Bsun Pine vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Pine and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The BSUN Pine is a tactile switch that stands out for its sharp tactile bump and fast action, providing direct and no-nonsense tactility for a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is a linear switch known for its smooth keystrokes and budget-friendly appeal, offering a buttery smooth feel with a pleasing "thock" sound. While the Pine switch is accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, the Milky Red Pro switch is buttery, bassy, thocky, and low-pitched. 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
65g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) differ in terms of their top housing materials. The Pine features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the Pine is stiffer, leading to a more clear and resonant sound profile, while the softer nylon top housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) are both nylon. This material is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and ability to absorb more sound. As a result, both switches exhibit similar sound characteristics when typing, with the nylon bottom housing contributing to the overall sound profile. The differences in the top housing materials between the two switches may affect the sound when pressing down on the key (bottom housing impact) and when releasing the key (top housing impact).
Overall, the choice of top housing material between polycarbonate and nylon in the Bsun Pine and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) respectively results in distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Pine creates a sharper and clearer sound, while the nylon top housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) produces a deeper and fuller sound. Despite both switches having nylon bottom housings, the differences in the top housing materials play a significant role in the overall sound characteristics of each switch. Whether you prefer a crisper sound profile or a deeper sound profile will ultimately determine which switch is more suitable for your typing preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bsun Pine has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Gateron Milky Red Pro's 52 grams, which is lighter. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a similar typing experience when initially triggering a keystroke. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Bsun Pine for its heavier bottom out force, while those looking for a lighter touch may opt for the Gateron Milky Red Pro. The weight of the switch can greatly impact the typing experience, with lighter switches being more suited for extended typing sessions or gaming, and heavier switches providing a more solid and pronounced feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch which has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Pine switch may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Milky Red Pro switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distance, so choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for keypress feel and response time. Ultimately, the shorter travel distance of the Pine switch and the longer travel distance of the Milky Red Pro switch offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
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 Bsun Pine tactile switch is best described as offering a sharp and crisp sound profile during key presses, providing a distinct auditory feedback with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is known for its bassy and thocky sound, delivering a deep and rich tone that is satisfying to the ears. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Pine switch leaning towards a sharper sound and the Milky Red Pro switch offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Pine tactile switch is often characterized as offering an invigorating and sharp typing experience, with a pronounced tactile bump that provides a moderate to firm actuation force. The switch is known for its snappy and responsive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation for users who enjoy a tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is described as providing a buttery smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation that is uniform and comfortable. Both switches offer distinct tactile experiences, with the Pine switch emphasizing sharp feedback and the Milky Red Pro switch focusing on smooth keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Pine switch provides a sharp and crisp sound with an invigorating tactile feel, the Milky Red Pro switch offers a bassy and thocky sound with a buttery smooth typing experience. Depending on your preference for auditory feedback and tactile sensation, both switches cater to different typing styles and preferences. Experimenting with different switches on various boards and keycap combinations will help you determine the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, the Pine switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing sensation with a lower actuation force, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences for feedback, actuation force, and overall typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
