Gateron is no stranger in the mechanical switch community. Many users prefer this brand for their keyboards and the results they get are amazing.
Now there are dozens of Gateron switches, but this one is a Gateron Yellow vs Milky Yellow switch comparison as these are two of the most popular ones.
Gateron Yellow and Milky Yellow switches are almost identical except for some changes. The Milky ones are more smooth and have a deeper sound level. On the other hand, the regular yellows feel light upon touch. Moreover, both of them are linear which makes them excellent for gaming.
Now, there are many factors to consider before buying a switch. For instance, you would want to look at its actuation force, pre-travel distance, best usage, pins, performance, lifespan, and some other stuff.
This is exactly what I'll be doing for these two switches as we take a deeper look into their specs, build, performance, and pros & cons.
Gateron Yellow Review
Type: Linear
Operating Force: 50 g
Pre-Travel: 2 mm
Travel Distance: 4 mm
Sound Level: Low
Feel: Requires a medium pressing force and has a very short tactile bump
Best Usage: Both gaming and typing
Gateron's regular yellow switches are pretty similar to the Cherry MX Reds except for a higher operating force. These switches are very smooth and get registered instantly. Besides, the minimal tactile bump makes sure you feel the key actuation every time you press it.
Gateron Yellows have a very standard pre-travel and travel distance of 2 mm and 4 mm, respectively. Even though these are not the fastest switches around, they perform just as well. Also, make sure you have good-quality keycaps for that.
The sound of these keys is pretty low like other linear switches, so your roommates or colleagues won't be bothered if you use your keyboard near them.
Overall, these switches are an excellent bet if you're looking for something budget-friendly with great performance.
Pros
- Consistent feel
- Smooth actuation
- Great for both gaming and typing
- Affordable
- Widely available
Cons
- The RGB lighting can be too bright
- Not suitable for users with heavy fingers
Durability
Even though they are cheap, the Gateron Yellow switches are very durable thanks to the material used by Gateron.
These switches are rated for 50 million keystrokes and usually last more than that if you take proper care of the keyboard.
Make sure to not smash your keyboard after losing a game!
Gaming Performance
Gaming requires the switch to be fast, responsive, and smooth. Gateron Yellows check all these boxes. However, they aren't the most suitable option for competitive gamers.
If you are a casual gamer who does not participate in esports, then these switches are more than enough for you. But for professional gamers, there are better options available.
Typing Performance
I usually don't suggest linear switches for typing, but Gateron Yellows and Milky Yellows are an exception. Due to their very short tactile bump and actuation feel, these switches are just as good for typing as they are for gaming.
Each of your keystrokes will register immediately and you won't make many typos if you have good typing accuracy.
A good advantage is that using linear switches for typing can increase your speed too.
Final Remarks
Gateron Yellows are a great option to get for people of every field. They are long-lasting, smooth, responsive, and have a good typing feel.
Moreover, these switches are good for both gamers and typists. The only downside is that they aren't the best bet if you like low RGB lighting or have heavy fingers.
They are also not suitable if you prefer tactile feedback or a thockier sound.
Nevertheless, these switches are cheap and widely available as well, so you won't have many problems finding them.
Gateron Milky Yellow Review
Type: Linear
Operating Force: 50 g
Pre-Travel: 2 mm
Travel Distance: 4 mm
Sound Level: Thocky
Feel: Requires a medium pressing force and has a very short tactile bump
Best Usage: Both gaming and typing
Gateron Milky Yellow switches have identical specs as the regular yellows but they do have a few differences in their build.
These switches basically have a milky white housing which ensures that the RGB lighting is a bit diffused and there is less glare.
This gives a less intense RGB feel and is ideal for those who prefer low lighting.
Moreover, the milky housing is the reason behind the thockier, fuller, and deeper sound of the milky yellow switches.
This, again, makes them ideal for both home and office work since no one will be disturbed.
