KTT Darling vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling 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 KTT Darling and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) are both popular options worth considering. The KTT Darling, a linear switch, offers a unique typing sensation that is both chewy and substantial, with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro switches are known for their smooth and affordable typing experience, providing a buttery smoothness and a pleasing, low-pitched "thock" sound. While the Darling brings a blend of tactile and auditory feedback with its high-pitched and resonant sound, the Milky Red Pro offers a more subdued and bassy tone. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that may appeal to different preferences. 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
53g
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
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 KTT Darling and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), we see that the Darling utilizes a polycarbonate top housing while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) uses a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate material in the Darling creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as the softer material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both materials offer distinct characteristics, they cater to different sound preferences.
Looking at the bottom housing of the switches, both the Darling and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) feature a nylon material. This choice in material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a rounder tone. Despite their different top housing materials, the nylon bottom housing of both switches helps maintain consistency in sound quality. This design choice showcases the importance of balancing different housing materials within a switch to achieve desired sound profiles while ensuring overall cohesiveness in how the switches feel and sound during use.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Darling and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vary, the impact of these materials is felt differently depending on how the switch is used. The qualities of the bottom housing material are more prominent when bottoming out a key, affecting the overall sound and feel of this action. Conversely, the top housing material plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. By understanding how these housing materials interact with the switches' mechanisms, enthusiasts can tailor their choice based on their preferred sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Darling has a slightly higher bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has a bottom out force of 52 grams. In terms of weight, both switches fall into the medium-light category. The actuation force of these switches is crucial for determining the force required to trigger a keypress, while the bottom out force measures the pressure needed to fully press the key. Individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may appreciate the actuation force of these switches, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Darling switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, we find that the Darling has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Milky Red Pro has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Darling's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers, as it allows for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth to the key press, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 KTT Darling linear switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant qualities, delivering a crisp and engaging typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound upon bottoming out. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched and thocky sound profile, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a deep and rich tone. If you prefer a sharper and more resonant sound, the Darling would be the ideal choice, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) would be perfect for those looking for a smoother and more bass-heavy sound.
In terms of feel, the KTT Darling linear switch provides a bouncy and springy sensation, giving each keystroke a lively and responsive feel with a satisfying rebound. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offers a buttery and fluid typing experience, ensuring a seamless and effortless keystroke with a uniform sensation. Depending on your preference for a more tactile and bouncy feel or a smoother and more consistent typing experience, you can choose between the Darling and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches accordingly.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Darling excels in delivering a high-pitched and bouncy typing experience with a resonant sound, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) stands out for its low-pitched and buttery smooth keystrokes paired with a thocky sound. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preferences for sound profile and typing sensation, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience with either option.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when choosing between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a chewy and substantial typing sensation with pronounced bounciness, along with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, the KTT Darling would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and affordable typing experience with buttery smooth keystrokes and a pleasing low-pitched "thock" sound, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for feel and sound when typing.
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