Gateron Yellows/ Black vs Kailh Box Black/Pro Burgundys vs Cherry MX Blacks

[wyz3]

I am going to build a new keyboard and I am interested in buying some linears this time. I don't want something too light like red switches, so blacks seem good but Gateron Yellows and Kailh Pro Burgundys are kind of inbetween blacks and reds, which is kinda what I want. But I really don't know. My main purpose for these are to game, so yeah. Umm, I have heard that Cherry Vintage Blacks are really good but the production was quite inconsistent, reason why it is not on the list. I don't know anything about the smoothness/scratchiness about the switches, except that yellows are quite smooth, and that's why I kinda need some help. In terms of lube, which switches are best when lubed/unlubed and would I need to lube them? I heard that Kailh Pro Burgundys come pre-lubed but I bet it's a pretty light job. I am on a slight budget so that's why I am not going for something like tealios/healios. I'm thinking of just getting Gateron Yellows and just lubing them, should I go with milky housings in that case or what? I would appreciate if you can give me details on each one of these switches, lubed and unlubed, and overall what you think is best for gaming. Also, I would also like if you can tell me if they need to be filmed, because if so, I might not get it because of my budget. I would also like to know what linear switches are your personal favourite. Is the extra cost of the Kailh and Cherry Mx switches worth it? Or should I just go cheap with Gaterons? Thank you.

[Maledicted]

I am going to build a new keyboard and I am interested in buying some linears this time. I don't want something too light like red switches, so blacks seem good but Gateron Yellows and Kailh Pro Burgundys are kind of inbetween blacks and reds, which is kinda what I want. But I really don't know. My main purpose for these are to game, so yeah. Umm, I have heard that Cherry Vintage Blacks are really good but the production was quite inconsistent, reason why it is not on the list. I don't know anything about the smoothness/scratchiness about the switches, except that yellows are quite smooth, and that's why I kinda need some help. In terms of lube, which switches are best when lubed/unlubed and would I need to lube them? I heard that Kailh Pro Burgundys come pre-lubed but I bet it's a pretty light job. I am on a slight budget so that's why I am not going for something like tealios/healios. I'm thinking of just getting Gateron Yellows and just lubing them, should I go with milky housings in that case or what? I would appreciate if you can give me details on each one of these switches, lubed and unlubed, and overall what you think is best for gaming. Also, I would also like if you can tell me if they need to be filmed, because if so, I might not get it because of my budget. I would also like to know what linear switches are your personal favourite. Is the extra cost of the Kailh and Cherry Mx switches worth it? Or should I just go cheap with Gaterons? Thank you.

I don't do any of that lube stuff. I have only tried them on a tester, but I think that Gateron yellows are a top contender for gaming boards. Some of the smoothest stock switches I have tried, though I haven't tried any of the fancy boutique linears. Yeah, I haven't felt a "vintage" MX black that I particularly liked. It appears that I have a pro burgundy in my tester. I don't recall them standing out at all, I'll compare the two at home if I remember to.

I have no idea on films, or difference in housings myself. Why do people film again? Wobble or something? Not something I have ever cared about.

As I said, I haven't tried any of the fancy boutique linears, but the old Alps linears SKCC and SKCL are some of my favorites, any of the Gaterons are fantastic too. Kailh's box linears aren't bad either. I can't speak for their overall quality, but the GeekMaker and Everglide switches in my tester feel fantastic.

I haven't felt a Kailh linear that's as nice as a Gateron yellow. I haven't felt an MX linear that was better than mediocre. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[envyy24]

Even if vint black is consistent, I doubt it would make your list. They actuate ridiculously high at like 70 and bottom out at 80 or st in that ball park. Modern black is also heavy. So, not ideal for gaming keyboard.

[HungerMechanic]

You don't need Vintage Blacks for gaming, that is overkill in terms of price. Also, Vintage Blacks and normaly Cherry Blacks are too heavy for many.

Gateron Yellow is a more reasonable weight, although to me they feel heavier than their listed spring weight. They are smoother than Cherry linears. However, they improve greatly if you can lube them. They are probably the best cheap lubed linear, and many use them for gaming.

However, if you are going for something better, get in a Group Buy for Durock linears like the Alpaca or Mauve. Or try for C3 Tangerine V2. They the Tangerines especially are middle-weight between MX Red and Black weights. Durock linears are good out-of-the-box, but they are a bit wobbly and plastic-sounding. They improve massively with lube and filming, and feel top-tier after that. I have yet to try the Tangerines.

A cheaper, faster options is the BOX linears. Traditional BOX Reds are said to be pretty good, better than Cherry certainly. They are smooth out-of-the-box. Just don't put GMK keycaps or any thin keycaps on them.

There seem to be new BOX linears coming out, including a 35 gr BOX Red [the normal one is 45 gr]. Note that all the BOX Reds are pretty light, they feel lighter than Cherry. Here is some more information:

https://techbroll.com/2020/02/new-35-grams-kailh-box-red-switch-review.html

[Maledicted]

There seem to be new BOX linears coming out, including a 35 gr BOX Red [the normal one is 45 gr]. Note that all the BOX Reds are pretty light, they feel lighter than Cherry. Here is some more information:

https://techbroll.com/2020/02/new-35-grams-kailh-box-red-switch-review.html

That seems to be an answer without a question. The reds are already too light for a linear.