Gateron Black vs Yellow – What Are the Differences?

gateron black vs yellow

As we all know that there is already a great range of varieties of keyboard switches available in which the constant addition of new switches not just expands the switch market to the largest but as well accelerates the level of challenge to pick the best one.

With that said, it is difficult to know every detail about the different switches’ performance and characteristics. To make it easier for the people looking for the best switches, we will try comparing the two most popular switches to give you an idea about which one is the best pick.

In this post, we are going to compare gateron yellow vs gateron black which is the most famous type of switch, offering a wide range of options and colors for mechanical keyboard users.

Let’s begin this Gateron Black vs yellow comparison to find which linear switch option is better for you.

Gateron Black Key Switch

The Gateron Black Key Switch is a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. It offers a linear actuation and is known for its smooth and consistent keystroke.

Characteristics

The Gateron Black Key Switch has an actuation force of 60g, making it a heavier switch compared to other linear switches. It is designed for those who prefer a more tactile typing experience but still want a smooth keystroke.

Feel and Sound

The Gateron Black Key Switch offers a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump or audible click. This makes it an ideal choice for users who want a quiet keyboard.

Typing Experience

The Gateron Black Key Switch provides a smooth and consistent keystroke that is perfect for both typing and gaming. The 60g actuation force offers a satisfying amount of resistance without being too heavy, making it a great option for those who are looking for a switch that is easy to type on for long periods of time.

Ideal User

The Gateron Black Key Switch is ideal for users who prefer a linear actuation and a smooth and consistent keystroke. This switch is a great choice for typists, gamers, and anyone who values a quiet keyboard. It’s also a good option for those who want a switch with a heavier actuation force compared to other linear switches.

Gateron Yellow Key Switch

The Gateron Yellow Key Switch is another popular option among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. It is a lighter switch compared to the Gateron Black and is known for its fast actuation and linear feel.

Characteristics

The Gateron Yellow Key Switch has an actuation force of 50g, making it a lighter switch compared to other linear switches. It is designed for those who prefer a fast and responsive keystroke.

Feel and Sound

The Gateron Yellow Key Switch offers a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump or audible click. This makes it an ideal choice for users who want a quiet keyboard and fast actuation.

Typing Experience

The Gateron Yellow Key Switch provides a fast and responsive keystroke that is perfect for both typing and gaming. The 50g actuation force offers a light and easy typing experience, making it a great option for those who are looking for a switch that is easy to type on for long periods of time.

Ideal User

The Gateron Yellow Key Switch is ideal for users who prefer a fast and responsive keystroke and a lighter actuation force. This switch is a great choice for typists, gamers, and anyone who values a quiet keyboard. It’s also a good option for those who want a switch with a lighter actuation force compared to other linear switches.

Difference Between Gateron Black & Gateron Yellow

Actuation force is however the most prominent difference between these two linear switches but before starting a thorough comparison in regards to gateron black vs. yellow sound, performance, durability, typing experience, feel, etc. we should get to know them separately.

Gateron Black Switches

gateron black switchesThese are low-noise linear switches with a lighter actuation force of just 60g or 60 cN. Gateron black is a low-force switch that provides a linear feel. These are noiseless enough to be used in noise-restricted environments.

Although the operation force required for gateron black is the highest amongst all types of Gateron switches still they provide pretty much stronger feedback. The smooth key feel offered by gateron black makes it a good choice for both typing and gaming.

Cherry MX black and Gateron black switches have various similarities therefore both are often compared due to the same linear behavior and actuation force. Whereas, the lower travel distance and low sound operation of black switches make it better than Cherry MX black.

For those who like to use heavier switches that are linear, smooth, and silent, Gateron black can be the finest pick for them. Gateron black provides consistent actuation & feel all across the keycaps well without any notable bounce upon key pressing.

These are the type of switches very responsive with smooth clicks whereas the low sound upon typing makes them a good choice to be used in college/school, libraries, offices, meeting rooms, etc.

Gateron Yellow Switches

gateron yellow switchesThe company named ‘Gateron’, originating in China, is producing Gateron yellow switches, these switches are an imitation of Cherry MX Red. Gateron yellows are the silent switch that requires 50gf of actuation force. The switches with linear performance are quite similar to Cherry MX Red switches as both are silent switches that require the same actuation force.

The yellows in terms of clearer and stronger responses lie in the middle of the red and black switches by Gateron. As yellows are a bit heavier and more forceful than the Gateron reds therefore those enthusiasts who want switches to be somewhat heavier and silent loved gateron yellows.

These yellow switches by gateron provide satisfying smoothness and absolute quiet clicks offering wonderful performance and an amazing typing experience. The light touch of switches gives you satisfying and pleasing key presses.

Gateron yellows linear switches are light and easier touch-typing key switches while the lower actuation force certainly makes these keys one of the better choices in the switches market.

Gateron Yellow Switches vs. Gateron Black Switches – Comparison

Typing Feel

However, there are not many differences between the gateron yellows and gateron blacks but a difference in typing feel is the prominent factor of comparison. Gateron blacks are the switches having a noticeably heavier feel as compared to yellow switches. The soft feel of yellow switches makes them fun to type with.

Although it is less likely with heavy key switches to put up input errors whereas the case with light switches is totally different, ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference rather than right or wrong.

Durability

Durability is the key factor when it comes to the heavy use of mechanical switches for gaming and rigorous daily tasks. Gateron Black and yellow switches offer excellent durability, both key switches provide a keystroke lifespan of more than 50 million clicks.

