Our Top Picks
The best Gateron switches for most gamers are the pre-lubed 5-pin linears: the Milky Yellow Pro V2 packs for the lowest cost per switch, the Oil King V2 packs for a premium, heavier feel, and the G Yellow Pro V3.0 as a plain gaming linear. If you type as much as you play, the G Brown Pro V3.0 or Chocolate Smoothie tactile packs make more sense. Below are ten listings sorted by what each one is, followed by a counting worksheet so you buy the right quantity. Prices move often, so confirm each listing before you order.
Quick comparison of all ten packs
GATERON G Brown Pro V3.0 Pre-lubed 5pin Tactile Switch for SMD RGB MX Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Switches (70 Pcs-5pin, Brown)
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
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GATERON G Yellow Pro V3.0 Pre-lubed 5pin Linear Switch for SMD RGB MX Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Switches (70 Pcs-5pin, Yellow)
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
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Gateron Smoothie Linear Switches, Pre-lubed 40gf, 72PCS | RGB LED, 5 Pin, 22mm Dual-Stage Spring, White, Full POM for MX Mechanical Keyboard
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
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Gateron Oil King V2 Pre Lubed 5pin Linear Switches for Mechanical Keyboard (90PCS, Oil King)
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
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Gateron Milky Yellow Pro V2 Linear Switches,72PCS | Pre-lubed,5-Pin,50gf,For All Mechanical Keyboard,Game Keyboard
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
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GATERON G Pro 3.0 Switches Pre-lubed 5 pinS RGB Linear for Gaming Mechanical Keyboard (red, 35PCS)
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
View on AmazonGateron Milky Yellow Pro V2 Linear Creamy Switches,108PCS | Pre-lubed,5-Pin,50gf,For MX Mechanical Keyboard Game Keyboard
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
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Gateron Oil King V2 Switches Pre-Lubed Linear Keyboard Switches,90 Pcs | 5-Pin 55gf,60 Million Keystroke Lifespan,Compatible MX Mechanical Keyboards,DIY Custom Mod Parts
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
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GATERON Smoothie Series Keyboard Switches(White,35PCS) | Linear switch,RGB LED,5 Pin,Factory Pre-lubed,Full POM Material,compatible for MX Mechanical Keyboard
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
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Gateron Chocolate Smoothie Tactile Keyboard Switches, 5 Pin Pre-lubed 70PCS
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
View on Amazon| Model | Key point from title | Price tier | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| G Brown Pro V3.0 (70 pcs) | Tactile, pre-lubed, 5-pin | Mid-range (verify) | Typing plus gaming |
| G Yellow Pro V3.0 (70 pcs) | Linear, pre-lubed, 5-pin | Mid-range (verify) | Everyday gaming linear |
| Smoothie 40gf (72 pcs) | Linear, full POM, dual-stage spring | Mid-range | Light-touch fans |
| Oil King V2 (90 pcs, kutethy) | Linear, pre-lubed, 5-pin | Premium | 75% boards, smooth feel |
| Milky Yellow Pro V2 (72 pcs) | Linear, 50gf, pre-lubed | Budget | 60% and 65% builds |
| G Pro 3.0 Red (35 pcs) | Linear, RGB, pre-lubed | Mid-range | Small repairs, samplers |
| Milky Yellow Pro V2 (108 pcs) | Linear, creamy, 50gf | Budget | Full-size builds |
| Oil King V2 (90 pcs, GUYEKS) | Linear, 55gf, 60M keystroke claim | Premium | Heavier-touch typists |
| Smoothie White (35 pcs) | Linear, full POM, factory pre-lubed | Mid-range | Replacing a few switches |
| Chocolate Smoothie (70 pcs) | Tactile, pre-lubed, 5-pin | Mid-range | Second tactile option |
The ten packs, one by one
GATERON G Brown Pro V3.0 Tactile (70 pcs)
This is a 70-piece pack of tactile switches, the only listing here with the Brown name. The title says pre-lubed, 5-pin and suitable for SMD RGB MX boards. A tactile switch gives a small bump on the way down, which many typists like for feedback without the noise of a clicky one. No price appeared in our data, so compare cost per switch against the Chocolate Smoothie tactile pack. Seventy pieces covers a 60% or 65% board with spares.
Pros
- Tactile bump gives feedback for mixed typing and gaming
- Seventy pieces leaves spares on compact layouts
Cons
- No spring weight in the title, so check the listing
- Some players find a bump less smooth for rapid repeated taps
Who it’s for: typists who also play and want feedback on every press.
GATERON G Yellow Pro V3.0 Linear (70 pcs)
The linear sibling of the Brown above, with the same pack size, pre-lubed claim and 5-pin design. Linear means smooth, bump-free travel, and the Yellow name is the one most buyers associate with budget gaming builds. As with its tactile twin, the price field was empty in our data. That makes it worth comparing against the Milky Yellow packs, which also use a yellow name but come from a different seller and a different model line.
