Gateron original KS-3X47 Yellow switch, milky nylon top and black nylon bottom; manufacturer image
02 / THE ESSENTIALS

Gateron KS-3X47 Yellow Non-Pro Linear Switch at a Glance

Linear
Switch Type
4 mm
Total Travel
5-pin
Mount
No
Factory Lubed
50 gf
Operating force

Know the switch

Gateron KS-3X47 Yellow Non-Pro Linear Switch: how to choose it

This pack contains 10 original Non-Pro KS-3X47 Yellow linear switches, with a nominal 50gf operating force. KS-3X47 is a wider family with other colors and actuation styles; those versions are not included in this Yellow pack.

Gateron original KS-3X47 Yellow switch, milky nylon top and black nylon bottom; manufacturer image
Gateron KS-3X47 Yellow Non-Pro Linear Switch — supplied source product photo

Choose confidently

Best fit and trade-offs

Best for

  • DIY builders who prefer a budget, mod-friendly classic switch
  • Users choosing a specific force instead of chasing an unverified sound adjective

Consider an alternative if

  • Buyers demanding factory-lubed Pro switches
  • Users requiring proven bright SMD RGB transmission without housing checks

What you should know first

  • Do not expect stock factory lubrication on the original variant.
  • The milky/black housing is not a promise of strong RGB shine-through.
  • Each color has a different feel, so select by verified model and force rather than assuming one color represents the whole family.

Design and experience

What makes this switch different?

  • Milky nylon upper housing and black nylon bottom housing distinguish the original KS-3X47 from the full-milky KS-3X1 or fully black KS-3.
  • Original KS-3X47 is not factory-lubed according to the Gateron product page; useful if you want to tune your own switches.
  • MX-style mechanical 5-pin PCB mount; check the hot-swap socket or plate before purchase.
  • Yellow is the 50±15gf linear option. Brown is tactile, Blue is clicky; never represent all color variants as linear.

Check before you build

Compatibility, pins and pack planning

Confirm your keyboard uses compatible MX-style mechanical switches and check plate, PCB socket and the available pin holes. Do not confuse mechanical switches with Hall Effect switches. If your board uses a hot-swap socket, confirm the socket type before ordering; trim pins only when this is supported and appropriate for your build.

To replace every switch on a keyboard, count the keys in your exact layout and add optional spares. A 10-switch trial pack is useful for comparing feel before a full-board replacement. Switch packs are not complete keyboard kits and do not include a keyboard, keycaps or tools unless the selected offer expressly says so.

How many switches should you order?

Choose your keyboard layout to get a practical starting quantity. Then confirm the exact key count for your board and decide how many spare switches you want for testing or replacement.

Recommended for 65%
Select an available configuration
Recommendations require verified pack sizes, prices and availability from the current variation data.

Technical reference

Detailed specifications

Selected version
Yellow linear (original Non-Pro)
Yellow operating force
50±15 gf
Yellow pre-travel
2.0±0.6 mm
Yellow total travel
4.0 mm max
Housing
Milky nylon top / black nylon bottom
Stem
POM
Mount
5-pin
Factory lube
No (original KS-3X47)
LED support
Plug-in LED per official product

Values above are manufacturer-described specifications, not KeebPilot laboratory measurements. For a model family, use only the specification of the exact selected color/variation.

Buying advice

How it compares with nearby choices

A useful comparison starts with switch type, exact model generation, operating force, total travel, pin format, factory lubrication, illumination structure, and actual pack quantity. Sound claims remain subjective until tested with the same board, keycaps and recording setup.

Package notes

What is included?

Each pack contains 10 switches. Keyboard, keycaps, tools, lubricants and retail packaging are not included unless explicitly stated. Photos may show a different number of switches for illustration.

Answers before checkout

Frequently asked questions

Is KS-3X47 the same as Milky Yellow Pro?

No. The original KS-3X47 and Pro models have different lubrication/mold histories; check the full official model name.

Which KS-3X47 color is linear or tactile?

Yellow, Red, Black and White are linear; Brown is tactile; Blue and Green are clicky in Gateron’s color chart.

Does KS-3X47 come factory lubed?

The original KS-3X47 page specifies no factory lubrication.

Are KS-3X47 switches 3-pin or 5-pin?

Gateron lists 5-pin PCB mount for the original product family.

Will the milky top let RGB through?

Light transmission depends on the housing and keyboard LED layout; avoid assuming full shine-through.

Does my hot-swap PCB support 5-pin switches?

Check that your PCB and mounting style accept a five-pin MX mechanical switch.

How many should I order for my keyboard?

Choose at least as many switches as your keyboard has keys, plus a few spares.

What is the difference between KS-3 and KS-3X47?

They use different upper-housing presentations; sound descriptions are setup-dependent.