HMX Cheese vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) both offer unique and desirable qualities for keyboard enthusiasts. The HMX Cheese switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, along with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro switch is known for its smooth and affordable typing experience, featuring smooth keystrokes that evoke a buttery smoothness and a pleasing, low-pitched "thock" sound. While the Cheese switch is lighter than 90% of all switches, the Milky Red Pro switch is budget-friendly and offers a unique combination of characteristics such as being '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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This means that both switches will offer a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in both switches also implies that typists can expect a softer plastic feel when using either of these switches.
While both the Cheese and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) feature nylon housing materials, it is important to note that the impact of these materials will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The qualities of the bottom housing will have a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will affect the sound when a key is released. This nuanced difference in how the housing materials interact with the typing experience may result in subtle variations in sound and feel between the two switches, despite the similarities in their material composition.
Overall, the utilization of nylon in the housing materials of both the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) ensures a consistent typing experience marked by a deep and full sound profile. While the impact of the nylon housing materials may differ slightly between the two switches due to their placement in the top and bottom housings, typists can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel when using either switch. Ultimately, the use of nylon in both switches contributes to a high-quality typing experience characterized by its absorbent properties and softer plastic feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that the Cheese has a lighter touch overall. The Cheese requires an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. This means that the Cheese is lighter both in terms of actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Milky Red Pro (KS-3). Those who prefer a more effortless typing experience may lean towards the Cheese, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a slightly heavier touch, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who enjoy a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and desired actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, we can see that the Cheese has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, slightly shorter than the Milky Red Pro's 4 mm travel distance. The shorter travel distance of the Cheese may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers, while the longer travel distance of the Milky Red Pro may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cheese being the shorter option and the Milky Red Pro being the longer option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch offers a unique and satisfying typing experience with its clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, setting it apart from other switches on the market. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch provides a smooth and buttery keystroke experience accompanied by a pleasing, low-pitched “thock” sound. The Cheese switch offers a lighter sound profile compared to the more bass-heavy and low-pitched sound of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch, catering to different preferences for keyboard sound.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation for users. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that enhances the overall typing feel. Both switches prioritize a smooth typing experience, but the Cheese switch focuses more on smoothness, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch emphasizes a buttery feel.
Overall, both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a lighter and clackier sound profile with smooth typing experience or a bassy and thocky sound with a buttery keystroke feel, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience. It is important to consider personal preferences and factors such as keyboard setup and keycap choices when choosing between these two switches to ensure the best fit for your typing needs. Ultimately, you can expect similar levels of smoothness and satisfaction from either switch, providing a high-quality typing experience overall.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for an ultra-light switch with a satisfying clacky sound and a pristine typing experience, the HMX Cheese linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch that offers a smooth and affordable typing experience with a pleasing low-pitched "thock" sound, then the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best aligns with your typing style and sound preference.
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