Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Durock T1

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Durock T1 each offer unique benefits that cater to different typing preferences. The Glory Yellow is a linear switch known for its smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize swift and consistent key presses without any tactile feedback. Its heavier feel provides a solid typing experience, appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy a bit more resistance while typing. In contrast, the Durock T1 is a tactile switch that stands out with its prominent bump and a sound reminiscent of rain tapping on a window, adding both a sensory and audible dimension to the typing experience. The T1's design is focused on comfort, making it ideal for users who appreciate feedback in their key presses while typing or gaming. While both switches offer distinct advantages—smoothness versus tactility—each switch aims to enhance the overall typing experience in its own way. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

Durock T1 Tactile

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$5.50

$4.90 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Durock T1 switches provide insights into their distinct auditory profiles and tactile experiences. The Glory Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer nature, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. This material absorbs impact, creating a duller sound profile that many users might find more satisfying for quiet typing environments. In contrast, the Durock T1 features a polycarbonate top housing, offering a significantly sharper and higher-pitched sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances resonance, resulting in a crisper auditory experience that some users may prefer for its clarity, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucent properties.

However, both the Glory Yellow and T1 switches share nylon as their bottom housing material. This common aspect means that regardless of the differences present in their top housings, both switches will exhibit the softer, more muted characteristics of nylon at the bottom. Typing on either switch will elicit a rounded sound profile from the bottom-out, as the nylon effectively absorbs sound and softens the impact noise. Thus, even though the switches carry distinct sound attributes due to their top housings, the shared nylon bottoms create a consistent undercurrent of warmth and depth in both models.

In summary, the combination of nylon and polycarbonate in the top housings sets up a unique acoustic signature for each switch, while the use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both deliver a similar experience when bottoming out. The distinct character of the top housings ultimately influences the feel and sound experience during the release phase, illustrating how the switch type draws on the contrast between materials to create varied typing experiences. Ultimately, a user’s choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow and Durock T1 may hinge on personal preference for the tonal outcome provided by their top housing materials, while enjoying a consistent tactile end-feel due to the uniformity of their bottom housing.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown, leaving it uncertain how much resistance is felt when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Durock T1 has an unspecified actuation force but features a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorized as medium-heavy. This means that while the Gateron Glory Yellow can offer a lighter actuation feel, its overall typing experience cannot be fully assessed without the bottom out information. Meanwhile, the T1’s heavier bottom out force may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, for those who favor a lighter switch for extended typing sessions, the Gateron Glory Yellow stands out, while the Durock T1 is better suited for those who enjoy a firmer keystroke.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, allowing for a consistent experience when pressing down on either switch. This similarity means that users can expect equivalent key travel characteristics when using these switches, which is important for those who prioritize key feel and actuation depth in their typing experience. Since both switches share this identical travel distance, they will deliver comparable feedback and performance during use.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch tends to be relatively neutral and moderate, although specifics on its acoustic profile aren't provided. It’s commonly perceived as a switch that doesn't draw attention to itself, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. On the other hand, the Durock T1 switch features a low-pitched sound with notes of warmth, likened to rain falling on a window. This gives the T1 a more soothing auditory experience, which some may find more pleasurable during extended typing sessions. Both switches are well-suited for different user preferences, but the T1 offers a more unique auditory character.

When it comes to feel, the Glory Yellow switch provides a smooth keystroke, although, again, details on its tactile characteristics are unspecified. In contrast, the Durock T1 excels in its tactile feedback, delivering a medium bump that offers a subtle yet satisfying sensation while typing. The T1 is categorized as a stepped switch, which means it provides a clear but gentle tactile response during actuation, helping to enhance the typing experience without being overly intrusive. Furthermore, the T1 is polished, which contributes to its smooth and frictionless key travel, making it comfortable to use for prolonged periods.

In conclusion, the Gateron Glory Yellow and Durock T1 switches cater to distinct typing preferences and environments. While the Glory Yellow offers a smooth and neutral experience, making it a versatile option, the Durock T1 stands out with its tactile feedback and pleasant sound profile reminiscent of rainfall. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on whether a user prioritizes subtlety and smoothness or tactile sensation and acoustic charm in their typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, the choice between Gateron Glory Yellow linear switches and Durock T1 tactile switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a smooth and effortless keystroke experience, and enjoy the sensation of pressing down on switches that provide a satisfying travel distance without any tactile feedback, then the Glory Yellow is an excellent fit for you. It's an ideal option for fast typing and gaming, where speed and fluidity are key. However, if you prefer a more tactile experience that gives you feedback as you type, then the Durock T1 is the way to go. Its medium-heavy actuation force and distinct tactile bump can enhance your typing rhythm and provide that satisfying "click" sensation, perfect for users who appreciate a more engaged and deliberate typing experience. With its low-pitched sound profile, the T1 can also serve better in quieter environments or shared spaces. Ultimately, consider what aspects of a switch are most important to you—smoothness and speed or tactile feedback and sound—before making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Durock T1 Tactile

$5.50

$4.90 per 10

Learn more