Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ both offer unique experiences for typists and gamers alike, though they cater to slightly different preferences. The Glory Yellow, the heavier option in the Glory lineup, is praised for its smooth keystrokes and comfortable travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a satisfying and deliberate typing experience. In contrast, the WS POM+ excels with its all-POM construction, providing a deep, resonant "thock" sound and an exceptionally smooth keystroke that appeals to users seeking auditory feedback and a premium feel. Both switches showcase linear action, which means they lack tactile bumps or audible clicks, offering uninterrupted keystrokes that some users prefer for quiet environments. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Yellow and Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches utilize different housing materials, which affects their acoustic profiles and overall typing experience. The Gateron Glory Yellow employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, known for its softer texture that provides a deeper and fuller sound. When typing on these switches, the nylon material absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted auditory experience. This absorption capability contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile that enhances the tactile feedback of each keystroke.
In contrast, the WS POM+ utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. While POM is also a softer material, it has unique acoustic properties that create a pleasing and distinct sound. Like the nylon used in the Glory Yellow, POM allows for a muted sound profile; however, it offers a slightly differen tone, leaning towards a unique sound that some users may find more enjoyable. The combination of POM’s properties allows for a deep auditory experience as well, but with an emphasis on clarity that diverges from the fuller sound of nylon.
Although both switches feature different materials in their housings, their impacts on sound and feel share similarities that could lead to comparable typing experiences. Since both nylon and POM are classified as softer plastics, they each contribute to a deeper sound profile and a more muted experience. The unique qualities of each material will affect the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, primarily influenced by the bottom housing, while the sound when releasing the key will be affected more by the top housing. As a result, users may find that while the tactile feedback may differ slightly, the overarching auditory experience remains comparable, fulfilling the desire for a comfortable and pleasant typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, but the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unknown. The Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it slightly heavier than the WS POM+, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch may favor the WS POM+ for longer typing sessions, as it requires less force to actuate. In contrast, those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may appreciate the heavier actuation of the Glory Yellow. While the WS POM+ has a defined bottom out force of 55 grams, the lack of information on the Glory Yellow's bottom out force leaves a gap in the comparison, though it is clear that the WS POM+ offers a more complete picture of both forces involved in its keystrokes. Overall, if the bottom out forces were similar, users could expect a somewhat consistent typing experience in terms of feel, but the lighter actuation force of the WS POM+ makes it the better choice for those seeking ease of use.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Glory Yellow provides a more traditional depth in its keystrokes, which can be preferable for users who enjoy a more tactile and hearty typing experience. On the other hand, the WS POM+ switches, with their shorter travel distance, cater to gamers and those who favor quicker response times in their keystrokes. Although both switches serve the same function, the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference; users seeking a more pronounced keystroke might opt for the Glory Yellow, while those prioritizing speed and responsiveness might lean towards the WS POM+.
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 Wuque Studio WS POM+ comes in at $3.90 per 10 switches.
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 linear switch is particularly well-regarded for its smooth operation, but specific details about its sound profile are not provided. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ boasts a deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature that adds to the auditory enjoyment of typing. This "thock" is often associated with higher-quality materials and design that enhance the overall acoustic profile of the switch. Keep in mind that the sound you experience with either switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard case and keycap choices, making a direct comparison reliant on the specific setup used.
Regarding feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow is recognized for offering a smooth keystroke with a pleasurable travel distance, which contributes to a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the WS POM+ is noted for its buttery-smooth keystroke, suggesting a similarly fluid typing sensation. Both switches seem to excel in delivering a high-quality feel, but while the Glory Yellow emphasizes travel distance, the WS POM+ underscores smoothness.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches present compelling options for those seeking a satisfying typing experience. The Glory Yellow leans towards a comforting keystroke with enjoyable travel, while the WS POM+ focuses on delivering a rich sound and buttery smoothness. Ultimately, users can expect a high-quality performance from either choice, with the nuances of sound and feel catering to different preferences, depending on the specific keyboard setup they decide to use.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, you should consider your personal preferences in typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a switch that offers a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance and you value a lightweight typing feel, the Glory Yellow is an excellent choice, especially for long typing sessions or if you're a gamer looking for quick actuation without much resistance. However, if you enjoy a more tactile experience with a medium-light bottom out force, and you appreciate a deeper, satisfying "thock" sound, the WS POM+ is likely to appeal to you more. Its buttery-smooth keystroke makes it ideal for users who prioritize sound and feel equally in their mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what you find most enjoyable about typing, whether it’s the effortless glide of the Glory Yellow or the distinct auditory feedback of the WS POM+.