The optical axes of the calcite crystals are aligned parallel to the plane of reflection.
Because the angle of incidence at the gap can be reasonably close to Brewster's angle, unwanted reflection of p-polarized light is reduced, giving the Glan–Taylor prism better transmission than the Glan–Foucault design.
The sides of the crystal can be polished to allow the reflected beam to exit or can be blackened to absorb it.
[1] These polarizers are also typically designed to tolerate very high beam intensities, such those produced by a laser.
The differences may include using calcite selected for low scattering loss, improved polish quality on the faces and especially on the sides of the crystal, and better antireflection coatings.