SP-Star Yanyu vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Yanyu and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch to the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Yanyu is favored for its delicate typing experience and crisp sound profile, making it ideal for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° stands out for its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, providing unmatched smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that reduces noise. While the Yanyu is known for its subtle and polished typing experience, the Zero Degree 0° excels in delivering silent typing with its innovative design. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the SP-Star Yanyu and Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches differ significantly in terms of sound profile and physical characteristics. The Yanyu's unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a pleasant and bright sound profile, while the Zero Degree 0°'s polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches that use RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the Zero Degree 0°. On the other hand, the Yanyu's blend provides a softer and less sharp sound profile, catering to those who prefer a more mellow typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend offers a similar sound profile to its top housing, providing a consistent typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile that emphasizes a duller and rounder typing experience. This difference in bottom housing materials can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switches, catering to different preferences based on the level of sound crispness and resonance desired.
Overall, the housing materials used in the SP-Star Yanyu and Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches play a crucial role in shaping the typing experience for users. While the Yanyu's unique blend offers a consistent and bright sound profile throughout, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° provides a sharper and crisper sound with the use of polycarbonate. Additionally, the choice of bottom housing material further enhances the sound profile, with the Yanyu's blend offering a softer typing experience compared to the deeper and fuller sound produced by the Zero Degree 0°'s nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, these differences in housing materials cater to various typing preferences, allowing users to choose a switch that aligns with their desired sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences for users in terms of force requirements. The Yanyu has a light actuation force of None grams, while the Zero Degree 0° requires 45 grams to actuate. On the other hand, the Yanyu has a bottom out force of 43 grams, which is heavier compared to the Unknown bottom out force of the Zero Degree 0°. This means that the Yanyu is lighter to press down initially, but requires a slightly heavier force to fully depress compared to the Zero Degree 0°. Depending on personal preference, users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Yanyu for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier actuation force of the Zero Degree 0° for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different needs and preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it is evident that the Yanyu has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Zero Degree 0°. The Yanyu offers a more traditional travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying key press for some users. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° provides a shallower travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - with the Yanyu offering a deeper key press and the Zero Degree 0° providing a faster response. Both switches offer unique advantages and it ultimately depends on individual preference as to which is the better option for a specific user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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
In terms of sound, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, suitable for various purposes. It also provides a thocky sound that is deep and satisfying when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch aims to deliver a silent typing experience with its innovative design, absorbing sound and reducing noise. However, specific descriptors for the sound of the Zero Degree 0° switch are not provided, so it's best to test it out with different keycaps and keyboards to fully appreciate its sound characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch provides a mild and feathery typing experience, making it gentle on the fingers and reducing fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, it offers a subtle resistance and a polished finish for a smooth and refined typing feel. In contrast, the feel of the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is not explicitly described, so it is important to try it out to determine its unique typing characteristics. Given the Yanyu's light and gentle typing experience, it may be beneficial for users seeking a comfortable typing feel.
Overall, both the SP-Star Yanyu and Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Yanyu switch provides a thocky sound and a mild, feathery feel for a delicate typing experience, the Zero Degree 0° switch focuses on innovative design for silent typing. Without specific descriptors for the sound and feel of the Zero Degree 0° switch, users may need to experiment with different setups to fully appreciate its characteristics. Ultimately, trying out both switches on different keyboards and keycaps will help users determine which switch aligns best with their preferences for typing sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prioritize a light bottom out force and a delicate typing experience, the Yanyu switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you value unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a silent typing experience, the Zero Degree 0° switch with its innovative design may be the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Happy typing!
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