KTT Darling vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Darling, a linear switch, and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), also a linear switch, each offers unique features that cater to different preferences. The Darling provides a typing experience that is chewy and substantial, with a bouncy and springy responsiveness to keystrokes. Its high-pitched and resonant sound upon bottoming out adds to the tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro is known for its smoothness and buttery feel, accompanied by a low, "thocky" sound and thick resistance, making it versatile for gaming and typing. While the Darling is more bouncy and clacky, the Milky Yellow Pro is bassy and buttery. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
The housing materials of the KTT Darling and Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) differ in their top housing materials. The Darling features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a nylon top housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the Darling's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Milky Yellow Pro's nylon top housing excels in providing a more mellow and round sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the Darling and Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilize nylon for this component. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Therefore, regardless of the switch, typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing will provide a similar experience in terms of sound profile. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures that the typing experience remains consistent between the two switches despite their differences in top housing material.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and overall typing experience. While the Darling's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Milky Yellow Pro's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent sound profile in terms of depth and fullness. Ultimately, the housing materials of a switch can greatly impact the user's typing experience, making it important to consider the unique characteristics of each material when selecting a switch for personal preference.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall under the medium-light to medium category. The KTT Darling has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Darling requires 53 grams, while the Milky Yellow Pro needs 62 grams, making the latter slightly heavier. For those who prefer a lighter keystroke for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Darling may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may lean towards the Milky Yellow Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Darling switch slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Milky Yellow Pro. The Darling switch may be preferred by those looking for a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro switch may be preferred by those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel with its slightly longer travel distance. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distances, so users can choose according to their preference for travel depth. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches may lead to a varying typing experience, with the shorter travel distance of the Darling switch providing a quicker and more responsive feel compared to the slightly longer travel distance of the Milky Yellow Pro switch.
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 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 KTT Darling linear switch is characterized by its clacky, high-pitched, and resonant qualities, producing a sharp and crisp sound profile with each key press. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch offers a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound, emphasizing a deep and rich tone that resonates with users seeking a more mellow auditory experience. Depending on personal preference, those who enjoy a sharper and brighter sound may lean towards the Darling, while individuals looking for a deeper and more bass-heavy tone may prefer the Milky Yellow Pro.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Darling switch is praised for its bouncy feedback, providing users with a springy and dynamic typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch is described as buttery and textured, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke that delivers a uniform and effortless typing sensation. Whether you prefer the lively bounce of the Darling or the seamless glide of the Milky Yellow Pro will depend on your personal typing style and preference for tactile feedback.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch each offer unique and desirable qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Darling provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness and clacky sound, the Milky Yellow Pro excels in smoothness and buttery goodness with a low-pitched, thocky sound. Ultimately, both switches are excellent choices depending on individual preferences, and users can expect satisfying results regardless of their decision.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and your specific needs. If you prioritize a chewy and substantial typing sensation with pronounced bounciness and a resonant, high-pitched sound, then the Darling switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer smoothness, buttery goodness, and a low, "thocky" sound for both gaming and typing purposes, then the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch could be the better choice for you. Consider the sound and feel characteristics that best align with your typing style and preferences to make the right decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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