Pros
- Straightforward linear feel for fast, repeated inputs
- Matches the Brown pack if you want to try both types
Cons
- No spring weight or material given in the title
- Seventy pieces will not cover a 75% layout
Who it’s for: first-time builders who want a no-fuss gaming linear.
Gateron Smoothie Linear 40gf (72 pcs, White)
This listing stands out for stating the lightest force in the set: 40gf, against 50gf and 55gf elsewhere. It also claims a 22mm dual-stage spring and full POM construction, a plastic often chosen for a smoother, softer sound. The seller field reads kutethy, a third-party name, so verify the seller before ordering. Seventy-two pieces covers a 60% or 65% board with room to spare.
Pros
- Lightest stated actuation weight, easy on tired fingers
- Full POM and dual-stage spring are spelled out
Cons
- Light switches can register accidental presses for heavy-handed typists
- Third-party seller, so check authenticity
Who it’s for: players who want effortless presses during long sessions.
Gateron Oil King V2 Linear (90 pcs, kutethy)
The Oil King name signals a smoother, more expensive linear, and this 90-piece pack carries the highest cost per switch among the kutethy listings. The title mentions pre-lubed and 5-pin but gives no spring weight, unlike the GUYEKS Oil King below. Ninety pieces clears an 84-key 75% layout with six spares, which is the main reason to pick it over the 72-piece packs. It is a near duplicate of the other Oil King listing, so compare sellers.
Pros
- Ninety pieces suits a 75% board
- Premium linear positioning
Cons
- Highest relative cost per switch
- No force or lifespan stated in the title
Who it’s for: 75% builders who care more about feel than cost.
Gateron Milky Yellow Pro V2 Linear (72 pcs, 50gf)
A value-focused pack: 72 pre-lubed 5-pin linears at a stated 50gf. The title claims it fits all mechanical keyboards and gaming boards, which is too broad to rely on; check your own board’s switch support. Seventy-two covers a 61-key or 68-key layout, but it will not stretch to the 82 to 84 keys on a typical 75% board. For the lowest cost per switch in this set, it ranks near the top.
Pros
- Budget tier with a stated mid-weight spring
- Enough pieces for 60% and 65% layouts
Cons
- Too few for 75% or larger boards
- The “all keyboards” claim needs checking
Who it’s for: budget builders refreshing a compact board.
GATERON G Pro 3.0 Red Linear (35 pcs)
Thirty-five pieces is a small pack, useful for replacing a handful of failed switches or modding a single row such as WASD and the surrounding keys. The title says RGB, pre-lubed, 5-pin and linear. Note the naming: this is Pro 3.0, while the Yellow and Brown packs say Pro V3.0, so do not assume the feel is identical. The seller field shows GATERON, which is reassuring for provenance.
Pros
- Low commitment for a first try
- Seller field matches the brand name
Cons
- Covers no complete board on its own
- No spring weight in the title
Who it’s for: anyone patching a board or sampling the linear feel.
Gateron Milky Yellow Pro V2 Creamy Linear (108 pcs)
This is the same Milky Yellow Pro V2 model as the 72-piece pack, just in the largest count in the set. One hundred eight pieces matches the key count of many full-size boards, which usually run from 104 to 108 keys. The per-switch cost is among the lowest here. The trade-off is zero spares if your board has 108 keys, so a small second pack may still be wise.
Pros
- Largest pack and lowest cost per switch tier
- Covers full-size layouts in one purchase
Cons
- No spare on a 108-key board
- Identical model to the 72-piece option, so no new variety
Who it’s for: full-size builders who want one cheap, complete set.
Gateron Oil King V2 Linear, 55gf (90 pcs, GUYEKS)
The second Oil King pack states a 55gf spring and a 60 million keystroke lifespan. Treat the lifespan as a seller claim, since we have no data to confirm it. At 55gf this is the heaviest stated weight in the set, which can suit people who dislike accidental presses. The listing also mentions DIY and mod parts, so it is aimed at builders. It overlaps heavily with the kutethy Oil King pack.
Pros
- Spring weight and lifespan are stated up front
- Ninety pieces fit 75% layouts
Cons
- Lifespan figure is an unverified claim
- Premium cost and heavier press
Who it’s for: custom-keyboard builders who like a firmer linear.
GATERON Smoothie Series White Linear (35 pcs)
This pack mirrors the kutethy Smoothie in design but comes in a smaller 35-piece count and a GATERON seller field. The title lists linear, RGB LED, 5-pin, factory pre-lubed and full POM. It gives no gram weight, so do not assume it equals the 40gf pack. Thirty-five pieces is a mod-a-few-keys quantity rather than a full build.
Pros
- Brand-named seller
- Full POM and factory pre-lube claims
Cons
- Too few for a whole keyboard
- No spring weight stated
Who it’s for: buyers who want a small, brand-sold linear sample.
