Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introduction:
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from. Two popular options that offer unique experiences are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3). The Bamboo Green is a tactile switch that is best known for its clacky sound signature and crisp, sparkling tactility. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro is a linear switch that embodies smoothness and buttery goodness. It stands out with its low, "thocky" sound and satisfyingly thick resistance. These switches have their own strengths and advantages, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to fully understand which switch would be the best fit for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
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 Yellow Pro (KS-3) differ in their housing materials, with the former utilizing a PBT top and bottom housing while the latter incorporates a nylon top and bottom housing. The PBT top housing of the Bamboo Green offers a neutral sound profile, neither crisp nor dull. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Milky Yellow Pro elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both switches provide distinct sound profiles, the Bamboo Green offers a more balanced auditory experience, while the Milky Yellow Pro emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound.
Similarly, the PBT bottom housing of the Everglide Bamboo Green provides a neutral sound profile. In comparison, the nylon bottom housing of the Milky Yellow Pro contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic, which absorbs more sound. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, offering a more pronounced experience with the Milky Yellow Pro. Conversely, the Everglide Bamboo Green may offer a more subtle bottom-out sound and feel due to its PBT bottom housing.
Although the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro differ in their housing materials, it is important to note that both housing materials serve to enhance the switch's acoustic qualities. While the PBT housings of the Bamboo Green offer a neutral sound profile, the nylon housings of the Milky Yellow Pro emphasize a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches are engineered to deliver a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users will achieve comparable results in terms of comfort and functionality regardless of their choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal sound preferences, with the Bamboo Green providing a more balanced sound and the Milky Yellow Pro offering a deeper and fuller sound.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Bamboo Green is slightly lighter at 43 grams, while the Milky Yellow Pro requires 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. Both switches have a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a similar resistance when pressing all the way down.
The difference in actuation force means that the Bamboo Green tactile switch may feel slightly lighter and more responsive during typing or gaming sessions compared to the Milky Yellow Pro. This lighter actuation force can be advantageous for those who prefer a nimble typing experience and may be beneficial for prolonged periods of use, such as in work environments or during long gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro linear switch provides a slightly stronger push feel, thanks to its higher actuation force. This heavier force can offer a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance while typing. It is worth noting that both switches share the same bottom out force of 62 grams, so the final feel when fully pressing the keys will be comparable.
Overall, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro linear switch comes down to personal preference and typing style. If a lighter actuation force is desired, the Bamboo Green may be the better option, while those seeking a slightly heavier push feel may prefer the Milky Yellow Pro. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer a medium bottom out force, ensuring a consistent and satisfying keystroke experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is the same, both having a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from top to bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will have a consistent and familiar typing experience when using either switch. Whether you choose the Bamboo Green or the Milky Yellow Pro, both switches offer a comfortable and satisfying key press with the same travel distance.
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 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
When comparing the sound qualities of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, the Bamboo Green switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, offering an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch has a bassy and low-pitched sound. These switches offer a deeper and richer tone resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Milky Yellow switches are described as "thocky," producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is described as stepped, accented, sharp, and polished. "Stepped" refers to the tactile feel that has two stages, offering both pre-travel and post-travel sensations. These switches provide a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The "sharp" tactile bump is prominent and distinct with each keypress, providing high feedback intensity. Additionally, the switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In contrast, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is described as buttery and textured. The "buttery" feel implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the switches have a textured or scratchy feel, indicating noticeable friction when pressed. This texture might be preferable for some users, while others might prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience.
Overall, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bamboo Green switch provides a clacky sound signature, while the Milky Yellow Pro switch has a low-pitched and thocky sound. In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switch offers a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished tactile experience, while the Milky Yellow Pro switch provides a buttery and textured typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired sound and feel for each individual.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a switch that offers a clacky sound signature and a crisp, sparkling tactility, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is a great choice. With its stepped and accented feel, along with its polished finish, you can expect a smooth and refined typing experience. Additionally, if you prefer higher-pitched and resonant sound profiles, the Bamboo Green switch will deliver.
On the other hand, if you are in search of a budget-friendly switch that excels in both gaming and typing, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is the way to go. Known for its low, "thocky" sound and satisfyingly thick resistance, it provides a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. With its buttery and textured feel, it offers a seamless and effortless typing sensation.
Ultimately, the decision between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize clacky sound, crisp tactility, and a polished feel, the Bamboo Green switch is the best choice. However, if you value a low-pitched, thocky sound, along with a buttery and textured feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch is the ideal option.
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