Gateron Aliaz vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Aliaz and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offer distinct features catering to different preferences. The Aliaz switch is renowned for its tactile feedback and medium-heavy weight, making it ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced typing experience in a quiet office setting. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro is praised for its smooth linear action and budget-friendly price point, providing a buttery smooth keystroke with a pleasing low-pitched sound. While both switches have their own unique qualities that may appeal to different users, it's essential to delve deeper into their characteristics to determine the best fit for your typing needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
75g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This results in a more resonant and clear sound when typing. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between the Aliaz and Milky Red Pro (KS-3) will ultimately come down to personal preference. The polycarbonate housing of the Aliaz provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a more resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a deeper and fuller sound, perfect for users who enjoy a softer and more muted typing sound. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Aliaz is translucent, making it suitable for use with RGB lighting. This adds a visually appealing element to the switch, especially for users who enjoy customizable lighting effects. On the other hand, the opaque nylon top housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a more classic look, ideal for those who prefer a simpler design. Both switches provide a unique visual appeal that complements their respective sound profiles, making them both excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch. The Aliaz requires 60 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 75 grams to bottom out, making it a heavier option. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a medium-light choice. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Aliaz for its heavier forces, while those who enjoy a lighter touch may opt for the Milky Red Pro. Overall, the weight of the switch is an important factor to consider depending on personal preference and intended use of the keyboard. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, so choosing between them will ultimately depend on individual preferences for typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a similar distance of travel from the top to the bottom. This makes them both ideal choices for those who prefer a consistent travel distance and typing experience. So, whether you opt for the Aliaz tactile switch or the Milky Red Pro linear switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Aliaz switch offers a muted and quiet typing experience, perfect for those in need of a non-disruptive environment. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, accompanied by a satisfying "thock" when pressed. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Aliaz catering to those seeking a more subtle sound and the Milky Red Pro appealing to enthusiasts looking for a deeper, richer tone.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz switch provides a silky and polished typing experience, ensuring smooth and refined key presses with minimal resistance. Conversely, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is described as buttery, offering a fluid and effortless keystroke sensation that is uniform and seamless. Both switches prioritize smoothness, with the Aliaz emphasizing a polished feel and the Milky Red Pro focusing on a buttery typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a quiet and substantial typing feedback like the Aliaz provides or a smooth and buttery keystroke experience with the Milky Red Pro, both switches deliver on their respective strengths. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound profile and typing feel, but rest assured that both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preference and typing needs. If you are looking for a quiet typing experience with a medium-heavy weight and pronounced feedback, the Aliaz switch would be a great choice, especially for office environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and affordable typing experience with a lighter bottom out force and a pleasing low-pitched sound, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch might be the better option for you. Consider the sound and feel descriptions of each switch to determine which best suits your typing style and environment. Ultimately, the choice is yours based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable to you.
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