Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for users. The Crystal Violet is a tactile switch known for its light operating force of 45g, making it ideal for those seeking a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. It provides a gentle and comfortable feel with a pleasantly mellow sound profile that leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, thanks to the rare and special use of ABS in its housings. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro is a linear switch that embodies smoothness and buttery goodness. With its low, "thocky" sound and satisfyingly thick resistance, it excels in both gaming and typing, making it the perfect all-purpose switch for budget enthusiasts. While these general descriptions give us some insight into the switches, 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
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
ABS
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Crystal Violet utilizes an ABS top housing, a relatively rare plastic for switch housings, commonly found in keycaps. This ABS material contributes to a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing on these switches. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, a classic switch housing material. The nylon construction of the Milky Yellow Pro produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to ABS.
Moving on to their bottom housings, both switches differ in terms of materials, leading to varying sound profiles. The Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing, similar to its top housing, contributes to a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Thus, the choice of bottom housing material impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches.
When comparing the overall sound profiles of these switches, the top and bottom housings play distinct roles. The Crystal Violet's ABS top and bottom housings contribute to a low-pitched sound when pressing down on the switch, creating a consistent typing experience. Similarly, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro's nylon top and bottom housings enhance the deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a satisfying typing sound. However, it's essential to note that the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key, adding another layer of variation to the typing experience. Therefore, even though their housing materials differ, both switches offer unique auditory feedback during use.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Crystal Violet has a lower actuation force of 45 grams, meaning it requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams. This means that for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Crystal Violet may be the more suitable choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue.
In terms of bottom out force, the Crystal Violet has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Milky Yellow Pro has a slightly higher bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Milky Yellow Pro provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. For individuals who enjoy a more tactile sensation while typing, the Milky Yellow Pro may be the preferable option.
Overall, the Crystal Violet has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Milky Yellow Pro. However, it's worth noting that both switches fall within the medium-light and medium range, respectively. Therefore, while the specific forces may differ, individuals seeking a similar typing experience can expect comparable results from both switches.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile experience and feedback when pressing down on a key. The travel distance refers to the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, which is what you feel when you press down on a key. Therefore, whether you choose the Crystal Violet or the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), you can expect to have a consistent and satisfying key-pressing experience with a 4 mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is known for its light operating force of 45g, making it ideal for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. The sound profile of the Crystal Violet switches is low-pitched, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. This creates a pleasantly mellow and non-intrusive auditory experience. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switches utilize ABS in their housings, which adds to the unique sound characteristics. In terms of feel, the Crystal Violet switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience. It is described as creamy due to its smooth and buttery sensation, making it feel like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The mild characteristics make it approachable for most users, as it stands in a safe middle-ground zone. The Crystal Violet switch is also considered a stepped switch, offering a more subtle tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation.
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is a classic budget switch known for its smoothness and buttery goodness. It excels in both gaming and typing, making it a perfect all-purpose switch. The sound profile of the Milky Yellow Pro switch is described as bassy and low-pitched. It offers a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Milky Yellow Pro switch is also described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound. In terms of feel, the Milky Yellow Pro switch provides a buttery keystroke experience, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. However, there is no specific information available regarding its texture or friction level.
Based on the available information, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch exhibit different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal Violet switch has a mellow and low-pitched sound profile, while the Milky Yellow Pro switch has a bassy and thocky sound profile. In terms of feel, the Crystal Violet switch offers a creamy and stepped typing experience, while the Milky Yellow Pro switch provides a buttery typing experience. Both switches are known for their smoothness and are suitable for gaming and typing. However, due to the lack of specific information on the texture or friction level of the Milky Yellow Pro switch, it is unclear how it compares to the creamy feel of the Crystal Violet switch. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that can cater to different preferences, and users can expect a satisfying typing experience from either switch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and needs.
If you prioritize a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a gentle and comfortable feel, along with a pleasantly mellow and non-intrusive sound profile, then the Crystal Violet would be a great choice for you. Additionally, if you enjoy low-pitched switches and the use of ABS in the switch housings, the Crystal Violet would be a suitable option.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly switch that excels in both gaming and typing, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is a perfect all-purpose switch. With its low, "thocky" sound and satisfyingly thick resistance, it offers a classic and satisfactory typing experience, especially if you prefer bassy and low-pitched switches.
Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities and are suitable for different preferences and needs. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired typing experience to make the decision that best suits you.
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