Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Yellow and Gateron Smoothie both stand out as compelling options, each catering to distinct preferences. The Glory Yellow, known for its heavier engagement, provides a smooth keystroke along with a pleasing travel distance, making it ideal for typists who enjoy a more substantial feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie, an innovative all-POM switch, offers a lightweight touch with a unique thocky sound signature that stands out for its remarkable smoothness and satisfying auditory feedback. While the Glory Yellow may appeal to those seeking a more robust feel, the Smoothie's buttery and subdued nature can attract those who value a balance between softness and sound. Both switches promise excellent typing experiences, but as personal preference plays a significant role in switch selection, 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
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Smoothie, it’s important to note that they utilize different types of plastics for their construction. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is renowned for its softer texture and sound-absorbing qualities. This results in a typing experience that is both deeper and fuller, generating a more muted and rounder auditory output. The use of nylon, a classic switch housing material, ensures that this switch provides a rich sound profile, which many typists might find satisfying, particularly in a working or gaming environment where sound levels can matter.
In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie employs POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. POM is recognized for its durability and ability to produce distinct sound characteristics; it yields a unique, pleasant typing experience that also leans towards a deeper sound profile but retains a notable clarity. While both switches aim to create muted sound profiles, the POM material brings a different tonal quality to the table. This unique sound is generally brighter and somehow more defined compared to the duller notes delivered by the nylon housing of the Glory Yellow.
Ultimately, despite the differences in materials—nylon for the Glory Yellow and POM for the Smoothie—there are similarities in results, as both switches emphasize a deeper, more muted sound profile. Each switch's design contributes to its overall performance where the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing plays a crucial role in the release sound. As a result, while the materials create different auditory experiences, users can expect a comparable typing feel in terms of depth and sonic qualities, contributing to an overall satisfying keyboard experience whether they choose the Gateron Glory Yellow or the Gateron Smoothie.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, there are some key differences in their actuation forces. The Glory Yellow requires an actuation force of 50 grams, making it the heavier option, while the Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch may find the Smoothie more suited for long typing sessions or extended gaming. However, both switches list their bottom out forces as unknown, leaving a gap in the comparison regarding how much force is needed to fully bottom out the switches. Because of the differences in actuation force, users looking for a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Glory Yellow, while those seeking a more effortless typing experience may opt for the Smoothie. Overall, if one is looking for a lighter switch for prolonged use, the Smoothie is the better choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Smoothie linear switches, a notable difference emerges. The Glory Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, aligning with the traditional feel that many users appreciate for its hearty depth and satisfying feedback. In contrast, the Smoothie has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it more appealing to gamers who favor quicker response times and a snappier actuation. While the shorter distance of the Smoothie may feel more abrupt for some users, it caters to those who prioritize speed. Ultimately, if you prefer the traditional depth and a more tactile experience, the Glory Yellow would be the better choice, whereas the Smoothie may suit those seeking rapid key presses and efficiency.
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 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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’s characteristics are not specified, leaving its acoustic profile open to interpretation and potentially influenced by factors like the keyboard build and keycap choice. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie switch is celebrated for its thocky sound signature, providing a deep and rich auditory experience. It produces a low-pitched and subdued tone, which gives a satisfying feedback similar to a soft knock or thud. For users who value a more robust sound, the Smoothie will likely deliver a more pleasurable acoustic response than the Glory Yellow, assuming sound isn’t fully defined for the latter.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Yellow switch again lacks specific qualitative descriptors, but it is known to offer a smooth keystroke and a pleasing travel distance. The Gateron Smoothie, on the other hand, stands out with its buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, making it exceptionally enjoyable for long typing sessions. The smoothness of the Smoothie is attributed to its all-POM construction, which enhances the fluidity and ease of keystrokes. Users can expect a seamless typing sensation from the Smoothie; however, the Glory Yellow’s experience could vary depending on individual preference and keyboard configuration.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch presents a clear advantage in terms of both sound and feel with its thocky auditory profile and creamy touch, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch remains an appealing option based on its smoothness and satisfying travel distance, though additional details on its qualities would be beneficial. Ultimately, if you value a pronounced auditory experience and a luxurious touch, the Smoothie provides a compelling choice. Conversely, if you prefer potentially different tactile feedback, you might find the Glory Yellow suitable, albeit its exact attributes are less defined.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Smoothie linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a typing experience characterized by a pleasing travel distance and a smooth keystroke, and you’re looking for a switch that can potentially handle various typing styles with relative ease, the Glory Yellow is likely the better choice. While specific details about its bottom-out force may be elusive, the Glory Yellow is well-regarded for its reliability and a satisfying tactile journey that many typists enjoy. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a thocky sound signature combined with a buttery, creamy, and silky feel, and you want an affordable option that does not sacrifice quality, the Gateron Smoothie would be a fantastic fit for you. Its deeper, low-pitched tones provide a more subdued auditory experience that some users find more agreeable for both typing and gaming. Ultimately, you should choose the switch that aligns best with your typing habits, sound preferences, and how you plan to use your mechanical keyboard.
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