HMX 1989 vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the HMX 1989 and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX 1989 and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offer compelling yet distinct options for users seeking a linear experience. The HMX 1989, renowned for its deep and thocky characteristics, provides a unique tactile sensation with pronounced acoustics that many gamers and typists appreciate, making it a solid choice for those who enjoy a more resonant feedback with each keystroke. Meanwhile, the Gateron Milky Red Pro switch stands out for its buttery smooth keystrokes and low-pitched thock sound, delivering an exceptionally satisfying typing experience at an affordable price point, ideal for users prioritizing both performance and budget. While both switches embody the linear category, they cater to different preferences in feel and sound, which makes them appealing to varying types of users. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX 1989 and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which influence the sound profiles they produce. The HMX 1989 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that is known for its rigidity, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This clarity is particularly advantageous for users who prefer a pronounced acoustic feedback, especially in setups that incorporate RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the illumination effects. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro's nylon top housing provides a more muted auditory experience. Nylon, being a softer material, absorbs sound and yields a deeper, fuller tone, making the typing experience feel rich but less resonant in comparison to the polycarbonate's vibrant output.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, interesting similarities emerge. Both the HMX 1989 and Gateron Milky Red Pro utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a more rounded and softer sound profile. This shared characteristic means that regardless of the differences in their respective top housings, both switches will deliver a comparable bottoming-out sensation, as nylon is known for its capacity to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials. The result is a satisfying experience for typists who appreciate a gentle and muted thud when their key presses engage with the switch's bottom housing.
Ultimately, the combination of materials used in each switch produces a unique blend of sound characteristics. For the HMX 1989, the distinct accentuation provided by the polycarbonate top housing pairs with the nylon bottom housing for a multifaceted auditory experience—linking sharper sound on key release with a deeper feel upon bottoming out. Conversely, the Gateron Milky Red Pro achieves a more cohesive sound profile due to its wholly nylon construction, creating a smoother typing experience that prioritizes warmth over clarity. While the differences in top housing materials offer diverse typing acoustics, the shared nylon base does ensure a common foundation for tactile feedback between the two, allowing users to achieve satisfying results in their keystrokes regardless of the switch variation.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, both exhibit similar actuation forces, with each requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This commonality allows users to expect a comparable typing experience in terms of response sensitivity. However, in terms of bottom out force, the HMX 1989 has a slightly higher requirement at 53 grams, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) measures in at 52 grams. This means that while both switches have a medium-light feel ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, the HMX 1989 offers a marginally firmer feel at the bottom end. Ultimately, for users who prefer a lighter touch, the actuation forces are identical, making both switches suitable options, but the HMX 1989 can be considered slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience the same distance when pressing down on the keys of either switch. This similarity in travel distance ensures that the feel of key presses will be comparable, allowing for a consistent typing experience across both switches. Consequently, whether one opts for the HMX 1989 or the Gateron Milky Red Pro, they can expect similar tactile feedback and key response due to this equal travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX 1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the 1989 for $3.29.
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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
The sound produced by the HMX 1989 is characterized by a deep, thocky quality that resonates with users who appreciate a rich auditory experience. This switch's audio profile is likely to offer a satisfying depth during key presses, making it appealing for those who favor a pronounced sound when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches are also recognized for their thocky nature, showcasing a bassy and low-pitched sound signature. This switch impresses with a smooth and soft auditory feedback that evokes a soft "thud" upon actuation. Both switches promise a satisfying sound experience, though the 1989 may offer a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to the Milky Red Pro's smoother, evenly balanced tone.
When it comes to feel, the HMX 1989 provides a tactile sensation that aims to deliver a fulfilling engagement with each keypress, though specifics on its tactile feedback remain unmentioned. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3), on the other hand, boasts a buttery smooth action that allows for an effortless and fluid typing experience. This quality facilitates a seamless keystroke sensation, reducing the friction often felt in lower-grade switches. While the 1989’s exact feel isn't detailed, the Milky Red Pro firmly establishes itself with its smooth action, likely offering a contrasting yet equally pleasurable experience for typists who prioritize a polished feel.
In summary, both the HMX 1989 and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switches cater to those seeking enjoyable auditory and tactile experiences. The 1989 is distinguished by its deeper, thockier sound profile, while the Milky Red Pro excels with its smooth keystrokes and pleasing low-pitched sound. Although the exact feel of the 1989 remains unspecified, users can expect a comparable sensation if they lean toward rich auditory feedback and a satisfying typing experience, making both switches excellent choices for a range of keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) largely depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you are seeking. If you value a switch that offers a deeper, thocky sound profile and a firmer feedback during each key press, the HMX 1989 would be an excellent choice. Its slightly higher bottom-out force of 53 grams gives it a satisfying resistance that many typists appreciate for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke with a more affordable price point, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is tailored for you. It provides buttery smooth actions that are ideal for fast-paced gaming or long typing sessions, while its bassy, low-pitched thock sound adds a pleasant auditory experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a pronounced acoustic and tactile feedback with the HMX 1989 or the silky-smooth and budget-friendly typing experience of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3).
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