TTC Gold Silver vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Silver stands out for its rapid responsiveness and precise bottom-out feel, accompanied by a resonant sound signature that emphasizes swift action. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro is praised for its smoothness and versatility, excelling in both gaming and typing with its satisfyingly thick resistance and low, "thocky" sound. While the Gold Silver leans towards speed, sound, and fluidity, the Milky Yellow Pro focuses on buttery smoothness and budget-friendly reliability. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), the most notable difference lies in the top housing material. The Gold Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's softer nature. While the Gold Silver's top housing creates a clearer and resonant sound, the Milky Yellow Pro's top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Gold Silver and the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) feature a nylon bottom housing. The nylon material in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for its sound-absorbing properties. Despite the different top housing materials, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) play a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switches. While the top housing materials differ, with the Gold Silver utilizing polycarbonate and the Milky Yellow Pro using nylon, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing. This results in a similar typing experience in terms of sound, with the top housing impacting the key release sound more prominently, and the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for the specific sound profile and typing feel desired.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Gold Silver is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is heavier at 50 grams. However, both switches have a relatively light actuation force, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Gold Silver does not provide a specific value, whereas the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a bottom out force of 62 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch has the longer travel distance compared to the Gold Silver switch. The 4.0mm travel distance is the most traditional, providing a more substantial feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the 3.5mm travel distance of the Gold Silver switch may appeal to those looking for a shorter, more responsive key press, which can be preferred by gamers for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired feel when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver for $2.90.
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 TTC Gold Silver linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound with a neutral profile, providing a rich and satisfying tone that is both deep and mellow. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch also produces a thocky and low-pitched sound with a bassy undertone, emphasizing a deeper and richer auditory experience. Both switches excel in delivering a pleasing sound signature, with the Gold Silver offering a more moderate tone while the Milky Yellow Pro leans towards a more bass-heavy sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Gold Silver provides a polished, silky, mild, and subtle typing experience, showcasing a smooth and refined finish with gentle resistance for a comfortable typing feel. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) boasts a buttery and textured sensation, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke with noticeable friction for those who prefer a slightly textured feel. While the Gold Silver focuses on a polished and subtle typing experience, the Milky Yellow Pro leans towards a buttery and textured feel, catering to different preferences in terms of typing feedback.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switches offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. The Gold Silver excels in providing a neutral and polished sound and feel, while the Milky Yellow Pro delivers a bassy and buttery sound with a textured typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you get similar results in terms of quality and performance regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value rapid responsiveness, precise keystrokes, and a resonant sound profile, the Gold Silver may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a budget-friendly option that offers smoothness, a "thocky" sound, and versatility for both gaming and typing, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) may better suit your needs. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences and what you prioritize in your typing experience.
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