Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Haimu Viola Tricolor present two distinct options to consider. The Glory Yellow, known for its smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, is categorized as a linear switch, appealing to users who prefer a seamless typing experience without tactile bumps or noise. Its heavier feel provides a sense of stability, making it an ideal choice for those who type extensively or seek efficiency in fast-paced gaming scenarios. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch, offers a compelling “thuddy” and punchy sound profile that adds a unique character to every keystroke. With its pronounced tactility, the Viola Tricolor strikes a balance between feedback and comfort, catering to users who appreciate the physical sensation of each keypress without a harsh overemphasis on tactility. Each switch brings its own advantages, making them appealing for different user preferences and scenarios. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, a striking contrast emerges, particularly in the top housing. The Gateron Glory Yellow utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material celebrated for its softer consistency, which modulates the sound profile to create a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This characteristic is significantly influenced by nylon's ability to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone that many users find pleasing. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor employs polycarbonate for its top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, which produces sharper and crisper sounds, contributing to a clearer and more resonant sound profile, especially noticeable when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucent nature.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a unique opportunity for shared qualities. The presence of nylon in both switches' bottom housings means that when pressed, both switches will elicit that characteristic deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a similar tactile experience during typing. A notable point to observe here is that while the top housings create distinct auditory differences—one being softer and duller and the other sharper and crisper—the bottom housing retains consistency in sound quality, allowing both switches to deliver that pronounced response at the bottom-out point.
At the core of their differences lies the interplay between the materials used in the top and bottom housings. With the Glory Yellow's nylon top housing and a similarly composed bottom housing, the overall experience remains dominated by the softer tones, regardless of typist style. The Viola Tricolor, however, merges the nylon bottom with a polycarbonate top, resulting in a sound that can be more tailored to RGB preferences and a sharper auditory effect. Thus, while both switches can create deep sound experiences due to the nylon bottom, the differing top housings unleash distinct qualities that can alter the typing experience significantly.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are notable differences that cater to varying user preferences. The Glory Yellow switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it a relatively lighter option for users who favor comfortable typing over long periods or extensive gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unavailable, which leaves a gap in our understanding of its complete response profile. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classified as medium-heavy. This indicates a firmer keypress, which can provide a more substantial typing feel for users who prefer a stronger push. Given this information, while the Gateron Glory Yellow is clearly the lighter option in terms of known actuation force, the heavier bottom out characteristic of the Viola Tricolor caters to those who appreciate a more weighted typing experience, serving distinct user preferences effectively.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch differ in their travel distances, with the Glory Yellow registering at 4 mm and the Viola Tricolor at 3.8 mm. This means that the Glory Yellow offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a deeper keystroke experience which some users may find more satisfying and traditional. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Viola Tricolor could cater to those who prefer a snappier response, typical of a more gamer-oriented switch. While both switches still offer a satisfying feel, those seeking rapid actuation might lean towards the Viola Tricolor, whereas those who enjoy a more pronounced depth would likely prefer the Gateron Glory Yellow. Ultimately, the differences reflect individual preferences: a longer travel distance for those who appreciate a more tactile experience, and a shorter travel distance for users who prioritize responsiveness.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 switches are generally characterized by a smooth and pleasant keystroke experience, though specific audio descriptors for their sound are not provided. Contrastingly, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches produce a thuddy and punchy sound profile that offers a deeper richness and warmth. This basiness adds a unique character, reminiscent of the low frequencies found in bass tones. The low-pitched nature of the Viola Tricolor further emphasizes this mellow sound, making it distinctly enjoyable for those who appreciate a more robust auditory feedback when typing.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Yellow switches deliver a smooth keystroke that many users find enjoyable, but again, no specific descriptors are detailed. Conversely, the Viola Tricolor switches provide a prominent tactility without being overly aggressive, landing somewhere in the realm of a "medium tactile" experience. This invigorating feel offers a pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force, contributing to a snappy and reactive typing sensation that can enhance the overall immersion for the user.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer appealing qualities in sound and feel, they cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Glory Yellow is more about a smooth and enjoyable type experience, likely making it suitable for typists seeking clarity without distraction. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor stands out with its thuddier sound and balanced tactility, which can be particularly satisfying for those who enjoy auditory and tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize smoothness or a vibrant typing character in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Glory Yellow linear switches and Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a smooth keystroke with a light feel and seek a typing experience that feels effortless, the Glory Yellow is an excellent choice. Its smooth travel distance provides an enjoyable experience, making it particularly suitable for fast typists or gamers who thrive on rapid input without any tactile interruption. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more engaging typing experience with audible feedback, the Viola Tricolor would be more to your liking. Its medium-heavy bottom out force and pronounced tactility deliver a satisfying feedback that enhances the overall engagement of the typing process. Additionally, the deep, bassy sound profile adds character to each keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy a richer acoustic experience while typing or gaming. Thus, depending on whether you prefer a smooth, effortless feel or a more responsive, tactile feedback, you can choose the switch that best suits your needs and enhances your overall keyboard experience.
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