Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), both linear switches. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is praised for its budget-friendly excellence, offering a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is known for providing a smooth and affordable typing experience with buttery smooth keystrokes and a pleasing low-pitched "thock" sound. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a polished and high-pitched typing experience, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) delivers a buttery and bassy feel. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
15.4mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) comes with a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness that leads to a more resonant sound. In comparison, the nylon top housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) produces a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. While both materials have their unique characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing is more likely to be used for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) feature nylon bottom housings. This choice of material in the bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing are more noticeable in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, emphasizing the impact of the housing material on the overall typing experience. Despite the different top housings, the shared nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures a consistent sound profile in terms of depth and resonance.
In summary, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) showcase distinct characteristics in their housing materials, with polycarbonate and nylon offering different sound profiles and tactile feedback. The choice of housing material, whether polycarbonate for a sharper sound or nylon for a fuller sound, impacts the overall typing experience for users. While the top and bottom housings differ in material composition, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles. Ultimately, the selection of housing material plays a significant role in defining the sound and feel of mechanical switches, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is heavier with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, ideal for those who prefer a heavier switch. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a lighter touch, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Both switches provide distinct typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in terms of weight and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. As a result, you can expect similar typing or gaming experiences in terms of the distance the keys travel. In this case, there is no notable difference in travel distance between the two switches, so you can choose either based on other factors such as actuation force or overall feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red 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 Yellow linear switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offers a deeper and richer bassy sound with a satisfying thocky tone. Depending on personal preferences, the high-pitched sound of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may be more appealing to some users, while others may prefer the low-pitched thocky sound of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for a more satisfying typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch is described as polished and creamy, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch provides a buttery feel, giving a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow focusing on a polished and creamy feel, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) emphasizes a buttery smoothness.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a higher-pitched and more polished typing experience, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) delivers a deeper and smoother feel. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience, both switches offer budget-friendly options that can enhance your overall typing enjoyment. Ultimately, selecting either switch will enable you to achieve similar results in terms of quality and performance, ensuring a satisfactory typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider your preference in terms of sound and feel. If you enjoy a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile with a polished and creamy typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched, thocky sound with a buttery smooth keystroke, then the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) could be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and auditory preferences for the optimal typing experience.
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