Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to choose from are the Keygeek Raw and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), both linear switches. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend of nylon, UMPE, and silicon, creating a creamy yet lightweight switch with a slightly textured feel. This makes it ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy hand-lubing their switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is a budget-friendly switch known for its smoothness, low-pitched thocky sound, and satisfyingly thick resistance, making it suitable for both gaming and typing. While the Keygeek Raw is categorized as textured, mild, neutral, and subtle, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is categorized as bassy, buttery, low-pitched, textured, and thocky. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and specific usage needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) both utilize nylon in their housing materials, which is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. However, the Keygeek Raw takes it a step further by incorporating a blend of Nylon & UPE in the top housing, creating a unique sound experience exclusive to this switch. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) sticks to classic nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, thus producing a duller and rounder sound compared to the Keygeek Raw.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Keygeek Raw features a blend of UMPE & Si, providing a distinct feel and sound profile exclusive to this switch. The blend of materials likely alters the bottom-out sound and feel, giving typists a unique tactile experience when pressing down on the switch. In comparison, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) sticks to nylon for the bottom housing, emphasizing the deeper and fuller sound profile associated with this material. While both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, the blend of materials in the Keygeek Raw may result in a slightly different tactile feel compared to the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3).
Overall, the choice between the Keygeek Raw and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. The Keygeek Raw's unique blend of Nylon & UPE in the top housing and UMPE & Si in the bottom housing offer a distinct typing experience exclusive to this switch. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) provides a classic nylon housing for both the top and bottom, delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile favored by many typists. While both switches may have similar qualities due to their nylon housing, the unique blends in the Keygeek Raw may result in a more specialized typing experience for those looking for something different.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is clear that the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two. The Keygeek Raw has an actuation force of None grams, making it unknown, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an actuation force of 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Keygeek Raw requires 57.5 grams, whereas the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) needs 62 grams. This makes the Keygeek Raw lighter in terms of actuation force but heavier when it comes to bottom out force compared to the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3). The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly different typing experience for users, with the Keygeek Raw potentially feeling lighter and the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) feeling more substantial. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter compared to the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Keygeek Raw may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Milky Yellow Pro may provide a more satisfying depth for others. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of tactile feedback desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 Keygeek Raw linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of uses. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch offers a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound that provides a deeper and richer typing experience. The choice between the two would depend on whether you prefer a more neutral sound or a deeper, bass-heavy tone during key presses.
When it comes to feel, the Keygeek Raw switch offers a slightly textured and mild typing experience, making it approachable and suitable for most users. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch provides a buttery and textured feel, giving a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Whether you prefer a subtle resistance with a gentle typing feel or a more uniform and seamless typing sensation, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of feel.
Overall, the Keygeek Raw and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Keygeek Raw provides a neutral sound and mild texture, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) delivers a bassy sound and buttery feel. Depending on whether you prioritize sound depth or typing smoothness, you can choose between these switches to achieve the desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience but with slightly different characteristics in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider the following factors. Choose the Keygeek Raw if you prefer a slightly textured feel and a creamy yet lightweight switch that is perfect for hand-lubing enthusiasts. On the other hand, opt for the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro if you are looking for a smooth and buttery switch with a low, "thocky" sound that excels in both gaming and typing scenarios. Ultimately, your choice should align with your preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Remember to consider these aspects carefully before making your decision for the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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