The very short (almost non-existent) tactile bump will give you a feel that the key has been actuated. The overall feel is very smooth and consistent.
Pros
- Gloomy RGB which looks cool
- Budget-friendly and widely available
- Great build quality
- Long lifespan
- Pleasing sound and a low actuation force
Cons
- Not suitable for people who prefer brighter RGB lighting
- Can be too light for some users
Durability
Like regular yellows, the milky yellows are also built to last long and have a lifespan of 50 million keystrokes. These switches can last for years if you keep your keyboard clean and do not drop it often.
Once bought, you won't have to worry about changing them anytime soon as they will be your companion for a number of days to come.
Gaming Performance
The Gateron Milky Yellows are preferred by many gamers and there are multiple reasons for that. These switches, due to the milky housing, are super smooth and get actuated almost instantly.
Furthermore, they have a low pre-travel of 2 mm which makes them fast and swift. Their sound is also very pleasing and you also have the option to lubricate them to make them even smoother.
All in all, they are excellent for every game if you're a casual gamer.
Typing Performance
Gateron Milky Yellows are a fine choice for typing as well. Although they are not like the actual tactile or clicky switches, they are more than good for you if you have some accuracy while typing.
We know that typists often prefer tactile or clicky switches due to their tactile bump, but these switches are often not that fast.
So, if you're looking for something swift and smooth, go for the milky yellows with no second thoughts.
Gateron Yellow vs Milky Yellows: Final Verdict
The Gateron Milky Yellows are a better and upgraded version of the regular yellows, and they would be a better choice to buy.
Their gloomy RGB effect, sublime actuation, and fuller sound make them a preferable choice for people of every domain.
The cons are negligible if we look at the pros, so yes, there aren't many downsides to these switches.
Gateron Pro Yellow vs Milky Yellow
Gateron has a vast switch collection, especially in the yellow color. And yet another great switch of their lineup is the Gateron Pro Yellow, often called G Pro Yellow.
It is also a linear switch and is preferred by many due to its good feel and performance.
Below is a short comparison between both the yellow switches:
Lubrication
Now both these switches have a 50 g operational force and 2 mm pre-travel.
The first big difference, however, is that the Pro Yellows are factory-lubed which makes them slightly more smoother in their original form.
Housing and RGB
The top housing of the Pro Yellows is transparent, whereas the Milky Yellows, of course, have a milky housing. So, in short, the RGB lighting will be brighter in the Pro Yellows.
It also supports SMD-LED lighting thanks to an opening design in the bottom housing.
Wobble and Sound
The mold of the Pro Yellows is an upgraded one and these switches have a very reduced stem wobble. Sound-wise, the Pro Yellows can be a bit noisier than the Milky Yellows as they use polycarbonate instead of nylon in their build.
Compatibility
Gateron Pro Yellows are compatible with RGB-SMD lights, 4-pin LED/SMD-LED, and 2-pin LED. On the other hand, the Milky Yellows are only compatible with non-raised SMD-LED lights and 2-pin 3mm round lights
Gateron Pro Yellow vs Milky Yellow: Final Verdict
Both switches are excellent for typing and gaming and you can get any of them.
If you want broader compatibility and a brighter RGB display, go for the Pro yellows. But if you prefer dim LEDs and a deeper sound, the Milky Yellows are your option.
Gateron Milky Yellow vs Ink Black V2
Ink Black V2s are another great variant of Gateron switches and are a little on the expensive side of things. They are also a little heavier and have an operating force of 60 g.
Let's see how they compare to the evergreen Milky Yellows.
Sound and Feel
The Ink Black V2s have a softer sound and are almost muted. And as we know, the Milky Yellows have a deeper and fuller sound which is a bit more hearable than the V2s.
As for the feel, both switches have a soft and buttery feel.
Wobble
Even though beginners won't be able to tell the difference, there is definitely a slight wobble in Ink Black V2s as compared to Milky Yellows. However, installing a switch film will get rid of this issue.
