KTT F2 vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the KTT F2 and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT F2 and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) are popular options to consider. The KTT F2 switches are known for their distinct hollow sound signature and medium-light weightiness, providing a comfortable typing experience with a lightly textured feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is celebrated for its smoothness and buttery goodness, offering a low, "thocky" sound and satisfyingly thick resistance that excels in both gaming and typing. While the F2 switches are 'Feathery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Subdued', and 'Subtle', the Milky Yellow Pro switches are 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', and 'Thocky'. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
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 F2 and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), one can see that both switches offer distinct advantages based on the materials used. The F2 features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiff nature, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing of the F2 is more conducive to RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housing comparison, the F2's polycarbonate bottom housing mirrors the qualities of its top housing, creating a sharp and crisp sound profile. Conversely, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) employs a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. The nylon's ability to absorb sound contributes to a rounder and more muted sound profile overall. The differences in bottom housing material between the two switches will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, with the F2 offering a sharper impact compared to the KS-3's softer bottom-out experience.
In conclusion, while the KTT F2 and Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) share similar qualities in their respective top and bottom housing materials, their unique compositions lead to distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate used in the F2 creates a sharper and more resonant sound, ideal for RGB lighting setups, while the nylon of the Milky Yellow Pro results in a deeper and fuller sound. The choice between the two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The KTT F2 linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) with an actuation force of 50 grams, making the F2 slightly easier to trigger keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the F2 requires 53 grams to fully press down, while the Milky Yellow Pro needs 62 grams, making the F2 the lighter option for a more extended typing or gaming session. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Milky Yellow Pro with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches provide a medium actuation force but differ in how much pressure is needed to bottom out. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
The KTT F2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the F2 offers a slightly quicker response time compared to the Milky Yellow Pro. Gamers may lean towards the F2 for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster key presses during intense gameplay. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress experience may opt for the Milky Yellow Pro with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness and keypress depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT F2 comes in at $3.90 per 10 switches.
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 the sound of the KTT F2 linear switch, it can be described as neutral and subdued, offering a moderate sound profile with a dampened tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is known for its bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound, providing a deeper and richer auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the right fit for their needs and environments.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT F2 is characterized as feathery, mild, and subtle, providing a light and gentle typing experience with a lightly textured feel. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is known for its buttery and textured feel, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with noticeable friction when pressed. Whether you prefer a lighter touch with a subtle texture or a smoother, buttery feel, both switches deliver unique tactile sensations for typing or gaming needs.
In conclusion, the KTT F2 linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch each bring their own strengths to the table in terms of sound and feel. The F2 stands out with its neutral and subdued sound profile paired with a feathery and mild tactile feel, while the Milky Yellow Pro excels in delivering a bassy and thocky sound alongside a buttery and textured typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound signature and tactile feedback, either switch can provide a satisfying typing or gaming experience, ensuring that you'll get similar results in terms of quality performance from both switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT F2 linear switch or the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a switch with a hollow sound signature and lightly textured feel, the F2 may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a switch with a low-pitched, bassy sound profile and a buttery, smooth keystroke experience, then the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and needs.
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