Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Yellow and Gateron Smoothie Silver each bring unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Glory Yellow, known for its heavier actuation force, offers users a satisfying, smooth keystroke with an enjoyable travel distance, making it a solid choice for those who appreciate a more deliberate typing experience. Conversely, the Smoothie Silver, with its all-POM construction, boasts a remarkably short travel distance for lightning-fast actuation, providing a feather-light touch and a distinctly thocky sound that appeals to gamers and typists seeking rapid response times. While the Glory Yellow excels in delivering a robust feel ideal for long typing sessions, the Smoothie Silver shines in its speed and fluidity, making it suitable for quick gaming maneuvers. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 switches and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches, one can notice distinct differences that lead to varying acoustic experiences. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a typing experience characterized by a rounder and more muted tonal quality. This contrasts sharply with the Smoothie Silver switches, which utilize POM material for both the top and bottom housings. POM, or polyoxymethylene, is known for its rigidity and smoothness, which can create a unique sound profile that is still deep but markedly different in texture and clarity. Therefore, while both switches offer a pleasing, muted sound, the materials used significantly influence how that sound manifests during typing.
The nylon used in the Glory Yellow switches adheres to the properties typically associated with classic switch housing—its softer nature enhances the acoustic dampening and contributes to a sound that many typists prefer for its warmth. On the contrary, the POM housing in the Smoothie Silver switches introduces a more pronounced clarity to the sound signature, making it less enveloping yet still enjoyable. The combination of materials gives each switch a unique tactile sensation and auditory feedback, with nylon providing a fuller sound while POM tends to favor a crisper note. This differentiation is critical for users who have particular preferences when it comes to the sounds produced during their typing sessions.
Despite the differing materials, both switches can lead to a similar user experience if one prioritizes sound absorption and a softer typing feel. When you press down on either switch, the type of housing will impact the bottom-out sound and feel more significantly. POM tends to produce a snappier feedback, while nylon rounds out that interaction with a softer landing. Nonetheless, a similarity in sound profiles between the two may still be achieved since both combinations are engineered to produce deeper sound tones, albeit through their distinctive housing characteristics. Ultimately, choice between the two will depend on personal preferences regarding the tactile experience and acoustic feedback desired by each individual user.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we see a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Glory Yellow requires an actuation force of 50 grams, making it the heavier option, while the Smoothie Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This difference suggests that those who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons may find the Smoothie Silver more comfortable, whereas users who favor a more substantial typing experience may be drawn to the Glory Yellow. Both switches have unavailable bottom out forces, so we cannot compare that aspect directly; however, with their similar designs, it's likely they may offer comparable experiences when it comes to the feel of bottoming out. Overall, the actuation forces indicate that the Smoothie Silver is the lighter choice, while the Glory Yellow offers a heavier feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a traditional choice that offers a more pronounced keypress experience. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, catering to those who may prefer quicker responses and faster actuation, which is particularly advantageous in gaming scenarios. This difference in travel distance highlights the contrasting user experiences these switches provide: the Glory Yellow's longer travel might feel more satisfying for users who enjoy depth in their key presses, while the Smoothie Silver's shorter travel can appeal to those who favor rapid engagement. Hence, if you prioritize response times, the Smoothie Silver would be the better option, but for a more robust feel, the Glory Yellow is preferable.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch is known for its pleasant auditory profile, characterized by a solid, yet unobtrusive sound that enhances the typing experience without being disruptive. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver provides a thocky sound that is both satisfying and somewhat deeper, which many enthusiasts find appealing. While both switches offer enjoyable acoustics, the differences in their sound signatures can greatly influence the overall typing experience, making personal preference crucial when choosing between them.
Regarding the feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow boasts a heavier actuation force that contributes to a more deliberate keystroke, providing tactile feedback that some users may prefer for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver features a feather-light touch and a short travel distance, enabling remarkably quick actuation that caters to those who prioritize speed and responsiveness. This makes the Smoothie Silver ideal for fast-paced gaming or rapid typing scenarios, while the Glory Yellow may be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial response from their keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Smoothie Silver linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences suited to different typing preferences. The Glory Yellow provides a heavier feel and a pleasing sound, while the Smoothie Silver excels with its lightweight actuation and thocky acoustics. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a more tactile and intentional typing experience or one that emphasizes speed and smoothness. Regardless of your choice, you can expect a high-quality experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Glory Yellow or the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a smooth keystroke with a satisfying travel distance, the Glory Yellow would be an excellent choice, offering a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience. This makes it particularly suitable for users who spend long hours typing or gaming, where comfort and feedback are key. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness in your typing, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is your go-to option. With its shorter travel distance and feather-light actuation, it caters to those who need quick key presses, such as in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Additionally, its thocky sound can add a unique auditory satisfaction to your experience. In essence, choose the Glory Yellow for comfort and smoothness during prolonged use, and opt for the Smoothie Silver when you're looking for quick, responsive actuation.
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