TTC Flaming Purple vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), both linear switches. The Flaming Purple is known for its resonant character and engaging auditory flair, with a slightly bassier sound profile and a feathery bottom-out force of just 47g, making it swift and effortless to type on. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro is praised for its smoothness and buttery goodness, with a satisfyingly thick resistance and a low, "thocky" sound that excels in gaming and typing. While both switches share a 'bassy' sound profile, they differ in terms of their texture and resistance levels. 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
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
47g
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
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), one key difference lies in their top housing materials. The Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This contrast in top housing materials contributes to a distinct auditory experience when typing on these switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the Flaming Purple and Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) share the use of nylon for their bottom housings. This material is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound in comparison to harder plastics. While both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon in their bottom housings, the impact of this material on the overall typing experience may be more pronounced in the case of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), as the bottom-out sound and feel are heavily influenced by the bottom housing material.
Overall, while the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) differ in their top housing materials (polycarbonate vs. nylon), their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a similar sound profile characterized by depth and fullness. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the Flaming Purple's top housing may create a crisper sound compared to the rounder sound produced by nylon in the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), highlighting the impact that housing materials can have on the overall typing experience and sound output of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that the Flaming Purple is the lighter option. The Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it the heavier option between the two. The actuation force of a switch is crucial for triggering keystrokes efficiently, while the bottom out force determines the feeling of pressing the switch all the way down. Those who enjoy typing for extended periods may prefer the lighter Flaming Purple, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the heavier Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3). Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Flaming Purple has a shorter travel distance compared to the Milky Yellow Pro. A shorter travel distance can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, a longer travel distance may feel more satisfying to those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's personal preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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, both the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches offer a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory experience during key presses. However, the Flaming Purple switch has a resonant character, adding a touch of poppy undertone to its sound, while the Milky Yellow Pro switch is described as thocky, producing a satisfyingly thick and "thocky" sound when pressed and released. Depending on your preference for a more resonant or thocky sound, both switches offer unique auditory characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Flaming Purple switch is described as feathery, easy-to-press, and silky, offering a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and provides a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. While both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with their respective characteristics, the Flaming Purple switch may appeal to those who prefer a lighter keypress, while the Milky Yellow Pro switch caters to users seeking a buttery and textured feel.
Overall, whether you choose the TTC Flaming Purple or the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch, you can expect a high-quality linear switch with unique sound and feel characteristics. While the Flaming Purple switch boasts a resonant sound profile and feathery feel, the Milky Yellow Pro switch offers a thocky sound and buttery texture. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, regardless of which switch you choose, both options promise to deliver a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for enthusiasts and everyday typists alike.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, you should consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a bassy and resonant typing experience with a feathery and easy-to-press feel, the TTC Flaming Purple may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched thocky sound and a buttery, textured feel, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) could be the ideal switch for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to your personal preferences for sound and typing feel.
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