Noise

Unlike gateron black, yellow gateron switches offer silent clicks however the keys are not created to be quiet, it is because these linear switches need the lowest force for actuation.

Even so, some other factors affect the noise of switches that involve keyboard plates, keycaps, keyboard mounting style, and switch housing within the keyboard.

Performance

In terms of typing performance, both black and yellow present different experiences as mentioned above due to variance in typing feel both offered different typing performances. While typing you feel the black key switches stiffer than the yellows as gateron blacks need enough force to actuate.

Typists or those who need to type fast will not like gateron black switches that need to press with more force for activation. However, gateron yellows are soft-touch keys & people who like to type faster will love these switches.

Still, the key switch better for you is mainly depending on your typing style and preference.

Gaming Performance

If you are considering switches for gaming, linear switches are substantially the best option, in this context both gateron yellows and blacks are the finest choices.

Therefore, Gateron switches are considered the favorite for mechanical keyboards. Based on an individual’s hobbit the heaviest gateron black can be exceptionally well or bad for playing games.  Using black switches will help you limit input errors during gaming sessions as they need more actuation force.

On the other hand, yellows provide smooth keystrokes, accuracy, and the best response time, which leads to pleasant gaming performance. Gateron yellows are good for gaming certainly but the performance of gateron black will not offend you while gaming. If you are faced with the choice of which gateron switch is better for a mechanical keyboard, do not be troubled they both perform brilliantly for gaming.

Frequently asked questions

Are Gateron blacks good?

Yes, Gateron Blacks are good. They are a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts due to their linear actuation and smooth, consistent keystroke. The Gateron Black Key Switch has an actuation force of 60g, making it a heavier switch compared to other linear switches.

This gives it a satisfying amount of resistance without being too heavy, making it a great option for those who are looking for a switch that is easy to type on for long periods of time. The Gateron Black Key Switch is also a quiet switch, making it ideal for users who want a keyboard that is not too loud. In conclusion, if you’re looking for a smooth and consistent typing experience and a switch with a heavier actuation force, the Gateron Black Key Switch is a great option to consider.

Are Gateron black good for typing?

Yes, Gateron Blacks are good for typing. They are a popular choice among typists and other users who value a smooth and consistent keystroke. The Gateron Black Key Switch has an actuation force of 60g, making it a heavier switch compared to other linear switches. This provides a satisfying amount of resistance during typing, making it easy to type with for long periods of time. Additionally, the Gateron Black Key Switch offers a smooth and consistent keystroke, making it a great option for typists who want to type quickly and accurately. It is also a quiet switch, making it ideal for users who don’t want a keyboard that is too loud. In conclusion, if you’re looking for a switch that provides a smooth and consistent typing experience, with a heavier actuation force, the Gateron Black Key Switch is a great option to consider.

Is Gateron Yellow too heavy?

No, Gateron Yellow is not too heavy. The Gateron Yellow Key Switch has an actuation force of 50g, making it a lighter switch compared to other linear switches. This lighter actuation force provides a fast and responsive keystroke, making it easy to type on for long periods of time.

The Gateron Yellow Key Switch is also a smooth and consistent switch, making it a great option for typists who want to type quickly and accurately. Additionally, the Gateron Yellow Key Switch is a quiet switch, making it ideal for users who don’t want a keyboard that is too loud. The lighter actuation force of the Gateron Yellow Key Switch makes it a good option for those who prefer a fast and responsive typing experience. In conclusion, if you’re looking for a switch with a lighter actuation force, that provides a fast and responsive keystroke, the Gateron Yellow Key Switch is a great option to consider.

What is the quietest Gateron?

bjective as it depends on personal preferences and the type of switch. However, generally speaking, the Gateron Clear and Gateron Silent switch options are considered to be the quietest options from Gateron.

The Gateron Clear switch is a tactile switch that offers a soft bump with an actuation force of 35g, making it one of the lightest switches from Gateron. The Gateron Silent switch is also a tactile switch but with a reduced actuation force of 30g, making it even lighter than the Clear switch. Both switches are designed to offer a quiet typing experience, making them a great option for users who value a quiet keyboard.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a quiet Gateron switch, the Gateron Clear and Gateron Silent switches are both good options to consider. Both switches offer a light and responsive typing experience and are designed to provide a quiet typing experience. It is best to try both switches to determine which one provides the best typing experience for your needs.

Is Gateron black silent?

The Gateron Black switch is not marketed as a silent switch, but it is considered a relatively quiet switch compared to other linear switches. The Gateron Black switch is a linear switch with an actuation force of 60g, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke. It is not as loud as other linear switches, making it a good option for users who want a keyboard that is not too loud.

The Gateron Black switch is designed for those who value a smooth and consistent typing experience, and it offers a good balance of resistance and responsiveness. It is not as quiet as the Gateron Clear or Gateron Silent switches, but it is still considered a relatively quiet switch.

Final Words – Gateron Black vs. Yellow

With some minor differences, both Gateron black, and gateron yellows in terms of design, typing feel, and performance are almost at the same level. The factors of actuation force, sound, and feel are however a noticeable difference between both types of switches.

Those who like light switches will enjoy the soft and smooth feel of Gateron yellow switches as they would help them greatly with fast typing. If you like your keyboard switches to be hard and responsive, you will feel comfortable typing with Gateron black switches.

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By Brandon S. Lee

Hi, My name Brandon S.Lee and I am a professional Gamer, I also worked with the keyboard making company called Logitech. I was the quality check manager of the Logitech keyboard department. Here we have a team of people who researched on the keyboards, talked with keyboard users and analyzes the user reviews and then write the product reviews.

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