Gateron Chocolate Smoothie Tactile (70 pcs)
The second tactile option, again in a 70-piece pack with pre-lubed 5-pin switches. The title is short: no spring weight, material or compatibility list. The seller name Kusigssk is a third-party label, so confirm what you are getting. Choose this over the Brown pack if its price on the day is lower or if the Chocolate Smoothie name matches a feel you have read about in buyer reviews.
Pros
- Gives tactile shoppers a second pack to compare
- Seventy pieces suits compact boards
Cons
- Sparse title detail
- Third-party seller
Who it’s for: tactile fans shopping on price.
How we picked these
We sorted ten Amazon listings that name Gateron in the title by switch type, pin count, lubrication claim, pack size and relative cost per switch. Everything here rests on published specifications, manufacturer documentation and buyer reviews, plus the listing titles. Nobody on the team used or measured these units. Where a title makes a claim, such as a spring weight or keystroke lifespan, we repeat it as the seller’s claim. Several packs come from third-party sellers, so verify the seller before ordering.
What to look for in Gateron switches
Linear, tactile or clicky
Linear switches travel straight down with no bump, a good fit for rapid inputs. Tactile switches add a bump that confirms the press, which typists often prefer. Clicky switches add an audible click; none of these ten listings are clicky. Choose by how you spend your keyboard time rather than by reputation.
5-pin versus 3-pin
Every listing here says 5-pin. Those two extra plastic pins add stability on a PCB that has holes for them. Some boards are built for 3-pin switches only. On a hot-swap board, check whether your socket and plate accept 5-pin types; if not, the extra pins can be carefully clipped, though that is a risk you take on yourself. Soldered boards need basic soldering skill.
Pre-lubed and spring weight
Pre-lubed is a seller claim. It usually means some lubricant was applied at the factory, not that every switch is perfect. Spring weight, in grams-force, is listed on only four packs: 40gf, 50gf and 55gf. Lighter springs reduce finger effort but raise the odds of accidental presses.
Counting worksheet
Our estimates assume these key counts: 61 for a 60% board, 68 for a 65%, 84 for a 75%, 87 for a tenkeyless and 108 for a full-size, plus roughly five spares.
| Layout | Keys | Smallest sensible pack |
|---|---|---|
| 60% | 61 | 70 or 72 pieces |
| 65% | 68 | 72 pieces |
| 75% | 84 | 90 pieces |
| Tenkeyless | 87 | 90 pieces |
| Full-size | 108 | 108 plus a 35-piece top-up |
Count the keys on your own board first, because layouts differ.
Mistakes buyers make
- Buying the exact key count. Bent pins happen, so leave a few spares.
- Assuming every listing fits every board. “Compatible with all keyboards” is not a guarantee; check pins and sockets.
- Mixing spring weights by accident. Combining 40gf and 55gf packs makes the keyboard feel uneven.
- Ignoring the seller. Several packs use third-party seller names, so verify before you order.
- Treating lifespan claims as facts. Figures like 60 million keystrokes are the seller’s numbers.
Verdict
For value, take the 72-piece Milky Yellow Pro V2 on a compact board or the 108-piece pack on a full-size one. For a premium smooth linear on a 75% board, the 90-piece Oil King V2 listings fit, with the GUYEKS version stating its weight. Typists should choose the G Brown Pro V3.0 or Chocolate Smoothie tactile. Use the 35-piece packs only for repairs or sampling.
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Frequently asked questions
Are Gateron switches good for gaming?
Yes, linear Gateron switches are a common choice for gaming because they press straight down with no bump, which suits rapid repeated taps. Tactile versions also work if you like feedback. What matters more than the brand is spring weight, pin type and whether the pack matches your keyboard, so read each listing carefully before ordering.
Should my first Gateron purchase be linear or tactile?
Pick linear if most of your time is spent gaming and you want a smooth, quiet press. Pick tactile if you also type a lot and like a small bump confirming each keystroke. If you cannot decide, buy one small pack of each type, since the cost of a few extra switches is minor compared with a full set you dislike.
How many switches do I need for a 75% keyboard?
Most 75% layouts have roughly 82 to 84 keys, so plan on at least 84 switches plus a few spares. Among these listings, a 90-piece pack is the smallest that clears that number. A 72-piece pack falls short. Always count the keys on your own board, because layouts vary between manufacturers.
Will these 5-pin switches work in a hot-swap keyboard?
Five-pin switches generally fit hot-swap sockets, and many boards are built for them, but compatibility depends on the specific PCB and socket type. Three-pin boards may have no holes for the two extra plastic pins. Check your keyboard’s documentation for supported switch types, and look at the listing again before buying.
Is factory pre-lubing enough, or should I lube them myself?
A pre-lubed claim means the seller says some lubricant was applied at the factory, not that every switch is perfectly coated. Many buyers are happy with it as is. If you want a specific feel or less spring ping, hand-lubing is an optional hobby step that takes patience and a steady hand.
