Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the SP-Star Yanyu are both linear mechanical keyboard switches but offer different characteristics to suit various preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is undeniably a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality. It provides a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a bouncy type feel, making it a popular choice for gamers or those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches are perfect for individuals who prefer a delicate typing experience or need to type for long periods of time. Their material blend produces a crisp sound profile and offers a mild and feathery typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the SP-Star Yanyu differ in several ways. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing is translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Yanyu features a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its top housing. This blend offers a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards a brighter tone.
In terms of the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow employs a nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Conversely, the Yanyu incorporates a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its bottom housing. This unique blend offers a sound profile that is also described as pleasant, but it is not particularly sharp and leans towards the brighter side.
When it comes to the impact on the overall sound and feel of the switches, the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom. Pressing down on the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch, for example, will primarily showcase the qualities of the nylon bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the impact on the sound will be primarily influenced by the polycarbonate top housing. The same principle applies to the Yanyu, with the bottom housing having a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, both switches offer distinct sound profiles due to the differences in their housing materials. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller tone. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu's unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE in both the top and bottom housings creates a pleasant sound profile with a slightly brighter character. While they have their differences, both switches deliver satisfying and unique sound experiences based on their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, we can see some noticeable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a relatively moderate pressure required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Yanyu switch is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare these two switches. However, the bottom out force of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is 67 grams, indicating a heavier and more substantial typing experience when pressing all the way down. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch has a bottom out force of 43 grams, which is comparatively lighter.
Weight, in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, plays a crucial role in switch selection. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the Yanyu, enabling longer typing periods and well-suited for work environments or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals seeking a more robust and tactile typing experience may favor the G Pro 3.0 Yellow due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. While the actuation force of the Yanyu switch is not specified, if it falls within a similar range to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, users can expect comparable results in terms of typing feel and responsiveness. However, it is important to note that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is generally considered the heavier option among the two due to its higher bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch plays a crucial role in determining the typing experience and overall feel of a keyboard. In the case of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, both have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. The similarity in their travel distance ensures that users can expect consistent tactile feedback and responsiveness regardless of which switch they choose. Therefore, both switches offer an identical travel distance, providing a comparable typing experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
The SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and SP-Star Yanyu linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel.
Starting with sound, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow produces a higher-pitched and clacky sound profile. This means that when the switches are pressed, there is a sharp and crisp sound that can be heard. The sound profile is clean and sharp, giving an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches have a more neutral sound profile. They produce a moderate sound with a thocky quality, which can be described as a deep, rich, and satisfying sound. The Yanyu switches provide a more delicate and crisp sound experience compared to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow.
Moving on to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches offer a polished and creamy typing experience. The switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This polished and creamy feel provides a sleek typing experience, as if gliding across the keys effortlessly. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches offer a mild and feathery typing experience. They have a gentle resistance and are exceptionally light to press, requiring little exertion from your fingers. The feathery feel of the Yanyu switches reduces finger fatigue, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and SP-Star Yanyu linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a higher-pitched and clacky sound profile, along with a polished and creamy feel. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches have a more neutral and thocky sound profile, along with a mild and feathery feel. Depending on personal preferences, one can choose between the sharp and immersive sound of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the delicate and crisp sound of the Yanyu switches. Similarly, one can choose between the polished and creamy feel of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the mild and feathery feel of the Yanyu switches. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but with different characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the ideal choice. These switches provide a fairly bouncy typing feel and a higher-pitched clacky sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate typing experience or tend to type for long periods of time, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is perfect for you. With a light bottom out force, these switches offer a crisp sound profile and various qualities such as a mild and feathery typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Yanyu depends on your preferences and typing needs.
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