Kailh Box White V2 vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, preferences heavily depend on the desired typing experience, and two popular options represent distinct approaches: the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3). The Box White V2 switches stand out with their clicky mechanism, delivering a satisfying tactile feedback and an audible click that many users find enjoyable, making it a great choice for those who appreciate the auditory affirmation of each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro switches cater to those who favor a smoother experience, with their linear design providing buttery-smooth keystrokes and a pleasing, low-pitched “thock” sound that enhances the overall typing ambiance without the distraction of clicks. While the Kailh Box White V2 may appeal to typists who thrive on feedback and sound, the Gateron Milky Red Pro is ideal for users seeking a quieter and fluid typing sensation. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly affects their auditory characteristics. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing that results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows sound to echo more clearly, making it ideal for RGB lighting configurations due to its translucency. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. The absence of a high-pitched resonance in the nylon minimizes sound reflection, resulting in a more muted auditory experience, characteristic of traditional switch designs.
Interestingly, both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which introduces a layer of consistency in how they can feel and sound during operation. The soft, sound-absorbing properties of nylon contribute to a duller and rounder sound profile and create a fuller typing experience regardless of the distinct qualities of the top housing. This means that while the Box White V2’s top housing may deliver a crisper sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing for both switches can create a similar typing feel. The emphasis on the bottom-out sound and feel will be closely related, fostering a more uniform tactile experience between the two switches.
Overall, the combination of these materials means that while the Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron Milky Red Pro offer unique auditory profiles thanks to their differing top housings, their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a compatible tactile feedback during use. As such, if one were to use these switches interchangeably, they might experience a familiar sensation from the bottom out, even if the sound produced when releasing keys differs significantly. Ultimately, the variation in top housing materials demonstrates the intricate balance of sound and feel in mechanical switches, allowing users to choose between defined auditory clarity and a more subdued typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, both exhibit an actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a consistent typing experience for users who prefer a lighter touch. However, the Box White V2 has a slightly lower bottom out force of 50 grams, compared to the Milky Red Pro's 52 grams. This means that while both switches require the same force to register a keystroke, the Box White V2 allows for a softer landing when pressed fully down, making it feel less taxing during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro offers slightly more resistance at bottom out, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback. Therefore, individuals seeking an overall lighter experience would likely prefer the Box White V2, while those who appreciate a heavier push might gravitate towards the Milky Red Pro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, there is a noticeable difference: the Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Milky Red Pro features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you opt for the Box White V2, you'll experience a slightly shorter keypress, which may offer a quicker, more responsive feel—ideal for gamers seeking faster reaction times. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial keypress, which some users may prefer for a deeper and more tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you value the responsive nature of a shorter travel distance or the nostalgic depth of a longer one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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
The sound profiles of the Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches are distinctly different. The Box White V2 is recognized for its sharp and distinct click sound, which delivers both auditory feedback and a tactile response that can be quite satisfying for typists who enjoy the classic clicky feel. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a much smoother acoustic experience characterized by a low-pitched "thock." This deeper sound resonates with a richness akin to bass tones, creating a soft and pleasant auditory experience that many find appealing, especially for long typing sessions. Ultimately, while the Box White brings a punchy and lively click, the Milky Red Pro excels in delivering a soothing thock, making them suitable for very different auditory preferences.
When it comes to the feel, the Box White V2 provides a pronounced tactile bump along with its click, giving typists a clear indication of actuation with each press. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy and rhythm for those who appreciate a more mechanical experience. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is known for its buttery smooth keystrokes. The linear nature of these switches means there’s no tactile feedback or audible click, resulting in a seamless and fluid typing experience that many users find comfortable, especially during extensive typing tasks where minimal resistance is ideal.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches cater to vastly different preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you enjoy a distinctly tactile and clicky typing experience, the Box White V2 stands out with its crisp feedback and noticeable auditory cues. Conversely, if you seek a smooth, quiet, and effortless stroke, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers that buttery feel with a satisfying thock sound. Your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound intensity or a smooth, low-key typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a distinct click sound, the Box White V2 is a fantastic option. Its light actuation force of 50 grams provides quick responsiveness, making it suitable for fast typists or gamers who appreciate audible feedback. You'll revel in its crisp tactile feedback and charismatic click sound, which can enhance your overall typing experience, especially for those who love the retro appeal of clicky switches. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and serene typing experience, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is your best bet. With its medium-light actuation force of 52 grams, this switch delivers a buttery-smooth keystroke and a pleasing, thocky sound profile that creates an enjoyable auditory environment without being overly disruptive. This switch is ideal for anyone who enjoys extended typing sessions or prefers a quieter setup without sacrificing quality. By evaluating your typing style and sound preferences, you can choose the switch that will best enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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