TTC Flaming Pink vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) stand out as compelling choices for enthusiasts seeking a linear switch experience. The TTC Flaming Pink is lauded for its smooth and responsive feel, accompanied by a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the overall typing experience. Its bright, yet not overwhelming, sound profile makes it a versatile option suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks. Conversely, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is celebrated as a classic budget-friendly switch, offering a level of smoothness that rivals premium models. Known for its "thocky" sound and satisfying thick resistance, this switch excels in delivering a rich auditory and tactile experience, making it a favorite among those who seek high performance without breaking the bank. While both switches are designed to meet the needs of gamers and typists alike, they each bring their unique characteristics to the table. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), an immediate distinction arises in their respective top housings. The Flaming Pink switch features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which produces a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This attribute makes it ideal for users who prefer a clear, high-pitched auditory feedback when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of the switch, especially in RGB lighting setups, allowing for vibrant illumination. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro employs a nylon top housing, which provides a contrasting auditory experience with a deeper, fuller sound. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a more muted and rounded acoustic profile. This fundamental difference in materials significantly influences the overall typing experience and sound output.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, as they both utilize nylon. This similarity results in comparable characteristics in terms of sound quality and feel. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and more absorbing sound profile, creating a consistent typing experience across both switches. As such, users will experience a similar auditory sensation when bottoming out the keys, despite the differences in the top housing materials. The nylon's inherent ability to dampen sound helps to reinforce the common acoustic signature present in both the Flaming Pink and the Milky Yellow Pro, providing a reliable foundation that enhances typing comfort for users seeking that fuller sound regardless of the top housing variance.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches yields unique yet somewhat complementary sound experiences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Flaming Pink emphasizes a crisp and vibrant tactile feedback, perfect when releasing the key. In contrast, the nylon top of the Milky Yellow Pro offers a more muted and rounded response that caters to users seeking a softer auditory experience. However, with both bottom housings made of nylon, the essential acoustic warmth and richness remain largely intact across both switches. This balance between sharpness and depth in sound can provide a satisfying typing experience, regardless of individual preferences for brighter or more subdued auditory feedback.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch present a notable contrast in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Pink has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Milky Yellow Pro’s 50 grams, making it more conducive for extended typing sessions and gaming. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Flaming Pink is 50 grams, while the Milky Yellow Pro is noticeably heavier at 62 grams. This difference in force contributes to the Flaming Pink’s lightweight typist-friendly feel, whereas the Milky Yellow Pro offers a more substantial push with its medium weight, appealing to users who prefer a stronger tactile experience. Therefore, those seeking a lighter switch should opt for the Flaming Pink, while those who appreciate a heftier feel might find the Milky Yellow Pro more satisfying.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that the Flaming Pink offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Milky Yellow Pro features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This 0.4 mm difference plays a significant role in the typing experience; the Flaming Pink's shorter travel distance may be more appealing for gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances can facilitate faster key presses. However, for those who prefer a more traditional feel and a sense of depth while typing, the Milky Yellow Pro's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth in key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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 TTC Flaming Pink switch produces a bright yet not overly loud sound profile, perfect for users seeking a typing experience that balances acoustic presence with discretion. This implies that the Flaming Pink offers a pleasant bottom-out sound that can be satisfying without being disruptive. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) delivers a low-pitched, thocky sound that resonates with a rich, deep quality. The bassy characteristics of the Milky Yellow Pro contribute to a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keypress, providing a distinct auditory sensation that many enthusiasts find rewarding. While both switches provide appealing sound profiles, the differences lie in the Flaming Pink’s more subtle brightness compared to the Milky Yellow’s deeper, thocky tones.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Pink is renowned for its smooth and responsive keystroke, promising a sense of fluidity during both gaming and typing tasks. This brilliance in design results in a seamless typing experience that users can appreciate across extended periods of use. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is celebrated for its buttery smoothness and the thick resistance that can add a unique tactile experience. While the Flaming Pink leans towards a more neutral and sweet smoothness, the Milky Yellow offers a textural quality that some users might enjoy, depending on their preferences. Essentially, while both offer a smooth typing experience, the Gateron’s buttery feel may provide additional tactile feedback that distinguishes it from the Flaming Pink.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switches have their distinct qualities that cater to different users' preferences. The Flaming Pink excels in providing a balanced sound and a smooth, responsive feel that suits various environments, while the Milky Yellow Pro impresses with its rich, thocky sound and buttery tactile experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on whether you value a more subdued auditory experience or seek a deeper, more resonant sound accompanied by thick resistance. Both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you can enjoy quality keystrokes, regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you are seeking a light, responsive switch that provides a satisfying sound profile without being overly loud, the Flaming Pink is an excellent option. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for gaming sessions where quick key presses are essential, as well as for everyday typing tasks that benefit from a smooth feel and premium experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance in your keystrokes, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) with its 62-gram bottom-out force may suit you better. This switch offers a rich and thocky sound that many find satisfying, while its buttery smoothness and textured feedback make it a great all-rounder for both gaming and typing, especially for someone looking for a budget-friendly yet high-performance option. Ultimately, assess what features are most important to your usage—be it the lighter touch and smoother response of the Flaming Pink or the deeper sound and resistance of the Milky Yellow Pro—and make your choice accordingly.
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