Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Durock White Lotus present two distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Glory Yellow is a linear switch known for its smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance, making it ideal for gamers and typists who seek a more fluid, uninterrupted typing rhythm. Its heavier actuation also adds a level of intentionality to each keypress, which many users appreciate. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus offers a tactile feel, designed specifically for those who value subtlety in their feedback. With its gentle tactility and light actuation, it provides a delicate yet engaging typing experience perfect for long work sessions, ensuring that users remain comfortable without overwhelming sensory input. Additionally, the White Lotus features a removable light column that enhances the aesthetic appeal of any setup with its vibrant RGB lighting effects. While each switch has its own unique strengths, those who prefer a smooth, consistent keystroke will gravitate toward the Glory Yellow, whereas those seeking a more tactile interaction will be drawn to the refined experience of the White Lotus. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow switches and the Durock White Lotus switches, notable differences emerge, particularly in the top housing material. The Glory Yellow boasts a nylon top housing which is known for its softer and more sound-absorbing properties. This contributes to a rounder and deeper sound profile, making the actuation of keys quieter and softer. In contrast, the White Lotus utilizes a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and UPE for its top housing, offering a distinct premium feel. This hybrid material is generally harder than nylon, leading to a brighter sound profile which many users might find more tactile during typing.
Moving to the bottom housings, there is a striking similarity between the two switches. Both the Glory Yellow and the White Lotus employ nylon for their bottom housings, ensuring that both switches have the same fundamental characteristics when it comes to sound and feel upon bottoming out. This means that while the tops may provide different auditory experiences due to their differing materials, the bottoms contribute to a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. Thus, despite the variations in the upper housings, both switches share a commonality that amplifies a satisfying auditory feedback.
In terms of practical effects, the hybrid nature of the Durock White Lotus’s top housing is likely to create a more pronounced click sound as the key is released, compared to the softer sound produced by the Glory Yellow’s nylon. However, the shared nylon material in the bottom housing means that both switches maintain a consistent bottom-out feel that many users have come to appreciate. Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches yields distinct typing experiences, allowing users to choose the switch that aligns best with their sound preferences, while still enjoying some level of similarity in the tactile feedback and depth of sound.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Glory Yellow has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, making it a slightly heavier option compared to the White Lotus, which requires only 46 grams to actuate. This means that the Glory Yellow will feel more substantial for those who prefer a stronger push when typing or gaming. However, the bottom out force of the Glory Yellow remains unknown, whereas the White Lotus has a medium-light bottom out force of 56 grams. This means users of the White Lotus will experience a defined tactile feedback at the bottom, which enhances the typing experience. Overall, the Gateron Glory Yellow is the heavier switch, while the Durock White Lotus is the lighter one, and those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions might opt for the White Lotus.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience a similar key press distance when engaging either switch. This equal travel distance allows for a consistent feel when typing, providing a comparable experience in terms of key actuation. Therefore, whether one opts for the smoothness of the Glory Yellow or the tactile feedback of the White Lotus, the distance traveled by each key will remain consistent.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch generates a sound profile that complements its smooth keystroke well, allowing for a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch emits a low-pitched sound that is mellow and bass-heavy, making it quieter in comparison. Its neutral sound further adds to its versatility, allowing it to fit seamlessly into different environments, whether you're working from home or in a shared office. The sound of both switches can vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, but the Glory Yellow's clear and smooth acoustics and the White Lotus's subtle, low-toned resonance provide distinct auditory experiences.
In terms of feel, the Glory Yellow switch excels in offering a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance that many typists find enjoyable. Its design is geared toward providing a solid typing experience without attracting excessive attention from its tactile feedback. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus offers an easy-to-press action that requires very little effort to activate, making it particularly comfortable for long typing sessions. Its tactile feedback is gentle yet present, striking a mild balance that doesn't overwhelm the user. Overall, while the Glory Yellow promotes a smooth experience, the White Lotus's light tactile nature offers a more relaxed typing feel suitable for various users.
In summary, the Gateron Glory Yellow and Durock White Lotus switches cater to different preferences but deliver enjoyable attributes in their own right. The Glory Yellow is characterized by its smooth operation and pleasant acoustics, perfect for those who value a straightforward typing experience. Conversely, the White Lotus is designed for individuals who appreciate a lightweight tactile feedback and a cohesive auditory profile that fits well in both work and leisure environments. While their qualities may differ significantly, they can both contribute to a satisfying typing experience depending on what the user prioritizes.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Glory Yellow linear switches and Durock White Lotus tactile switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke and enjoy rapid, fluid typing with minimal resistance, the Gateron Glory Yellow would be your best bet. Its design offers a satisfying travel distance that enhances the overall typing experience, making it suitable for gaming or fast-paced typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feel that provides feedback with gentle resistance, the Durock White Lotus is the ideal choice. These switches are engineered with a mild tactility that allows for comfortable, extended typing without adding strain, making them particularly well-suited for long work hours or casual use where you don’t want overwhelming tactile bumps. Additionally, the stunning RGB lighting effects of the White Lotus can further enrich your setup, appealing to those who enjoy visual aesthetics alongside functionality. Ultimately, consider your typing habits: choose the Glory Yellow for sheer speed and smoothness, or opt for the White Lotus for a delightful tactile experience dressed in RGB charm.
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