Gateron Milky Yellow vs Ink Black V2: Final Verdict
Both switches are excellent in their own place and you will enjoy using any of them. I personally prefer the Milky Yellows, but that's just my personal preference as both switches are loved by the community.
But generally, if you have heavy fingers, the Ink Black V2 will be better for you. On the contrary, those who have light fingers and want to maintain their typing speed should go for the Milky Yellows.
FAQs
Why is Gateron Yellows so popular?
Gateron has become a fan-favorite brand due to its affordable yet quality switches. And, their yellow variants are the most liked as they are soft, smooth, responsive, and have an excellent overall feel.
Whether you want to use them for typing, programming, or gaming, the performance of these switches remains sublime.
The consistency of these switches is what made them popular.
What switches are similar to Gateron Milky Yellow?
Gateron Milky Red, Milky White, and Milky Black are the closest switches to Gateron Mily Yellows. All three of them are linear but with different specifications.
For instance, the Milky Whites are extremely light and fast and often preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the Milky Blacks are the choice of those who have heavy hands since these switches have an operating force of 60 g.
Lastly, the nearest switch to the Milky Yellow is the Milky Red. They have an operating force of 45 g which is almost identical to the 50 g of the yellows.
The only difference is in the feel of the switch where the red switches are lighter and have no tactile bump.
Do Gateron Milky Yellows need films?
No, but it depends on individual preference. If you think the switches are wobbling, then go ahead and the switch films. But usually, this won't be required since Gateron switches are pretty stable.
Do I need to lube Gateron Milky Yellows?
Again, it's a matter of personal choice. Some people would love the switch as it is while others would prefer them to be even smoother and lubricate them.
But generally, it is not a requirement but rather how you like the switches to feel.
Are Gateron Milky Yellow scratchy?
Yes, Gateron milky yellows can be a little scratchy but it is very minimal. Besides, if you lubricate and film the switches, the scratchiness vanishes completely and you get a better sound and feel.
But even if you don't do that, the keys won't disturb you with their sound by any means.
Are Milky Yellows quiet?
Yes, Gateron Milky Yellows are very quiet and have a deeper and fuller sound that is pleasing. Since they are linear switches, they don't make noise like the tactile or clicky ones.
This is one of the many factors why people prefer milky yellows over other switches. You can use them in any environment and no one will be disturbed.
Moreover, if you lube them, as we have previously discussed as well, they will be even quieter.
Is Gateron Yellow better than MX Red?
Both switches have their own pros and cons and it depends on how you prefer your switch to be. The MX Reds are a bit lighter and actuate faster than the Yellows.
On the other hand, the Gateron Yellows are smoother, slightly heavier, and have better feedback.
So, if you want something a bit heavier than the MX Reds, then the Gateron Yellows are a great starting point.
They will give you the same smooth feeling as the MX Reds but with added feedback.
Are Gateron Yellow switches fast?
Yes, Gateron Yellow switches are linear and therefore, have fast actuation. They are light as well, so you can actuate them instantly which makes them good for gaming as well.
Moreover, their fast response makes them ideal for those typists who prefer a linear switch with slight actuation feedback.
Is the Gateron Yellow Pro better than the Milky Pro?
Both switches are great and differ in their overall feel.
The Yellow Pro supports a better glowing LED and has a lighter sound. Whereas, the Milky Pro supports a gloomy LED since the Milky housing diffuses the light, and they have a deeper sound.
So, in the end, it depends on what you prefer because specs-wise, the switches are the same.
Conclusion
I tried to cover every aspect of both the Gateron Yellow and Milky Yellow switches and answer the most common questions people ask related to them.
Both switches are high quality and will serve you for a long time if you take good care of them. They have excellent specs, a good feel, and a long lifespan.
The Milky Yellows do take a slight edge as they are more smooth and have a deeper sound. But if you don't prefer that, the regular yellows are always there.
For more switch reviews and comparisons like this, make sure to keep visiting TheTechSetup!