TTC Honey vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Honey and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) both stand out as top choices for those seeking a smooth typing experience. The TTC Honey is praised for its smooth and creamy feel, as well as a deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro switches are known for offering a budget-friendly option with smooth keystrokes and a pleasing low-pitched "thock" sound. While the Honey is described as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Frictionless', the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is characterized as 'Buttery' and 'Bassy'. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), one notable difference is that the Honey features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, which can be especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. This means that typing on the Honey switches may provide a crisper and more resonant sound experience, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) may offer a rounder and duller sound.
Another point of comparison is how the housing materials impact the overall typing experience. With the Honey switches, the qualities of the polycarbonate housing materials are divided between the top and bottom housing, influencing both the sound and feel of pressing down and releasing a key. The stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) likely provides a consistent depth and fullness to the typing experience, as the softer plastic absorbs sound evenly throughout the switch.
Overall, while the TTC Honey and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) differ in their housing materials, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience through the unique properties of polycarbonate and nylon. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile with the Honey or a deeper, fuller sound profile with the Milky Red Pro (KS-3), each switch offers distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
The TTC Honey linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. Both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience, with the Honey switch offering a lighter touch for those who prefer a more effortless typing feel, while the Milky Red Pro switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience without being too heavy. The Honey switch would be ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, where a lighter touch is desired, while the Milky Red Pro switch may be preferred by those who appreciate a bit more feedback and resistance in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear 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. This means that the Milky Red Pro switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Honey switch. Typically, a shorter travel distance is favored by gamers looking for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more substantial keypress feel. In this case, if you prefer a shorter travel distance for quick and responsive keystrokes, you may lean towards the Honey switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more depth and feedback in your keystrokes, the Milky Red Pro switch with a slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal typing or gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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 TTC Honey linear switch offers a subdued sound profile that is not overly loud, providing a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a bassy and thocky sound with a low-pitched tone, giving a deeper and richer sound during key presses. Depending on your preference, the Honey switch may be more suitable for quieter environments, while the Milky Red Pro switch will offer a more satisfying auditory experience with its bass-heavy tones.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Honey switch provides a smooth and creamy typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. It is described as frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished, offering a refined and sleek typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is also described as buttery, providing a seamless and uniform typing experience. Both switches aim to offer a smooth and pleasant feel while typing, allowing for comfortable and enjoyable keystrokes.
Overall, the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch each have their own unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Honey switch may be more suitable for those looking for a quieter typing experience with its subdued sound profile and smooth feel, while the Milky Red Pro switch appeals to those seeking a deeper and richer sound with its bassy tones and buttery feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and typing feel, ensuring that you will get a satisfying result with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider the differences in bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, creamy feel with a deep sound profile, the TTC Honey switch might be the one for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a slightly higher bottom out force, a smooth and buttery typing experience, and a low-pitched, thocky sound profile, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch could be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound characteristics.
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