Kailh Box Jade vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) stand out as popular options for different preferences. The Box Jade offers a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, perfect for those who enjoy a crisp and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro switches provide a smooth and budget-friendly linear option, offering a buttery smooth keystroke and a pleasing low-pitched "thock" sound. While the Box Jade caters to those seeking a clicky and tactile typing experience, the Milky Red Pro suits individuals looking for a smooth and affordable option. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches offer different sound profiles and tactile feedback due to their material composition. The Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that resonates more clearly. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3)'s nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder tone. While both switches feature nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound profile, the top housing plays a significant role in determining the audible characteristics of the switch.
The differences in housing materials also affect the tactile feedback of the switches. The Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing provides a more tactile feel due to its stiffness, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3)'s nylon top housing offers a smoother typing experience with a softer tactile response. Despite both switches featuring nylon bottom housing, they each provide a distinct tactile sensation when pressing down on the switch. The choice between a sharper, crisper feel with the Box Jade or a deeper, fuller feel with the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) ultimately depends on the user's preference for typing experience.
While the top and bottom housings of the switches play a crucial role in the overall sound and feel, the impact of each housing material can be felt differently depending on how the switch is used. When typing on the switch, the bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both the Kailh Box Jade and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches offer high-quality housing materials that cater to different preferences in sound and tactile feedback for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that the Box Jade has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Milky Red Pro's 45 grams. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Box Jade requires 60 grams, while the Milky Red Pro only needs 52 grams. This means that the Box Jade offers a more substantial typing experience with a higher actuation and bottom out force, while the Milky Red Pro provides a lighter touch for easier typing over extended periods. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range, and while the Box Jade may require a bit more force, the difference may not be significant enough for most users to notice a substantial difference in typing experience between the two. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is clear that the Box Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the 4.0 mm travel distance of the Milky Red Pro. The 3.6 mm travel distance of the Box Jade may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the 4.0 mm travel distance of the Milky Red Pro may be better suited for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches offer their own unique benefits based on their travel distance, with the shorter distance providing quicker responsiveness and the longer distance offering a more deliberate key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance when typing or gaming.
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 Box Jade comes in at $5.50 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 it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is known for its high-pitched and crunchy profile, delivering sharp and crisp clicks reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro linear switch offers a bassy and thocky sound, producing a deeper and richer tone with a satisfying "thud" or "knock" when pressed. Depending on personal preference, the Box Jade will provide a more high-pitched and tactile sound experience, while the Milky Red Pro will offer a smoother, lower-pitched sound with a satisfying depth.
Moving on to feel, the Box Jade switch offers an accented and invigorating typing experience, providing a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still noticeable, resulting in an immersive and responsive typing sensation. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro switch is described as buttery in feel, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless, effortless, and uniform. The Box Jade will appeal to those who enjoy a medium-tactile feedback with a snappy and reactive feel, while the Milky Red Pro is ideal for those seeking a buttery smooth typing experience without the need for a tactile bump.
Overall, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a high-pitched sound and crunchy tactile feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a linear switch with a bassy, thocky sound and a buttery smooth feel, then the Gateron Milky Red Pro switch is the perfect choice for you. Remember that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch, so consider the desired sound and feel to enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a crisp clicking sound and noticeable tactility, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is the way to go. The Box Jades offer a satisfyingly crunchy tactile bump that enhances your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and budget-friendly typing experience with a low-pitched "thock" sound, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is the perfect choice for you. These linear switches provide a buttery smooth keystroke that is both pleasing and affordable. Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box Jade and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches comes down to your preference for clicky tactility and high-pitched sound versus smooth linear feel and low-pitched sound. Choose wisely based on your typing preferences and enjoy your mechanical keyboard experience.
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