Bsun Pine vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Pine and Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) stand out as popular choices in their respective categories. The BSUN Pine switch is well-known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, offering a direct and no-nonsense typing experience favored by those who value precision and feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is celebrated for its smoothness and buttery feel, with a low-pitched "thocky" sound that appeals to both gamers and typists looking for a versatile switch. While the Pine excels in tactility, the Milky Yellow Pro shines as an all-purpose switch suitable for a variety of uses. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), we can see that both switches use nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon for the bottom housing. Therefore, both switches are likely to offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel from the bottom housing.
However, when it comes to the top housing, the Bsun Pine uses polycarbonate while the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) opts for nylon. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, nylon in the top housing of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) will likely provide a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Pine's polycarbonate top housing. This contrast in top housing materials may lead to a noticeable difference in typing sound and feel between the two switches.
In conclusion, while both the Bsun Pine and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) share nylon as the bottom housing material, they differ in their choice of top housing material. The Pine's polycarbonate top housing is likely to offer a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)'s nylon top housing may provide a deeper and fuller sound. The use of different materials for the top housing may result in distinct typing experiences in terms of sound and feel between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that the Pine requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Milky Yellow Pro's 50 grams, making the Pine the lighter option. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Pine has a heavier force of 65 grams compared to the Milky Yellow Pro's 62 grams, making the Pine the heavier option in this aspect. Both switches provide a medium typing experience, with the Pine offering a slightly heavier bottom out force. This difference in force can impact the typing experience, with the Pine being more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Milky Yellow Pro may be more comfortable for those looking for a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of responsiveness, the Pine switch would be preferred for faster response times, especially for gaming. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro switch would provide a deeper and more substantial feel when pressed. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their travel distances, but ultimately it comes down to personal preference whether you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow 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 known for its sharp and direct feedback, creating a distinct and quick bottom-out experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch offers a low-pitched and thocky sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying tone during key presses. Both switches have unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Pine focusing on a clear-cut feedback while the Milky Yellow Pro excels in offering a bass-heavy and smooth typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Pine switch is praised for its accented and sharp tactile bump, providing an invigorating and snappy typing sensation. The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, on the other hand, is described as buttery and textured, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with noticeable friction when pressed. While the Pine switch emphasizes a strong and crisp tactile bump, the Milky Yellow Pro aims to deliver a seamless and uniform typing sensation, catering to those who prefer a smoother and friction-free feel.
Overall, the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Pine switch is favored for its sharp tactility and direct feedback, ideal for those who appreciate a pronounced and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro stands out with its smoothness and buttery feel, making it a versatile choice for both gaming and typing scenarios. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can expect a unique and enjoyable typing experience with either switch, each catering to different aspects of tactile and linear switch preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, you should consider your preference for tactile feedback and typing experience. If you are looking for a switch with a sharp tactile bump, fast action, and a distinct bottom-out feel, then the Bsun Pine switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched, thocky sound, then the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sharp tactility and quick bottom-out (Bsun Pine) or smoothness and a satisfying sound profile (Gateron Milky Yellow Pro).
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