTC Silent Brown switches. The Gateron Glory Yellow, a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth keystroke and comfortable travel distance, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prefer a silent and uninterrupted typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown offers a tactile feel with a subtle bump, delivering a satisfying feedback while maintaining a muted sound profile, which is ideal for those who appreciate a more traditional typing sensation without disturbing their surroundings. Both switches cater to different preferences: Glory Yellow for those who lean towards a fluid and noise-free operation, and Silent Brown for users seeking a tactile experience with less auditory distraction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you most.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the TTC Silent Brown, it becomes apparent that the two switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly affects their sound profiles. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing, known for its softer characteristics that tend to absorb sound, delivering a deeper and fuller auditory experience. In contrast, the Silent Brown employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is much stiffer, leading to a sharper and crisper sound. This difference not only underscores the acoustic qualities but also impacts the overall gaming or typing experience, as users may preference the more muted sounds of nylon over the more resonant tones of polycarbonate.
Interestingly, both switches share the same material in their bottom housings—nylon. This uniformity in material means that when you type on either switch, the bottom-out sound and feel will be similar due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. This shared characteristic allows both switches to deliver a deeper sound profile through their bottom housing, which can enhance the typing feel, regardless of the distinct qualities produced by their top housings. The dual compatibility of nylon in this regard emphasizes the critical role the bottom housing plays in shaping the user experience, particularly when bottoming out the keys.
In summary, while the Gateron Glory Yellow and the TTC Silent Brown differ in their top housing materials—nylon and polycarbonate respectively—this contrast is balanced by the similarity in their bottom housing materials. Each switch thus offers a unique sound output depending on the top housing's characteristics, while still benefiting from nylon's depth and fullness in the bottom housing. As a result, users can expect to enjoy a tailored auditory experience when engaging with these switches, whether they prefer the plush sounds of the nylon in the Glory Yellow or the bright clarity of the polycarbonate in the Silent Brown.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Silent Brown requires a slightly lighter 45 grams to actuate a keystroke. This difference indicates that the Silent Brown is more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, which can be advantageous for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow remains unknown, whereas the Silent Brown has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This suggests that while the Glory Yellow may provide a lighter typing experience during actuation, it may not offer a definitive measure on how heavily it feels when bottoming out. In contrast, the Silent Brown's combination of lighter actuation and heavier bottom out provides a more tactile and substantial experience, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing. Therefore, if one prefers a lighter switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow would be the choice, while those who appreciate a more pronounced feedback with a heftier bottom out would benefit from the TTC Silent Brown.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, we find a notable difference. The Glory Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Brown has a slightly shorter distance of 3.8 mm. This means that if you choose the Gateron Glory Yellow, you'll experience a deeper keystroke, which can provide a more satisfying feel for those who prefer a more pronounced actuation. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal more to gamers seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, if you favor the feeling of depth in your key presses, the Glory Yellow is the way to go, while the Silent Brown will deliver a snappier 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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 does not have a specified sound profile in the provided information, making it difficult to directly compare it to the TTC Silent Brown. However, the Silent Brown is characterized by its muted sound, producing a softer and quieter noise compared to traditional mechanical switches. This lends itself to a more subdued typing experience, which could be particularly appealing in quieter environments or for users who prefer a less disruptive sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow is noted for offering a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, which contributes to an enjoyable typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown features a light-medium resistance along with a rounded tactile bump, creating a buttery and polished typing sensation. While the Glory Yellow focuses on a consistent and smooth keystroke, the Silent Brown adds a tactile element that many typists find satisfying. Thus, if you prioritize a seamless typing experience, the Glory Yellow may suit you, while those who enjoy a tactile feedback may gravitate towards the Silent Brown.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and TTC Silent Brown switches cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The glory of the Yellow switch lies in its smooth travel and pleasing keystroke, making it ideal for those who want fluidity in their typing. On the other hand, the Silent Brown provides both a tactile feedback and a muted sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more rounded tactile experience while maintaining a quieter atmosphere. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean more towards the smoothness of a linear switch or the tactile feedback provided by the Silent Brown.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smooth keystroke with a lighter bottom-out force, and you enjoy a seamless typing experience that facilitates rapid key presses, then the Glory Yellow is likely a great option for you. This switch is particularly suitable for gamers or those who type quickly and prioritize responsiveness and speed without the interruption of a tactile bump. However, if you value a more tactile feedback with a satisfying round bump in your keystrokes, while also appreciating a muted sound profile, then the TTC Silent Brown might be the better choice for your typing needs. This switch is ideal for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum while still delivering a well-rounded typing experience. Thus, consider what aspects are most important to you—smoothness and speed versus tactility and sound—and select accordingly for an optimal mechanical keyboard experience.