Gateron Glory Yellow vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves deliberating between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, both of which offer distinct advantages for different typing preferences. The Gateron Glory Yellow is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more tactile typing experience with a heavier feel. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is purposefully designed for a quieter operation, providing a nearly inaudible typing experience akin to gentle raindrops, ideal for those who work in shared spaces or late at night and prefer a lighter touch with its balanced 53g bottom-out force. While both switches are linear and cater to different tactile preferences, the decision ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize the satisfying heft of the Glory Yellow or the serene silence of the Silent Sakura. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
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 - 53g switches share similarities in their top housing material, both utilizing nylon, known for its ability to produce a deep and full sound profile. This shared material leads to similar auditory characteristics, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively than harder alternatives, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Both switches provide a velvety tactile sensation, enhancing the typing experience and contributing to a satisfying keystroke. Therefore, users can expect a comparable acoustic performance when engaging with either switch's top housing, highlighting the effectiveness of nylon in delivering a comforting typing sound.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches diverge significantly, with the Glory Yellow using nylon and the Silent Sakura - 53g opting for polycarbonate. This difference plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile of each switch. The nylon bottom housing of the Glory Yellow maintains the same characteristics as its top housing, contributing a richness to the typing experience that is warm and deeper. Meanwhile, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Sakura - 53g produces a sharper and crisper sound due to its increased rigidity. This divergence not only impacts the bottom-out sound but also alters the overall tactile feedback; users may notice a more pronounced auditory resonance with the Silent Sakura switch as they type.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch leads to distinctive experiences, even when the top housings are the same. The Glory Yellow's dual nylon construction creates a unified sound profile, producing consistent warmth throughout the stroke. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom of the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a notable contrast, allowing for a more vibrant and articulate sound, particularly when bottoming out. As a result, while users of both switches may appreciate the nylon top housing, the differences in bottom housing materials lead to unique results, enabling enthusiasts to select based on preferred acoustics and typing sensation.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, we find that the actuation and bottom out forces vary significantly. The Glory Yellow features an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Silent Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means the Silent Sakura will be easier to trigger, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where reducing fatigue is important. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unknown, while the Silent Sakura has a defined bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating a moderately firm feel upon fully pressing down the key. Consequently, those who prefer a lighter key feel might gravitate towards the Silent Sakura, whereas users looking for a more substantial typing experience will appreciate the firmer bottom out of the Silent Sakura, which contrasts with the unknown characteristic of the Glory Yellow. Overall, the Silent Sakura is the lighter switch regarding actuation force, while the Glory Yellow could be perceived as more variable due to the lack of a specified bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this particular aspect. This means that when pressed, both switches cover the same distance from the top to the bottom, ensuring a consistent feel during typing or gaming. Since they share the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of key actuation and responsiveness, providing a comparable experience across both switch types.
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 - 53g 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 Glory Yellow switches are noted for their smooth keystroke, but specific sound characteristics are not provided, leaving their auditory profile largely up to interpretation. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches are engineered for a whisper-quiet experience, evoking the serene sound of raindrops against a window. This contrast suggests that while both switches focus on a pleasing typing experience, the Silent Sakura offers a more muted sound profile, ideal for environments where noise is a concern.
When we look at feel, the Glory Yellow switches are recognized for their smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, which contributes to a satisfying typing experience. This suggests a focus on fluidity and comfort during use. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g switches provide a balanced bottom-out force of 53g, catering to those who prefer a lighter touch while still ensuring a satisfying keystroke. Together, this indicates that while the Glory Yellow leans towards a satisfying travel experience, the Silent Sakura offers a combination of lightness and satisfaction that may appeal to typists who favor a swift yet enjoyable input.
In summary, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches present unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The Glory Yellow is more focused on a smooth travel experience, while the Silent Sakura emphasizes quiet operation and a lighter actuation force. Depending on your typing style and environment, either switch could provide a satisfying experience, with the choice ultimately coming down to whether you prioritize sound dampening or a smooth and enjoyable keystroke.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you seek a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance that provides an enjoyable typing experience, then the Glory Yellow switch may be your ideal option. Its design emphasizes a fluid motion, making it well-suited for both gaming and typing tasks where responsiveness is key. However, if you value a quieter typing experience or often find yourself in shared spaces where noise could be disruptive, the Silent Sakura - 53g is likely the better choice. With its whisper-quiet operation and balanced 53g bottom-out force, this switch offers a light and satisfying feel that makes it perfect for long typing sessions without causing disturbances. In essence, choose the Glory Yellow for an expressive typing feel and the Silent Sakura - 53g for a serene, stealthy experience.
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