Gateron Yellow
LinearThe legendary budget pick. A 50 g linear so smooth and well-voiced for its price that "just get Gateron Yellows" became a community reflex. Arguably the most recommended switch of its era.
Sound & feel
Gateron Yellow hit an accidental sweet spot: a 50 g spring that sits perfectly between Red's floaty lightness and Black's firmness, in a housing that slides as smoothly as anything near its price. The community noticed, and for years it was the default answer to "what cheap switch should I buy?"
The sound is a touch deeper than Red's, a rounded clack that takes exceptionally well to the standard tuning ritual of lube and films. A bag of Yellows plus an evening of modding was the classic broke-student path to a great-sounding board.
Even with the newer Milky and Pro versions around, original Yellows remain a benchmark: the switch every new budget linear gets measured against.
One caveat on the numbers. Gateron rates Yellow at 50 gf, but independent force curves (ThereminGoat, reading HaaTa's rig) put roughly 50 g at the bottom and actuation nearer 36 g, while vendor tables quote 62 to 63.5 g at bottom-out. Treat the 50 g as a manufacturer rating rather than a measured actuation force, and treat any bottom-out figure for this switch with suspicion.
Sound on this page is synthesized from the switch's published specs and community-documented character: an honest simulation, not a recording. We're progressively replacing simulations with our own studio recordings. How our sounds are made
Compare it
- Gateron Yellow vs Gateron Milky Yellow Pro , or jump to Gateron Milky Yellow Pro
- Gateron Yellow vs Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro , or jump to Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
- Gateron Yellow vs Gateron Oil King , or jump to Gateron Oil King
- Gateron Yellow vs Cherry MX Nature White , or jump to Cherry MX Nature White
Frequently asked questions
What does the Gateron Yellow sound like?
smooth, slightly deep clack; famously good for the money. Use the player on this page to hear simulated press and release sounds derived from its real specifications.
Is the Gateron Yellow good for gaming or typing?
As a linear switch with 50g actuation force and 2mm pre-travel, it suits fast, repeated presses, which is why linears are a common gaming pick. It types perfectly well too if you like a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke.
How heavy is the Gateron Yellow?
50g actuation. Note that Gateron officially rates actuation force. Brands differ, so check the basis when comparing switches.