TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offer distinctly different experiences for typists. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch that provides subtle and nuanced feedback with a gentle tactile bump, allowing for an immersive typing experience without distracting noise. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro is a linear switch known for its smooth keystrokes and budget-friendly price point, offering a buttery smooth typing experience with a pleasing low-pitched sound. While the Gold Brown Pro is ideal for those who value understated tactile feedback, the Milky Red Pro caters to those seeking a smooth and affordable typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), it is clear that they both prioritize sound profiles but achieve them in different ways. The Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top housing is known for its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to the stiffness of polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3)'s nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound. Both materials excel in creating distinct sound profiles, but the Gold Brown Pro leans towards a clearer and more resonant sound, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a duller and rounder tone.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches feature nylon, which is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound. The nylon bottom housing in both the Gold Brown Pro and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) contributes to the overall typing experience by providing a more muted and rounded sound when keys are pressed. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel, regardless of the switch they choose.
In summary, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) both utilize nylon in their bottom housing, their top housing materials differ, leading to distinct sound profiles. The Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and clearer sound, ideal for users looking for a more resonant typing experience with RGB lighting capabilities. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3)'s nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, perfect for those seeking a softer and more rounded typing sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is the same at 45 grams, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of initiating key presses. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Brown Pro has no specified value while the Milky Red Pro requires 52 grams of force to fully press the key, making it a medium-light switch in comparison. This means that the Gold Brown Pro may provide a lighter overall typing feel due to the absence of a specified bottom out force, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro offers a slightly heavier typing experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Gold Brown Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Milky Red Pro. The 0.2 mm may not seem like a significant difference, but for some users, it can make a noticeable impact on typing or gaming experience. Those who prefer a quicker, more responsive keypress may lean towards the Gold Brown Pro, while others who prefer a bit more depth to their keystrokes may opt for the Milky Red Pro. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking to achieve.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offers a subtle and nuanced typing experience with a gentle tactile bump that provides background feedback without being distracting. This switch has a subdued sound profile, described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral, making it suitable for a variety of environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is known for its smooth and budget-friendly typing experience with a buttery feel. The sound produced by this switch is characterized as bassy, thocky, and low-pitched, creating a satisfying typing sound. In terms of feel, the Gold Brown Pro is polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped, offering a refined and smooth typing experience. Meanwhile, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is described as buttery, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches offer distinct typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown Pro provides a subtle tactile feedback and a quiet typing sound, ideal for those who prefer understated feedback. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) delivers a smooth typing experience with a pleasing sound profile, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a buttery feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to individual preferences, with both switches offering unique qualities that cater to different typing styles.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch or the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it all boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a subtle tactile bump and a subdued sound profile for a seamless and immersive typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and budget-friendly linear switch with a buttery keystroke feel and a pleasing low-pitched sound, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) could be the perfect match. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what kind of typing experience you are seeking, whether it be understated tactility or smooth keystrokes. Choose wisely and enjoy the satisfying typing experience that fits your preferences best.
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