Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct features that set them apart. The Jupiter Browns are tactile switches that offer a classic keystroke feel at a medium-heavy weight, perfect for those who prefer a more traditional typing experience. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is a linear switch known for its smoothness and buttery feel, making it ideal for both gaming and typing. While the Jupiter Browns boast high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, the Milky Yellow Pro stands out with its low, "thocky" sound and thick resistance. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference based on typing style and usage. 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), we can see that both switches feature a nylon bottom housing. This results in a similar typing experience for both switches, as nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption properties. However, the Jupiter Brown stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Milky Yellow Pro. The use of polycarbonate in the Jupiter Brown's top housing also allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, giving it an advantage in terms of aesthetics and customization options.
On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile that is more rounded and dull compared to the sharper sound profile of the Jupiter Brown. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing, the difference in top housing material gives them distinct sound characteristics. The Milky Yellow Pro uses nylon for both top and bottom housing, resulting in a consistent typing experience that emphasizes a muffled and softer sound profile throughout.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) significantly influences the sound profiles of the switches. The polycarbonate top housing in the Jupiter Brown provides a crisper and more resonant sound, especially when releasing a key, while the nylon top housing in the Milky Yellow Pro offers a deeper and fuller sound with a more rounded and dull tone. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a consistent typing experience with a deeper sound profile. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall typing feel and sound of these switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in their performance. The Jupiter Brown has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Milky Yellow Pro's 50 grams, making it a tad more resistant to accidental keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Jupiter Brown requires 70 grams while the Milky Yellow Pro needs 62 grams, placing the former as the heavier option. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Milky Yellow Pro, while users seeking a more substantial typing experience may find the Jupiter Brown more suitable. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with the differences in weight catering to varying preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of key travel. The shorter travel distance allows for quick and precise key presses, making them ideal for typing or gaming where speed and accuracy are important. Additionally, the tactile feedback of the Jupiter Brown provides a satisfying bump when the key actuates, while the smooth linear action of the Milky Yellow Pro offers a consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback. Overall, both switches offer a similar travel distance, making them equally suitable for different types of users depending on their preferences for tactile feedback and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offers a traditional and classic keystroke sound, known for its medium-heavy weight. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch provides a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, giving a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches have their unique sound characteristics, with the Jupiter Brown offering a more classic feel and the Milky Yellow Pro showcasing a smoother and more bass-heavy sound.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle feel with a refined finish for smooth key travel. It is described as a safe, middle-ground switch with a classic tactile feedback. Conversely, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is known for its buttery and textured feel, giving a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation with noticeable friction that some users may prefer. Both switches offer a distinct typing experience, with the Jupiter Brown leaning towards a traditional tactile feel and the Milky Yellow Pro providing a seamless and effortless linear experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Jupiter Brown provides a classic tactile experience with a medium-heavy weight and polished feel, the Milky Yellow Pro offers a smooth and buttery linear feel with a bassy and thocky sound profile. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches provide reliable performance and aesthetic appeal, making them popular choices within the mechanical keyboard community. Whether you prioritize classic tactility or smooth linearity, both the Jupiter Brown and Milky Yellow Pro switches are sure to deliver a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for the typing experience. If you prefer a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight and softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Brown is the way to go. On the other hand, if you seek a smooth, buttery typing sensation with a low, "thocky" sound and a more budget-friendly option, the Milky Yellow Pro is your best bet. Consider your sound and feel preferences to make the right choice for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer high performance and aesthetic appeal, catering to different typing preferences.
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