Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) both present attractive options but cater to slightly different preferences. The Glory Yellow switches are recognized for their heavier feel, providing a pronounced tactile experience that many users appreciate for its satisfying travel distance and enhanced control while typing. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro switches stand out as a budget-friendly choice, valued for their exceptionally smooth keystrokes and a low-pitched "thock" sound that many find comforting and satisfying. While the Glory Yellow may appeal to those who prefer a firmer press for precision tasks, the Milky Red Pro offers a whisper-soft experience that is perfect for long typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), it becomes clear that both switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings. This shared material leads to distinct similarities in sound and feel when typing. Nylon, characterized by its relative softness, tends to absorb sound more effectively compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches produce a deeper, fuller sound profile, creating an auditory experience that is both duller and rounder. Whether you are typing on the Glory Yellows or the Milky Red Pros, you can expect a comforting and muted "thock" sound that enhances overall typing satisfaction.
In contrast to more rigid switch materials, the use of nylon throughout both switches allows the characteristics of each individual housing to contribute uniformly to the typing experience. Since both the top and bottom housings are made from the same nylon composition, the interaction between the two doesn't create any dissonance in terms of sound or feel. This means that users will experience a seamless transition when pressing and releasing keys, with a consistent auditory feedback that is signature to both switch types. With nylon at the forefront, both models deliver a sound that is cohesive, and consistent, allowing typists to immerse themselves fully in their tasks without disruptive tonal shifts.
Despite having the same housing material, the actual typing experience might still vary due to design nuances inherent in their respective constructions, such as spring tensions or travel distances. However, the fundamental qualities provided by the nylon material in both the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) make for a notably similar acoustic profile and tactile feedback. Thus, while there could be variances in typing feel and performance, the resulting sound and overall experience will echo similarities derived from the shared nylon housing. This reinforces the notion that while housing materials are crucial, other components also play vital roles in defining a switch's characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, we notice a few key differences. The Glory Yellow features an actuation force of 50 grams, whereas the Milky Red Pro has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Milky Red Pro more accommodating for extended use, such as during long work hours or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Glory Yellow does not have this information available, while the Milky Red Pro has a bottom out force of 52 grams—indicating a more substantial resistance when fully pressed. As a result, the Milky Red Pro is characterized as medium-light, while the Glory Yellow, lacking a specified bottom out force, cannot accurately be classified in terms of bottoming out resistance. In conclusion, while both switches may suit different preferences, the Glory Yellow's heavier actuation force and the unknown bottom out force suggest it may appeal to those favoring a slightly firmer keystroke, compared to the lighter feel of the Milky Red Pro.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing either switch, users will experience an identical distance as they move from the top to the bottom of the key. Consequently, both switches can be expected to deliver comparable tactile experiences in terms of keypress depth, resulting in similar feedback and feel during typing or gaming sessions. Since their travel distances are equal, those who enjoy one switch will likely find the other just as comfortable to use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switches do not have a particularly defined auditory profile included in the provided information, making it difficult to directly compare their acoustic properties to those of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switches. The Milky Red Pro switches are characterized by their bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound, producing a satisfying auditory feedback reminiscent of a deep thud upon key activation. This sound quality evokes a sense of richness and depth, making the typing experience not only enjoyable but also rewarding for those who appreciate a pronounced auditory element in their keystrokes.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow switches are recognized for their smooth keystroke and pleasant travel distance, suggesting they provide a comfortable typing experience but lack specific descriptors for their tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches are described as offering a buttery feel, which emphasizes a seamless and fluid keystroke. This suggests that the Milky Red Pro switches may provide a more effortless and uniform typing experience, enhancing overall comfort during prolonged typing sessions.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Glory Yellow and Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches may cater to users looking for linear switch options, their subjective qualities differ in significant ways, particularly in sound and tactile feedback. The Milky Red Pro stands out with its rich, low-pitched sound profile and buttery smooth feel, whereas the auditory and tactile characteristics of the Glory Yellow remain undefined. If you seek a deep and satisfying sound along with a smooth typing experience, the Milky Red Pro could be the better option, while the Glory Yellow may still provide a solid yet less defined experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switches, your decision should primarily reflect your typing preferences and the overall experience you desire. If you seek a smooth keystroke with a sensitive feel and you appreciate a heavier actuation force, the Glory Yellow may be your ideal choice. This switch is designed for those who enjoy longer travel distances and find comfort in a more robust typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a budget-friendly option that delivers exceptional smoothness paired with a satisfying low-pitched "thock" sound, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) would be more suitable for you. Known for its buttery feel and medium-light actuation force, this switch allows for comfortable and enjoyable typing throughout the day. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prefer the robust, pleasure-driven nuances of the Glory Yellow or the economical, soft touch of the Milky Red Pro, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard delivers the perfect balance of feel and sound to suit your typing style.
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