Gateron Melodic vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic and the SP-Star Yanyu stand out as popular choices with unique characteristics. The Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that offers a satisfying tactile feedback and a classic clicky sound, thanks to advancements like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu is a linear switch, ideal for users seeking a more delicate typing experience or those who type for extended periods of time. While the Melodic is described as 'Buttery' and 'Crunchy', the Yanyu is labeled as 'Thocky' and 'Polished'. If you're looking for a switch that provides an invigorating and resonant typing experience, the Melodic may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a subtler and more polished typing feel, the Yanyu might be the better choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
Overall, the Gateron Melodic and SP-Star Yanyu switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Melodic's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharp, higher-pitched sound, ideal for those seeking a crisper typing experience. In contrast, the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a brighter sound without being too sharp, providing a pleasant typing experience for users. While both switches have clear housing for RGB lighting, the materials used in the top housing give each switch its own unique sound characteristics.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Melodic utilizes nylon which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a more muted typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the bottom housing creates a pleasant sound that is bright without being overly sharp, catering to users who prefer a crisper typing sound. These differences in bottom housing materials contribute to the overall feel and sound of each switch, offering users a variety of options based on their preferences.
While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Gateron Melodic and SP-Star Yanyu switches, both switches showcase the impact that housing materials have on the overall typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, with nylon providing a deeper sound on the Melodic and the unique blend on the Yanyu providing a brighter, yet not sharp tone. On the other hand, the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key, with polycarbonate delivering a sharper sound on the Melodic and the Polymer nylon blend offering a brighter sound on the Yanyu. Overall, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and tactile feel of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, we can see some key differences. The Melodic has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance, while the Yanyu has a bottom out force of 43 grams, offering a lighter touch. The actuation force for both switches is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare in that aspect. However, based on the bottom out force alone, we can determine that the Yanyu is the lighter option, making it suitable for those who prefer a gentler typing experience. On the other hand, the Melodic would be better suited for users who prefer a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on individual preference for weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This can result in a similar typing experience in terms of the feel and feedback provided by the switches. Overall, both switches offer a consistent travel distance, ensuring a reliable and familiar typing experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Melodic switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, characterized by a higher-pitched sound profile with a clean and sharp quality reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch provides a neutral and thocky sound profile, producing a moderate sound that is suitable for a wide range of typing preferences and purposes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the user's preference for a higher-pitched, crunchy sound or a more neutral, thocky sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. Conversely, the SP-Star Yanyu switch offers a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. These qualities make the Yanyu switch gentle to press, comfortable for extended typing sessions, suitable for shared spaces, and characterized by smooth and refined key travel. When choosing between these switches, users may consider whether they prefer a more pronounced, invigorating feel or a lighter, more subtle typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing needs. The Melodic switch delivers a resonant and crunchy sound with a buttery and invigorating feel, while the Yanyu switch provides a neutral and thocky sound with a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel. Ultimately, users can expect a unique and enjoyable typing experience with either switch, depending on their individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a resonant or crunchy sound profile with a buttery or invigorating feel, then the Gateron Melodic clicky switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a neutral or thocky sound profile with a mild, feathery, subtle, or polished feel, then the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch may better suit your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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