Gateron Aliaz vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offer unique experiences for users seeking different qualities in their typing experience. The Aliaz switch is ideal for those looking for a quiet and tactile typing experience, perfect for office environments with its medium-heavy weight and substantial feedback. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is a linear switch that excels in both gaming and typing, offering smoothness, low-pitched "thocky" sound, and satisfying resistance. While the Aliaz switch provides a muted and polished feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offers a buttery and textured sensation. 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
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), one can see a clear contrast in the materials used. The Aliaz boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which leads to a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. These differences in housing material reflect in the typing experience, with the Aliaz providing a crisper sound when keys are released compared to the rounder sound of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3).
Moving on to the bottom housing, the distinctions between the Aliaz's polycarbonate housing and the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)'s nylon housing become more apparent. The Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)'s nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. These varying characteristics affect the overall sound and feel of the switch when typing, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
In essence, the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offer distinct typing experiences due to their differing properties. While the Aliaz's polycarbonate housing produces a clearer, more resonant sound, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)'s nylon housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches provide a unique and satisfying typing experience, showcasing the impact that housing materials can have on the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a slightly lighter typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Milky Yellow Pro, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, individuals who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback may gravitate towards the Aliaz for a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel regardless of which switch they choose. The 4 mm travel distance ensures that users can feel the actuation point and bottom out with a satisfying amount of key travel. This similarity in travel distance allows for a comparable typing experience between the two switches, making them both suitable options for those looking for a switch with a standard 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 Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is best described as muted, offering a softer and quieter sound profile compared to regular switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is characterized by a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound that provides a deeper and richer tone during key presses. While the Aliaz aims for a more subdued typing experience in terms of sound, the Milky Yellow Pro delivers a more pronounced and resonant typing feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Aliaz switch offers a silky and polished typing experience, ensuring an exceptionally smooth and refined key press. The switch minimizes resistance and provides a sleek typing sensation, ideal for users seeking a smooth typing feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro switch is known for its buttery and textured keystroke feel. With a smooth and fluid typing experience, these switches offer a seamless and uniform sensation while typing, catering to those who appreciate a more textured key press.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is the choice for those looking for a quiet and substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy weight, while the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch excels in providing a smooth, buttery, and satisfying typing feel with a low-pitched and thocky sound. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring that you will achieve similar satisfactory typing results based on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider your environment and typing preferences. If you value a quiet typing experience and prefer a medium-heavy weight with a pronounced typing feedback, the Aliaz switch would be your top choice. On the other hand, if you're looking for a budget-friendly switch that excels in both gaming and typing, offering smoothness and a satisfying thocky sound, then the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) would be the ideal option for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what qualities you prioritize in a keyboard switch.
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