Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) mechanical keyboard switches, one can see that they both offer a smooth typing experience. The Ink Yellow is known for its shorter travel distance, providing a balance between laptop and standard mechanical keyboard typing. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is praised for its budget-friendly price and buttery smooth keystrokes accompanied by a pleasing low-pitched "thock" sound. While the Ink Yellow is characterized as 'Neutral', 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is described as 'Buttery', 'Bassy', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched'. Each switch has its unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
67g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing is noted for its relatively high-pitched and clacky sound, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3)'s nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast showcases the difference in sound profiles that can be achieved with different housing materials.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3)'s nylon housing contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Yellow offers a high-pitched and clacky sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) produces a rounder and duller sound. This demonstrates how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the acoustics of a mechanical switch.
Overall, while the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) have different housing materials for both the top and bottom housings, the key takeaway is that the sound profile of a switch is greatly influenced by these materials. Whether it be the pointed and high-pitched sound of the INK blend housing in the Ink Yellow or the deeper and fuller sound of the nylon housing in the Milky Red Pro (KS-3), both switches offer unique typing experiences that showcase the importance of housing materials in the design of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch to the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is apparent that the Ink Yellow has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Milky Red Pro (KS-3). The Ink Yellow requires 60 grams of force to actuate and 67 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) only needs 45 grams to actuate and 52 grams to bottom out, categorizing it as a medium-light switch. This means that the Ink Yellow provides a more substantial and tactile typing experience, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a lighter and smoother typing feel. Depending on personal preferences, users may choose the lighter Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for longer typing sessions or the heavier Ink Yellow for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Milky Red Pro has a longer travel distance compared to the Ink Yellow. For those who prefer a more responsive feel, the Ink Yellow with its shorter travel distance may be the preferred choice, especially for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Milky Red Pro with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the type of typing experience one is seeking.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 Ink Yellow linear switch is known for its neutral and clacky characteristics, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is renowned for its bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses with a satisfying thud or knock. Depending on your preference for sound, the Ink Yellow will give you a neutral and clacky sound, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) will offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, providing a more gentle and refined typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is described as buttery, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless, effortless, and uniform. If you prefer a more polished and refined typing feel, the Ink Yellow will satisfy your preferences, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) will give you a buttery smooth typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch stands out for its shorter travel, pleasant smoothness, and clackiness, making it ideal for those seeking a typing experience between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is known for its affordability, smooth keystrokes, and pleasing low-pitched thock sound, offering a budget-friendly option for a smooth typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop keyboard and a standard mechanical keyboard, with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, clacky feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, budget-friendly option with a medium-light bottom out force and a buttery, low-pitched "thock" sound, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is the way to go. Consider your typing preferences and priorities when choosing between these two switches to find the one that best suits your needs.
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