Gateron Pro Yellow Linear Switch

Introduction

The Gateron Yellow has always been a staple switch in the custom mechanical keyboard hobby, being one of the very first non-Cherry branded switches to gain mass popularity and widespread use among enthusiasts. Known for its signature deep and ‘thick’ sound, the Gateron Yellow is regarded as the true godfather of thock. Several years after its release, Gateron came out with the all-new Pro series of switches, which revamped classic Gateron designs with new moulds and for the first time ever, pre-lube. Now in 2025, us enthusiasts are spoiled for choice when it comes to great right-out-of-the-box pre-lubricated switches, but when the Pros originally came out, they were basically the best experience you could get stock. 

The Gateron Pro Yellow represents great value and an all-around improved experience from the regular Gateron Yellows, without losing its classic sound signature. Much smoother performance, tighter housings and a very consistent factory lube application, the Gateron Pro Yellow remains a top recommendation for both those new to the hobby and those on their n-th keyboard. 

If you love a nice full sound signature and great value, this switch is for you.

Specifications

• Linear
• 4.0mm travel
• 3 pins (SMD), 5 pins (Milky)
• 50g operating force
• 67g bottom out force
  
• 15mm spring length
  
• Nylon/Polycarbonate (PC) top housing
  
• Nylon bottom housing
  
• Polyoxymethylene (POM) stem
  
• Factory lubed

RB's Based Rating scale

Sound: 𝘋𝘦𝘦𝘱 ●●●○○ 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘺
Smoothness: 𝘙𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 ●●●●○ 𝘚𝘮𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘩
Weight: 𝘓𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 ●●●○○ 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘺
Travel Distance: 𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘵 ●●●●● 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘥
Price-to-Performance: 𝘈𝘤𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘛𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 ●●●●○ 𝘈𝘭𝘭-𝘙𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳

Footnotes

The 3.0 SMD version improves on the 2.0 SMD with an updated LED diffuser for better and more uniform light diffusion, as well as stronger pins. If you'd like to explore the rest of our curated switch catalog and how they stack up to one another, do visit our Switches section. For any questions or for just a quick chat, shoot us a message and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.