Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options stand out: the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Yellow Silver, both linear switches that offer unique characteristics to suit different needs. The Gateron Glory Yellow is celebrated for its heavier feel, providing a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance that many users find enhances their typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more robust tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver is designed with a lighter actuation force, promoting speed and responsiveness, which is particularly appealing for gamers and typists seeking quick input without the distraction of a loud sound profile. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you desire a more substantial feel or a swift, effortless action—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
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches, a clear distinction arises from their top housings. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing, which is known for yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties. This leads to a more muted acoustic response, making for a typing experience that is generally quieter and rounder. In contrast, the Yellow Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and results in a sharper, clearer sound profile. The enhanced resonance provided by the polycarbonate contributes to a brighter and more pronounced auditory feedback during typing, particularly when using RGB lighting, given its translucent nature.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which maintains consistency in sound and feel during key presses. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, creating a duller and rounder sound profile that enhances the typing experience. As a result, when you bottom out on either switch, the impact is characterized by that deep, rich sound associated with nylon. This shared material brings a coherent feeling of fullness and depth to both switches despite their differing top housings, creating a balance in auditory feedback during use.
Ultimately, the combination of distinct top housing materials but identical bottom housings means that users can expect different sound dynamics when typing on the Glory Yellow compared to the Yellow Silver. The nylon top housing of the Glory Yellow will produce a muted, deeper sound, while the polycarbonate top of the Yellow Silver will deliver a crisper and higher-pitched response. Nevertheless, because both switches feature nylon in their bottom housings, users will experience a consistent, duller sound when bottoming out, showcasing the interplay between the housing materials and their impact on the overall acoustic experience with each switch. This strategic combination allows for a unique typing experience tailored by the choice of top housing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Yellow Silver features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to press down and ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unknown, which leaves a gap in our comparison; thus, we cannot define how it feels when the switch is fully pressed down. In contrast, the Yellow Silver has a bottom out force of 55 grams, classified as medium-light, giving it a more substantial feel at full activation. Consequently, those who favor a lighter touch may prefer the Outemu Yellow Silver, whereas users who appreciate a stronger push would find the Gateron Glory Yellow’s actuation force more satisfying, assuming its bottom out force aligns with that preference. Overall, the Yellow Silver is the lighter option, while the weighting specifics for the Glory Yellow remain uncertain.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that users can expect a similar keystroke feel when pressing down on either switch. This equivalence in travel distance means that both switches deliver a similar depth of keypress, contributing to a consistent typing experience. Since both switches travel the same distance from top to bottom, users will likely achieve comparable results in terms of responsiveness and actuation during their typing or gaming sessions. Thus, neither switch is shorter or longer; they provide a uniform experience in travel distance.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
The Gateron Glory Yellow switch has not been explicitly described regarding its sound characteristics, but it is generally known for a smooth keystroke. In comparison, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch boasts a neutral sound profile, which makes it versatile for a wide range of environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. While the Yellow Silver balances moderate sound levels without drawing attention, the absence of information on the sound profile of the Glory Yellow suggests that it might offer a more subtle auditory experience, but ultimately, the specific sound can also depend greatly on the keyboard's build and the keycaps used.
When considering the feel, the Glory Yellow switch is characterized by a heavier weight within the Gateron lineup, promoting a smooth keystroke that many typists appreciate. This feature tends to enhance the overall typing experience by providing tactile satisfaction during use. The Yellow Silver switch, on the other hand, features a lighter actuation force, catering predominantly to gamers and typists who favor speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes. The difference in actuation weights between the two switches could lead to distinct typing styles; however, both switches are likely to provide a comfortable experience tailored to their respective intended uses.
In summary, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch may appeal to those seeking a heavier and smoother typing experience, while the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is designed for quick responsiveness with a neutral sound, making it suitable for various settings. Both have unique qualities that cater to different user preferences, but in environments that prioritize sound moderation, the Yellow Silver excels. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a heavier feel reflecting typist satisfaction or the light, agile feedback desired for gaming.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch boils down to your specific preferences and intended usage. If you seek a smooth keystroke experience with a pleasing travel distance that enhances your typing enjoyment, the Glory Yellow could be your go-to option, especially for longer typing sessions where comfort is key. However, if you are inclined towards gaming or activities that require quick and responsive actuation, the Yellow Silver switch's medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, combined with its neutral sound profile, makes it particularly well-suited for those who value speed and efficiency without compromising on versatility. Ultimately, if your priority leans towards a silent and swift response during gaming sessions or fast-paced typing, go for the Yellow Silver. Conversely, if you appreciate a softer touch and a more leisurely typing experience, then the Glory Yellow will serve you well. Assess your needs for responsiveness versus overall comfort to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.