Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of various options, including the Gateron Glory Yellow and Huano Strawberry Latte, both of which are linear switches renowned for their unique characteristics. The Gateron Glory Yellow stands out for its heavier feel, providing a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance that many users appreciate for a more tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte boasts a remarkably smooth operation thanks to the latest molds from Huano, striking a balanced sound profile that is neither overly pronounced nor too quiet, making it a versatile choice for various settings. Both switches offer their own advantages, with the Glory Yellow appealing to those who prefer a firmer touch, while the Strawberry Latte caters to users seeking a more subtle auditory response. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Huano Strawberry Latte, it's essential to note that their top and bottom housings present a distinct contrast. The Gateron Glory Yellow utilizes nylon for its top housing, characterized by its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a more muted auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a top housing made from POK (polyketone) material, known for its smoothness and durability. The POK's slight higher coefficient of friction offers a different tactile sensation, fostering a smoother keystroke while obtaining a clackier sound profile. This fundamental difference in materials leads to varied auditory experiences when typing, with the nylon of the Glory Yellow providing a softer sound compared to the more pronounced acoustics of the Strawberry Latte.
In examining the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, which allows for similarities in sound profile and tactile feedback. Since the bottom housing plays a crucial role in shaping the bottom-out sound and feel, the nylon material in both switches ensures that the user will experience a deeper and fuller sound upon pressing the keys down. This shared characteristic implies that regardless of the differing top housing materials, the overall typing feel will resonate with a dampened sound quality attributed to nylon. The similarity in bottom housing materials effectively harmonizes the two switches, allowing users to enjoy a consistent bottoming-out feel, irrespective of the differing top housing's impact on sound.
Ultimately, while the Gateron Glory Yellow and Huano Strawberry Latte employ contrasting materials for their top housings, the use of nylon in both bottom housings brings a unified sound profile when the keys are engaged. Users can expect a rich auditory experience when typing due to the nylon's sound absorption properties. On the flip side, when releasing the keys, the differences in top housings will become more pronounced; the duller sound of the Glory Yellow's nylon top contrasts with the clackier response of the POK material in the Strawberry Latte. This interplay of materials illustrates how the unique characteristics of each housing contribute to the overall typing experience, showcasing the importance of material choice in mechanical keyboard switch design.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch to the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Yellow features an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Strawberry Latte has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, making the Strawberry Latte easier to press. However, the Glory Yellow does not provide a specified bottom out force, while the Strawberry Latte has a bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that it will require a bit more force to bottom out compared to its actuation. This means that the Strawberry Latte is not only a lighter switch in terms of actuation but also experiences a moderate bottom out force, making it more suitable for long typing sessions. In contrast, the Glory Yellow's heavier actuation force might appeal more to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. In summary, if you prefer a lighter switch optimal for extended use, the Strawberry Latte is the better choice, while the Glory Yellow offers a stronger feedback for those who favor a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the two provide distinct options for keyboard users. The Gateron Glory Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional switch design, offering a fuller, more substantial feel for those who appreciate a hearty depth in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, appealing to gamers and users who favor faster response times with less travel distance to get to the actuation point. Consequently, if you're looking for a switch that feels quick and responsive, the Strawberry Latte is the better choice, while the Glory Yellow is ideal for those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience with a longer travel distance.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 balanced acoustic profile that strikes a pleasing balance between muted and audible keystrokes, providing a satisfying auditory feedback without being overly loud. The Huano Strawberry Latte, on the other hand, has a similarly balanced sound profile, being neither too quiet nor excessively resonant. This means that while both switches offer an enjoyable acoustic experience during typing, neither one dominates in terms of sound intensity, allowing for a more pleasant overall atmosphere, especially in shared spaces.
When considering feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch is notable for its smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance, which contributes to an enjoyable typing experience that many users appreciate. The Huano Strawberry Latte boasts a similarly super smooth operation, enhanced by the latest mold technology that Huano employs, ensuring that both switches offer a delightful and fluid typing sensation. As such, users can expect a smooth and responsive action from both switches, making them suitable for various typing preferences, whether for gaming or general use.
In summary, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches present users with comparable sound and feel characteristics. With their balanced sound profiles and smooth keystrokes, either option would likely satisfy a newcomer to mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, choosing between the two may come down to personal preference regarding aesthetics or brand loyalty, as both are designed to enhance the typing experience significantly.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a smooth keystroke with a satisfying travel distance and prefer a lighter, more effortless typing experience, the Glory Yellow is an excellent choice, especially for long typing sessions where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you seek a tactile sensation that offers a balanced sound profile without being too noisy, the Huano Strawberry Latte might appeal more to you. Its light bottom-out force of 45 grams allows for a pleasant typing feel while maintaining a satisfying acoustic presence. Therefore, reflect on whether you prioritize smoothness and travel ease with the Glory Yellow or if you desire a moderate tactile feedback and balance in sound with the Strawberry Latte, and select the switch that aligns best with your unique typing needs and preferences.
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