Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Jwick Taro stand out as two distinct options catering to different typing preferences. The Glory Yellow, recognized for its smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance, provides a linear experience that appeals to those who prefer a seamless and uninterrupted typing flow, making it an excellent choice for gamers and heavy typists alike. In contrast, the Jwick Taro offers a tactile sensation that is both snappy and noticeable, coupled with a pleasant auditory feedback of crisp clacks for users who enjoy a more engaged typing experience. This tactile switch is perfect for typists who appreciate a bit of feedback and a cozy atmosphere, thanks to its soothing color scheme and tactile response. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Jwick Taro switches, a noticeable contrast arises in the composition of their top housings. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing, known for its softer plastic nature, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic allows the switch to absorb sound waves effectively, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder, creating a distinct auditory experience. In contrast, the Taro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it particularly suitable for users looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. Therefore, while the Glory Yellow offers a warmer sound, the Taro delivers a more vibrant and acute experience due to the differing properties of the materials.
Interestingly, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing configuration, as both the Glory Yellow and the Taro employ nylon. This consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing facilitates a deeper, fuller sound profile for both switches. The softness of nylon enhances sound absorption, resulting in a rounder auditory experience upon bottoming out. This means that, despite the distinct characteristics of their top housings, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and feel when pressing down on the keys of either switch, thanks to the familiar nylon material utilized in the bottom housing.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings yields a unique typing experience for each switch. Users of the Gateron Glory Yellow might appreciate the rich, warm sound produced by its nylon top, balanced by the same material in the bottom that enhances the overall acoustic richness. Meanwhile, users of the Jwick Taro can enjoy the sharp and crisp sound brought forth by its polycarbonate top, combined with the softer nylon bottom that creates a harmonious blend of auditory textures. Thus, the overall typing experience serves as a testament to how mixing materials can influence not only sound but also the tactile feedback experienced while typing, delivering a personalized experience to each user.
Weight
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, impacting their overall feel during use. The Glory Yellow has a defined actuation force of 50 grams, providing a relatively lighter experience that may appeal to users who favor prolonged typing during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Taro's bottom out force is measured at 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy resistance when pressing all the way down, although its actuation force is unknown. This suggests that the Taro switch may offer a more substantial feedback, catering to those who prefer a more pronounced push feel. As the bottom out force of the Glory Yellow remains unspecified, comparing it directly with the Taro's bottom out force is not feasible. Overall, the Glory Yellow is the lighter option, while the Taro is heavier, thus influencing user preference based on typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This 0.3 mm difference highlights the contrasting designs of the two switches. The Glory Yellow’s longer travel distance may appeal to users who favor a deeper and more satisfying keypress, making it ideal for typists who enjoy a traditional feel. On the other hand, the Taro’s shorter travel distance can enhance responsiveness, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking quicker actuation for faster response times. As such, those who appreciate a more tactile experience may opt for the Taro switch, whereas users who prefer ample key travel might lean toward the Glory Yellow. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize depth in your keystrokes or responsiveness in your gameplay.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 tends to produce a deep, muted sound with a pleasant resonance that keeps it relatively quiet, making it suitable for office environments or shared spaces. In contrast, the Jwick Taro switch generates acute and crisp clacks, giving off a more pronounced auditory feedback that can be pleasantly satisfying for those who prefer a more percussive typing experience. Both switches will have their unique sound profiles, which can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard design and keycap materials.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Yellow switch is characterized by a smooth and fluid keystroke, offering an enjoyable and uniform typing sensation. This aligns with the Gateron reputation for producing linear switches that emphasize a seamless experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch provides a snappy, medium-level tactility that can be described as a blend of buttery smoothness paired with a stepped tactile response, allowing typists to feel distinct points during the keystroke without being overly harsh. The Taro’s stepped design gives it a unique feel that stands apart from the linear smoothness of the Glory Yellow.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Jwick Taro switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Glory Yellow is ideal for those who appreciate a subdued, smooth typing experience without much noise, while the Taro is for individuals who enjoy a more tactile, audible feedback with crisp acoustics and defined tactile points. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a quieter, linear feel or a more engaging, tactile experience while typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you enjoy a smooth keystroke with minimal resistance and prefer a linear switch that allows for rapid key presses, the Gateron Glory Yellow is an excellent option for both gaming and fast typing. Its unknown bottom-out force suggests responsiveness, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their typing. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile feel with a snappy response, the Jwick Taro is the way to go. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams, the Taro provides a defined tactile bump during key presses, enhancing the typing experience with satisfying feedback and auditory crispness. This switch is perfect for typists who enjoy the sensation of each keystroke while also appreciating a slightly more pronounced sound. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value a smooth and effortless ride offered by the Glory Yellow or the engaging tactile experience that the Taro provides.