Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) are both linear switches that cater to different preferences and needs. The G Pro 3.0 Black offers a heavier typing experience with its 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force, making it ideal for those who prefer a more substantive feel while typing. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) provides a smoother and lighter typing experience with a low, "thocky" sound that is perfect for both gaming and typing. While the G Pro 3.0 Black excels in delivering a medium-heavy feel and vibrant RGB lighting effects, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is praised for its buttery smoothness and budget-friendly appeal. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference and typing style. 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
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, often described as clacky. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both switches offer satisfying sound profiles, the G Pro 3.0 Black leans towards a sharper and higher-pitched sound, whereas the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offers a deeper and fuller sound experience.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the G Pro 3.0 Black incorporates a POM bottom housing that creates a unique and pleasing sound profile with a deeper and more muted tone. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) features a nylon bottom housing that also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying sound experience, with the G Pro 3.0 Black leaning towards a deeper and muted sound profile, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offers a softer and rounder sound due to the properties of nylon.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) ultimately comes down to individual preference in sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Black's use of POM and INK blend top housing results in a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) with its nylon top and bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Both switches provide a unique typing experience, with the top housing impacting the sound when pressing down on a key and the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, depending on their preference for sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it's evident that the G Pro 3.0 Black is heavier than the Milky Yellow Pro. The G Pro 3.0 Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Milky Yellow Pro would be the better choice, as its forces are lower than those of the G Pro 3.0 Black. However, for individuals who appreciate a stronger push feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get consistent and familiar results from both switches. Overall, the travel distance of 4 mm for both switches makes them equally suitable for users looking for a standard key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Black for $2.77.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is characterized by a clacky and subdued sound, offering a sharp and snappy experience with a medium-high pitch. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch showcases a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, delivering a deeper and richer tone that is more mellow and satisfying. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the G Pro 3.0 Black emphasizing sharpness and percussiveness, while the Milky Yellow Pro focuses on a deeper, more resonant sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch provides a creamy, silky, and subtle typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery feel with a balanced medium-heavy resistance. Conversely, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro switch delivers a buttery and textured sensation, ensuring a seamless and uniform typing experience with noticeable friction. Each switch excels in providing a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel, with the G Pro 3.0 Black emphasizing smoothness and ease of keystrokes, while the Milky Yellow Pro offers a slight texture for those who prefer a bit of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Black excels in delivering a clacky and subdued sound with a creamy and silky typing feel, making it ideal for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro stands out with its bassy and thocky sound profile, coupled with a buttery and textured typing sensation that caters to users who prefer a smoother yet slightly tactile feel. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches would depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you desire a more substantive typing feel with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and medium-high pitch sound, the G Pro 3.0 Black is the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and buttery typing experience with a lower bottom-out force and a "thocky" sound profile, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a heavier, clacky feel or a smoother, buttery sensation in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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