Gateron Switches
The budget king that rivals premium switches in performance
Founded in 2000, Gateron has evolved from a Cherry MX clone manufacturer to one of the most respected switch makers in the mechanical keyboard community. Their switches are known for exceptional smoothness at budget-friendly prices, making them the go-to choice for both beginners and enthusiasts.
About Gateron
Founded in 2000, Gateron has evolved from a Cherry MX clone manufacturer to one of the most respected switch makers in the mechanical keyboard community. Their switches are known for exceptional smoothness at budget-friendly prices, making them the go-to choice for both beginners and enthusiasts.
What Makes Gateron Special:
- •Unbeatable Value: Premium performance at 1/3 the price of competitors
- •Factory Lubing: Many models come pre-lubed (Oil King, Ink series)
- •Wide Selection: From budget Yellow to premium Ink Black V2
- •Consistent Quality: Tight manufacturing tolerances ensure every switch feels the same
🏆 Top Gateron Switches
Gateron Oil King
55g • Pre-lubed • Nylon Housing
Gateron Yellow (KS-3)
50g • Budget King • POM Bottom
Milky Yellow Pro
50g • Deeper Sound • Milky Housing
Ink Black V2
60g • Premium • Smoky Housing
Gateron Brown
55g • Light Tactile • Budget
Gateron Silent Red
45g • Office-friendly • Dampened
📊 Complete Gateron Lineup Comparison
| Switch Name | Type | Specs | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil King | Linear | 55g • Pre-lubed | 61/70 | $0.65 |
| Yellow (KS-3) | Linear | 50g • Budget | 60/70 | $0.25 |
| Ink Black V2 | Linear | 60g • Premium | 59/70 | $0.9 |
| Milky Yellow Pro | Linear | 50g • Thocky | 56/70 | $0.3 |
| Red | Linear | 45g • Light | 54/70 | $0.22 |
| Black | Linear | 60g • Heavy | 53/70 | $0.22 |
| Brown | Tactile | 55g • Light Tactile | 52/70 | $0.22 |
| Silent Red | Silent | 45g • Quiet | 50/70 | $0.35 |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Are Gateron switches better than Cherry MX?
In most cases, yes. Modern Gateron switches (especially Yellow and Oil King) are smoother than Cherry MX equivalents and cost significantly less. Cherry still has brand prestige, but Gateron offers better value for performance.
Which Gateron switch is best for gaming?
For competitive gaming, the Gateron Yellow is hard to beat. It's smooth, fast (50g actuation), and costs only $0.25/switch. If budget isn't a concern, the Oil King offers even better smoothness with factory lube.
Do Gateron switches need to be lubed?
Budget Gateron switches (Yellow, Red, Brown) benefit from lubing but are usable stock. Premium models like Oil King and Ink series come pre-lubed and don't require additional modding.
What's the difference between Gateron Yellow and Milky Yellow?
The main difference is the housing material. Regular Yellow has a clear bottom housing, while Milky Yellow has an opaque milky housing that produces a deeper, more "thocky" sound. Performance-wise, they're very similar (both score 56-60/70).
Are Gateron switches compatible with Cherry MX keyboards?
Yes! Gateron switches use the same MX-style stem and mounting, making them 100% compatible with any keyboard that supports Cherry MX switches.