Kailh Berry vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Berry linear switch to the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Kailh Berry switch is renowned for its hefty typing experience, springy type feel, and chalk-like texture, resulting in a deep sound profile categorized as 'Textured', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bassy'. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro switch is celebrated for its smooth and affordable typing experience, providing a buttery smoothness with a pleasing, low-pitched "thock" sound categorized as 'Buttery', 'Bassy', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched'. While each switch has its distinct advantages, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The nylon material used in the bottom housing of both switches is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. This characteristic contributes to a more tactile typing experience, with a satisfying sound feedback with each keypress.
However, the top housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches differ significantly. The Berry switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch features a nylon top housing, which enhances the typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound. Despite their differences, both top housings play a crucial role in the overall sound profile of the switches, with the polycarbonate providing a clear and resonant sound and the nylon offering a richer and more muffled tone.
In summary, while the housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches may have their own unique characteristics, they ultimately work together to create a satisfying typing experience. The combination of the stiffer polycarbonate top housing in the Berry switch and the softer nylon bottom housing in both switches results in a balanced sound profile with a mix of sharper, crisper tones and deeper, fuller sounds. Whether you prefer a switch with a more resonant sound profile or one with a deeper tone, both switches offer high-quality materials that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch reveals some notable differences. The Kailh Berry has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has a bottom out force of 52 grams, classifying it as medium-light. The actuation force for the Berry switch is unspecified, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) requires less force to initiate a keystroke compared to the Kailh Berry, making it a lighter option for those who prefer a smoother typing experience. For users who prefer a more substantial push feel, the Kailh Berry may be the better choice due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing and gaming activities.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Berry being on the shorter end and the Milky Red Pro being slightly longer. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Berry switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Milky Red Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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 quality of the Kailh Berry linear switch with the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, we can see that both switches offer a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. However, the Berry switch is noted for its chalk-like texture during typing, which may contribute to a slightly deeper sound experience. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is praised for its buttery smooth keystrokes that result in a pleasing "thock" sound. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience, with the Berry offering a slightly deeper tone while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) provides a smoother sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Berry linear switch is highlighted for its textured typing experience, which can provide a unique tactile feedback for users who enjoy a bit of friction during keystrokes. Conversely, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid typing sensation that is effortless and consistent. This difference in feel may appeal to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, with the Berry switch offering a more textured feel and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch providing a seamless and uniform typing experience.
In conclusion, when considering the sound and feel of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Berry switch excels in providing a deep and textured typing experience with a low-pitched sound, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch delivers a buttery smooth feel with a pleasing "thock" sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel. However, users can expect similar results in terms of overall performance and quality from both switches, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience regardless of the chosen option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider the bottom out force and your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a springy feel and chalk-like texture, along with a deep sound profile, the Kailh Berry switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience with smooth keystrokes evoking a buttery smoothness, along with a low-pitched "thock" sound, then the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch might be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what you prioritize in terms of typing feel and sound when selecting between these two linear switches.
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