Gateron Beer vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), a linear switch, offer distinct features for different preferences. The Beer switch is reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle with its translucent green design, offering a unique visual appeal. It has a lightweight feel with a stepped tactility that provides a subtle tactile feedback. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is known for its affordability and smooth keystrokes, delivering a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched “thock” sound. While the Beer switch is characterized by a clacky sound signature and easy-to-press keys, the Milky Red Pro switch is famous for its bassy and thocky feedback. 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom components. The Beer's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3)'s nylon top housing produces a deeper, fuller sound by absorbing more sound with its softer nature. In terms of aesthetics, the Beer's clear polycarbonate housing is ideal for RGB lighting, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3)'s nylon housing provides a classic look.
In terms of bottom housings, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer and the nylon bottom housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) also exhibit different qualities. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer contributes to a sharper, crisper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) produces a duller, rounder sound by absorbing more sound with its softer composition. These differences in bottom housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound produced by each switch.
Overall, while the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) have different housing materials for both the top and bottom components, they each offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences based on the qualities of the materials used. The polycarbonate and nylon materials bring distinct characteristics to the switches, with the stiffer polycarbonate creating sharper sounds and the softer nylon creating deeper tones. Regardless of these differences, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to different preferences and needs.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Beer has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a bit more resistance for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer a relatively light typing experience compared to others on the market, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing comfort and efficiency. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for a lighter or slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Beer switch offers a quicker response time, making it popular among gamers who need fast reactions. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro switch provides a deeper key press, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on personal preference, with the Beer switch catering to those who prioritize speed and the Milky Red Pro switch appealing to users who enjoy a deeper key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 Gateron Beer tactile switch offers a distinctive clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and characterized by a crisp and bright tone. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch produces a bassy and thocky sound, with a lower-pitched profile that offers a deeper and richer tone reminiscent of bass frequencies. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences, with the Beer delivering a characteristic clackiness and the Milky Red Pro offering a satisfying low-pitched thock.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press with a gentle resistance that requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended use, providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel. In comparison, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is known for its buttery smoothness, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation that is fluid and effortless. The Beer's stepped tactility provides a subtler feel compared to the continuous curve of round tactility, while the Milky Red Pro's smooth keystrokes evoke a buttery smoothness.
Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer provides a unique clacky sound and an easy-to-press feel with stepped tactility, while the Milky Red Pro offers a bassy and thocky sound alongside a buttery smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can deliver a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience, with the Beer offering a lighter tactile option and the Milky Red Pro providing a smooth linear choice. Ultimately, selecting between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a light actuation force and enjoy a unique clacky sound signature, the Gateron Beer tactile switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and value a smooth typing experience with a buttery feel and low-pitched, thocky sound, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for key feel, sound profile, and typing experience.
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