Gateron Glory Yellow vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the attributes of different options to find their perfect fit. The Gateron Glory Yellow switch stands out for its heavier feel, offering a smooth keystroke with a gratifying travel distance that many typists appreciate. This switch caters to users who prefer a more substantial feedback with each keystroke, often appealing to those who enjoy a robust typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is expertly designed for a serene and whisper-quiet typing session, simulating the delicate sound of raindrops. With an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, it serves as an excellent choice for lighter typists or those in shared spaces where noise levels need to be minimized. Both switches offer linear characteristics, but with distinct appeal based on typing style and environment. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Yellow and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g both feature a nylon top housing, which contributes to a similar acoustic profile for both switches. Nylon is well-regarded as a classic material in the world of mechanical keyboards due to its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound. Its relatively softer composition allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a duller yet rounder auditory experience. This shared housing material means that when typing on either switch, users will encounter a comparable sound signature during key presses, enhancing the overall typing experience with a level of richness that is appreciated by many keyboard enthusiasts.
In contrast, the bottom housings of these two switches utilize different materials, which significantly impacts their performance and acoustic properties. The Gateron Glory Yellow features a nylon bottom housing, maintaining that characteristic sound profile of warmth and depth. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, known for producing a sharper and clearer sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This difference becomes particularly noticeable during the bottoming out of the key presses, with the Nylon providing a more subdued response, while the polycarbonate generates a crisper and more resonant experience. Thus, while the top housings of both switches yield similar auditory results, the diverging bottom materials create distinct contrasts in sound dynamics.
As a result, the combination of the nylon top housing and the nylon bottom housing in the Gateron Glory Yellow leads to a unified richness throughout both the actuation and release phases of key presses. In the case of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, the varied materials between the top and bottom housings create a layered acoustic experience, blending the warm tones of nylon above with the brighter characteristics of polycarbonate below. Therefore, despite their shared nylon top housing, the differing bottom materials ultimately shape the user's overall tactile and auditory feedback during use. Typing on these switches may elicit different sensations, but both can offer enjoyable experiences, appealing to different preferences among keyboard users.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there is a clear distinction in actuation forces that may appeal to different typing preferences. The Glory Yellow requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, while the Silent Sakura offers a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This difference means that users of the Silent Sakura may find themselves typing for longer periods more comfortably, which is beneficial for those who use their keyboards for extended work or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Sakura has a defined force of 43 grams, while the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unknown. Thus, the Silent Sakura can provide a more consistent feel when bottoming out, while the Glory Yellow may deliver a less predictable experience in that respect. Overall, for those seeking a lighter touch and a more responsive feel, the Silent Sakura would be the preferred option, while the Glory Yellow caters to users who enjoy a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch feature the same travel distance of 4 mm, which means that users will experience a similarly consistent key press when actuating these switches. This equal travel distance allows for comparable typing experiences, making both switches suitable for a variety of applications. Given their identical specifications in this regard, users can expect similar results in terms of feel and responsiveness when using either 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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g 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 satisfying acoustic profile that enhances the typing experience without being overly intrusive. This quality makes it suitable for both personal use and moderate office environments. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is specifically engineered for a whisper-quiet operation, providing a nearly silent typing experience that evokes the soothing sound of raindrops. This makes the Silent Sakura ideal for users who prioritize a quiet workspace, bringing a subtle serenity that can be quite inviting.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Yellow switch is known for its smooth keystroke and enjoyable travel distance, offering a pleasant tactile sensation that can enhance typing speed and accuracy. The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, in contrast, has a notably lighter actuation force, catering to typists who prefer a feather-light touch. This might appeal to casual users who find a gentle press comfortable, making it easier to type without fatigue, creating a serene feel during prolonged use.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Glory Yellow excels in providing a satisfying sound and smooth tactile response, while the Silent Sakura focuses on delivering an exceptionally quiet operation with a light touch. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch could deliver an enjoyable typing experience, but the choice ultimately comes down to the environment in which you plan to use them and your tactile sensitivity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch will depend significantly on your typing style and environment. If you prefer a switch that offers a lovely smooth keystroke and a more robust feel, the Glory Yellow might be the ideal choice for you. Its enjoyable travel distance makes it particularly suited for long typing sessions or gaming, where you value both responsiveness and feedback. However, if you are someone who prioritizes a quiet atmosphere, whether in an office or shared space, the Silent Sakura - 43g is likely your best bet. Its whisper-quiet operation and lighter actuation force provide a serene typing experience that's perfect for light typists who want to avoid disturbing those around them. Ultimately, consider your personal preferences, the environment in which you’ll be using the keyboard, and how each switch aligns with your typing habits to make the best decision for your needs.
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