Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) are two popular options to consider. The Ink Box Black is praised for its smooth and creamy feel, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, while the Milky Red Pro offers a budget-friendly option known for its buttery smooth keystrokes and low-pitched "thock" sound. Both switches fall under the linear category, providing a consistent keypress without tactile feedback. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and what specific qualities you prioritize in a switch. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), it is evident that the Ink Box Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing. This blend results in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) employs a nylon material for both the top and bottom housing, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. While the Ink Box Black offers a sharp and thin sound, the Milky Red Pro delivers a rounded and duller sound experience.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), both switches ultimately provide satisfying typing experiences. The Ink Box Black's INK blend top and bottom housing create a distinctive clacky sound profile, while the Milky Red Pro's nylon housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound. However, the overall typing feel and sound of both switches are equally unique and desirable, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Therefore, while the materials may differ, both switches deliver similar levels of satisfaction and performance.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. In the case of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), the bottom housing material is more influential on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material has more of an impact on the sound when letting go of a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings highlights the importance of considering both housing materials when evaluating the overall typing experience of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch have differing actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, giving it a medium-light touch. The lighter actuation force of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) makes it more suitable for extended typing periods or lengthy gaming sessions, while the heavier actuation force of the Ink Box Black offers a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Black, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Milky Red Pro. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, but the slight difference in travel distance can impact the overall typing or gaming experience based on individual preferences. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference in terms of key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is known for its smooth and creamy feel, providing an extremely satisfying typing experience. The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, on the other hand, offers a buttery smoothness that gives a seamless and effortless typing sensation. When it comes to sound, the Ink Box Black switch produces a high-pitched and clacky sound similar to a spray paint can being shaken, whereas the Milky Red Pro switch emits a low-pitched, bassy sound with a pleasing thocky quality resembling a deep "thud" or soft "knock". Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a more high-pitched and clacky sound with a silky and polished feel, the Ink Box Black might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a low-pitched bassy sound with a buttery smooth typing experience, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch could be more suitable. It's important to keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky or polished feel, the Ink Box Black may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a bassy, thocky, low-pitched sound with a buttery feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch might be the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference in terms of typing experience and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
