Independent buying guides for mechanical keyboards

GATERON Milky Yellow Pro V2 Pre-lubed 5 Pin 50gf LED RGB Linear Switches for MX Mechanical Keyboard (70 Pcs) Review (2026)

Updated September 14, 2026 · Research-based review

Our verdict

This 70-piece pack of GATERON Milky Yellow Pro V2 switches gives a factory pre-lubed 50gf linear feel the enthusiast community treats as a budget benchmark. Milky housings soften RGB brightness, and 70 pieces suit compact boards, not a full-size build. Our score of 8.8 out of 10 reflects strong value against pricier linear rivals.

GATERON Milky Yellow Pro V2 Pre-lubed 5 Pin 50gf LED RGB Linear Switches for MX Mechanical Keyboard (70 Pcs)

A 70-pack of GATERON Milky Yellow Pro V2 pre-lubed 5 pin 50gf linear switches, a well regarded value linear.

Price range: See on Amazon

What we liked

  • + Milky Yellow Pro is a community favorite for smooth, creamy sound on a budget
  • + 50gf weight is a comfortable middle ground for typing and gaming
  • + Pre-lubed V2 stems reduce scratch and spring ping out of the bag

Trade-offs

  • - 70 switches suit compact builds but not full size layouts
  • - Milky housings block some RGB light compared with clear tops

Who this switch pack suits

This pack targets anyone building or upgrading a hot-swappable keyboard who wants a smooth linear switch without paying premium prices for hand-lubed options. The Milky Yellow Pro V2 has built a strong reputation among keyboard hobbyists as an accessible way to get a creamy, pre-lubed feel straight out of the bag, which makes it a common recommendation for a first custom build. Gamers and typists who prefer linear switches over tactile bumps or audible clicks will find the 50gf actuation weight comfortable for extended sessions, since it is light enough to avoid finger fatigue but heavy enough to resist accidental presses. With only 70 pieces per pack, this set is sized for a 60 percent, 65 percent or 75 percent board rather than a full-size layout that needs closer to 110 switches.

What is inside: materials, force and pin type

Each switch uses a POM stem inside milky nylon top and bottom housings, a combination the keyboard community associates with a smooth, slightly muted sound compared with clear-top switches. The rated actuation force sits around 50 grams, GATERON's published spec lists a tolerance band around that figure, placing it in a comfortable middle ground between very light gaming switches and heavier typing switches. Every switch ships with 5 pins for direct PCB mounting on boards with a five-pin hot-swap socket or plate, and the switches arrive factory pre-lubed, which reduces the scratchy feel and spring ping that unlubed switches often have fresh out of the packaging. Gold-plated contacts support long-term conductivity, and the switches are compatible with SMD RGB lighting, though the milky housing tempers how bright that lighting appears from above.

Installing and living with them

Because these are 5-pin switches, they work directly with PCBs that have five-pin hot-swap sockets, and installing them typically only requires aligning the pins and pressing the switch into the socket or plate cutout without any soldering. The factory pre-lube means most builders can install these straight from the bag and get a smooth result, though some enthusiasts still apply a thin layer of additional lubricant to the stem and rails for an even quieter, more consistent feel. Because the switches are already pre-lubed, re-lubing is optional rather than necessary for a good typing experience. The milky housings do dim RGB backlighting somewhat compared with fully clear switch housings, which is worth knowing if a bright, vivid lighting show matters more than sound and feel on your build.

How it compares with other linear picks

In the site's linear switches guide, this 70-piece Milky Yellow Pro V2 pack ranks first out of eight, ahead of GATERON's own Jupiter Red switches, which score 8.6 with a lighter 45gf actuation and a factory pre-lubed design aimed more squarely at fast gaming input. JWICK's Red Linear switches follow at 8.2 with a heavier 62g actuation for buyers who want more resistance under each keystroke. Compared with the Jupiter Red, the Milky Yellow Pro V2's slightly heavier 50gf weight suits typing-focused builds a bit better, while gamers chasing the fastest possible reset may prefer the lighter Jupiter Red instead. Both remain GATERON switches, so build quality and pin fitment stay consistent whichever one a buyer ultimately picks for their board.

Verdict and who should pick something else

Choose this pack if you are building or upgrading a compact hot-swappable keyboard and want a smooth, pre-lubed linear switch without paying for boutique or hand-lubed alternatives. The 50gf actuation weight works well for both typing and gaming, and the pre-lube means most builders can skip an extra lubing step entirely. Full-size keyboard owners should buy at least two packs or look at a larger-count listing, since 70 pieces will not cover a 104-key board on their own. Buyers who specifically want the lightest possible actuation for competitive gaming may prefer GATERON's Jupiter Red instead, while anyone wanting maximum RGB brightness should consider a switch with clear rather than milky housings. For a general-purpose linear switch at this price, the Milky Yellow Pro V2 earns its top spot in the guide.

Frequently asked questions

How many switches come in this pack, and is that enough for a full keyboard?

This listing includes 70 switches, enough for a 60 percent to 75 percent board. A full-size 104-key keyboard needs roughly 110 switches, so you would need more than one pack.

Are these switches pre-lubed, or do I need to lube them myself?

They ship factory pre-lubed from GATERON, so most builders can install them straight from the bag. Some enthusiasts still add a light extra lube for an even smoother, quieter feel, but it is optional.

What pin type do these switches use?

They use 5 pins, which fit directly into PCBs or plates with a five-pin hot-swap socket without soldering.

Do the milky housings affect RGB lighting?

Yes, the milky nylon top and bottom housings diffuse and slightly dim RGB backlighting compared with switches that use clear housings, though the light is still visible.

Prices change often, so check the current price and availability on Amazon.

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