Gateron Glory Yellow vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and HMX Vintage Citrus offer unique advantages that cater to different users' preferences. The Gateron Glory Yellow, with its heavier design, provides a smooth keystroke and an enjoyable travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus stands out for gamers, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, which facilitates rapid-fire inputs and enhances overall gaming performance. This switch also delivers a bright, clacky sound profile coupled with a remarkably smooth push feel, appealing to users who desire both speed and auditory satisfaction. Each switch has its own strengths—be it the tactile pleasure of the Glory Yellow or the lightning-fast responsiveness of the Vintage Citrus. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Glory Yellow and HMX Vintage Citrus switches utilize nylon as their primary housing material, which lends similar acoustic characteristics to both switches. This shared use of nylon for the top and bottom housings results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively compared to harder plastics, which contributes to a rounder, less abrasive auditory experience. Therefore, despite any differences in the switches' internal components, users can expect a comparable sound signature from both the Gateron Glory Yellow and the HMX Vintage Citrus due to their identical housing materials.
While both switches feature the same nylon construction, potential differences in their internal components—such as the springs or switch types—could influence their overall feel and responsiveness. However, since both switches have the same housing characteristics, they would provide a similar tactile sensation and sound profile upon bottoming out and releasing the key. With the nylon materials absorbing vibrations and muffling harsh sounds effectively, both switches will likely deliver a consistently pleasant auditory experience, making them suitable options for users seeking a smooth typing experience without distracting noise.
In summary, the use of nylon as the primary material in both the Gateron Glory Yellow and HMX Vintage Citrus switches underscores the importance of housing in shaping typing dynamics and sound comfort. Because the materials are identical, any variations in typing feel and response will stem from factors other than the housings themselves. Ultimately, selecting either switch would provide a satisfying experience, with the nylon housing ensuring a duller and rounder sound that many keyboard enthusiasts typically seek for a more immersive typing session.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we see some interesting differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Vintage Citrus is slightly lighter at 48 grams. This difference means that the Vintage Citrus would require less effort to trigger a keystroke, potentially making it a more comfortable choice for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the Glory Yellow's bottom out force remains unknown, whereas the Vintage Citrus provides a bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating a firmer feel when pressing all the way down. Thus, despite the slightly lighter actuation of the Vintage Citrus, its heavier bottom out force may still offer a more substantial typing experience compared to the Glory Yellow. Overall, for users preferring a lighter touch for comfort, the Vintage Citrus is the better option, while those who enjoy a stronger push may lean toward the Gateron Glory Yellow, although we lack the complete context for its bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Gateron Glory Yellow features a traditional travel distance of 4 mm, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for its depth and comfort during typing. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, catering to those who favor a quicker response time, especially appreciated by gamers. This distinction suggests that if you opt for the Vintage Citrus, you may experience a more abrupt actuation compared to the deeper travel of the Glory Yellow. Ultimately, if a more responsive feel is your priority, the shorter travel of the Vintage Citrus is the better choice, while the longer travel of the Glory Yellow may provide a more satisfying typing experience for users who enjoy depth in their keystrokes.
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 HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 known for its subtle and muted acoustics, creating a relatively quiet typing experience that allows for focused work or gaming without much distraction. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch produces a bright and clacky sound profile, which is especially appealing to gamers who appreciate an audible feedback that enhances their rapid keystrokes. It's important to note, however, that the overall sound will be influenced by the keyboard's construction and choice of keycaps, so users could potentially modify the auditory character of either switch through their selection of components.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Yellow switch is recognized for its smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance, making it a joy to type on—this smoothness translates into a consistent experience for both typing and gaming. Meanwhile, the Vintage Citrus switch offers an exceptionally light actuation force with its quick 1mm actuation distance, making it exceptionally responsive and ideal for rapid inputs. Players who prioritize speed and swift response will find the feel of the Vintage Citrus particularly appealing, while those who appreciate a more traditional linear experience will gravitate towards the Glory Yellow's balanced resistance.
Overall, both switches provide distinct qualities that can cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Glory Yellow excels in offering a quieter and smooth typing experience that is versatile for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch emphasizes rapid actuation and an engaging sound profile, making it a robust choice for gamers seeking quick responses. Depending on your priorities and typing style, you might prefer one switch over the other, but both can deliver satisfying performance in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches, your choice will largely hinge on your primary use case and personal preference in tactile experience. If you're seeking a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance for general typing and a well-rounded experience, the Glory Yellow is an excellent pick. Its intrigue lies in its ability to offer a satisfying typing experience, making it a great choice for those who spend long hours on their keyboards. However, if you prioritize rapid-response gameplay and need a switch that excels in fast-paced environments, then the Vintage Citrus is the way to go. Its low actuation force and quick response time cater specifically to gamers, offering that extra edge needed in competitive scenarios. Furthermore, the pronounced clacky sound profile of the Vintage Citrus may appeal to those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing, while the Glory Yellow provides a more subdued sound that aligns with a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, consider your typing preferences and intended usage to determine which switch aligns better with your keyboard needs.
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