Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) present intriguing options. The Bamboo Green offers a tactile experience, with a clacky sound signature and sparkling tactility that sets it apart. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) provides a smooth and affordable typing experience, known for its buttery smoothness and low-pitched “thock” sound. While the Bamboo Green may appeal to those who appreciate a sharp and resonant feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) could be favored by those seeking a more bassy and low-pitched experience. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) both have top housings made of different materials. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top housing, which offers a neutral sound profile that is neither very crisp nor dull. In comparison, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has a nylon top housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic absorbing more sound. While the Bamboo Green provides a balanced sound, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a richer tone thanks to the nylon material.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Everglide Bamboo Green continues to utilize PBT for a neutral sound profile, similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) features a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a rounder and duller sound experience. This contrast in materials results in a different typing experience for each switch, with the Bamboo Green maintaining its consistent sound profile while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a variation in tone between the top and bottom of the switch.
In conclusion, the choice of housing material for a switch can greatly impact the sound profile and typing experience. While the Everglide Bamboo Green consistently utilizes PBT for both top and bottom housings, providing a neutral sound profile, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) stands out with its mix of nylon and PBT housing, resulting in a fuller and deeper sound profile. Both switches have their own unique qualities, and the choice between them would ultimately depend on the preference for sound and feel during typing.
Weight
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Bamboo Green requires a heavier force of 62 grams while the Milky Red Pro only needs 52 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range when it comes to actuation force, but the Milky Red Pro is considered medium-light in terms of bottom out force. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Milky Red Pro, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Bamboo Green. Ultimately, both switches offer a balanced combination of actuation and bottom out forces suitable for different typing preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, both offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience with the same travel distance. The tactile feedback from the Bamboo Green switch may provide a slightly different typing feel compared to the smooth linear response of the Milky Red Pro switch, but in terms of travel distance, users can expect similar results from both switches. Whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Bamboo Green switch or the smooth linear feel of the Milky Red Pro switch, you can count on a 4 mm travel distance for a reliable typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is best known for its high-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a crisp and sharp auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offers a bassy and thocky sound with a lower frequency range, giving off a deep and rich tone reminiscent of bass notes. Depending on personal preference, users may gravitate towards the higher-pitched clarity of the Bamboo Green or the satisfying low-pitched thock of the Milky Red Pro. When it comes to feel, the Bamboo Green switch is praised for its stepped, accented, sharp, and polished tactility, offering a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still distinct and refined in its feedback. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro is described simply as "buttery," which implies a smooth and effortless typing experience without highlighting specific tactile characteristics. Overall, for those who appreciate a high-pitched, resonant sound and a tactile experience with multiple stages, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch would be the ideal choice. However, if a buttery smooth typing sensation is more appealing, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch might be the preferred option. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, and users can expect a satisfying typing experience from either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch or the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, think about your preferences in typing experience. If you enjoy a clacky sound with crisp tactility and a bit of pre-travel and post-travel feel, the Bamboo Green might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and budget-friendly typing experience with a low-pitched "thock" sound and buttery keystrokes, then the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of sound and feel you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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