Gateron Yellow (G Pro)
Gateron Yellow review: 35g linear switch with factory-smooth travel and medium-thocky sound. Why it dethrones Cherry MX Red at 1/3 the price in 2026.
How it feels
How it sounds
medium-thockyCompared to
Community comparison picks for Gateron Yellow (G Pro).
Full review
Quick Summary
The Gateron Yellow is the smoothest budget linear switch you can buy in 2026. At roughly $0.20 to $0.25 per switch, it delivers factory-smooth travel that rivals switches twice the price. Light 35g actuation, medium-thocky sound profile, and excellent compatibility with 205g0 lube make it the default recommendation for anyone building their first custom keyboard.
Specs
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Linear |
| Actuation force | 35g |
| Bottom-out force | 45g |
| Pre-travel | 2.0mm |
| Total travel | 4.0mm |
| Sound profile | Medium-thocky |
| Smoothness | 4.2 / 5 |
| Wobble | 2.1 / 5 (lower is better) |
Feel and Sound
Out of the box the Gateron Yellow is one of the smoothest stock linear switches on the market. The stem-to-housing tolerances on the G Pro variant are tight enough that wobble is barely perceptible, and the factory lube, applied lightly on the rails, is sufficient for most users.
Sound-wise the Yellow lands squarely in medium-thocky territory. Not as deep as a nylon-housed switch, not as clacky as a polycarbonate top. Paired with a poured PE foam mod and PBT keycaps, it produces the kind of “thock” that has made YouTube keyboard typing tests famous.
Mod Guide
- Lube: 205g0 on stem rails and spring. Skip the housing; Gateron’s factory lube is already there.
- Spring swap: Optional. Sprit 63.5g progressive springs add a touch more weight if 45g feels too light.
- Film: Unnecessary on G Pro variants. The tolerances are tight enough that films introduce more issues than they solve.
Frequently asked
Are Gateron Yellow switches good for gaming?
Yes. 35g actuation force and 2.0mm pre-travel make them fast and light.
Should I lube Gateron Yellow switches?
Yes. Apply 205g0 on stem and spring for best feel and sound.
What is the difference between Gateron Yellow and Gateron Milky Yellow?
Milky Yellow has a nylon housing that produces a deeper, more muted sound. Standard Yellow is brighter and slightly more clacky.
Compare Gateron Yellow (G Pro) against another switch
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