Bsun Kiki Red vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, but they offer different experiences for users. The Kiki Red is praised for its finely-tuned typing experience, featuring a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance without being excessively loud. With all-POM housings and Ly in the stems for smooth actuation, these switches provide a subtle auditory feedback and smooth performance, making them a favorite among enthusiasts seeking finesse. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro is known for its budget-friendly yet high-quality features, offering a smooth and buttery feel with a satisfyingly thick resistance that is perfect for both gaming and typing. While the Kiki Red excels in subtlety and nuance, the Milky Yellow Pro is versatile and reliable. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Kiki Red features a POM top and bottom housing, which creates a deep and muted sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) uses a nylon top and bottom housing, resulting in a fuller and deeper sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. Despite the difference in materials, both switches offer a unique sound experience that is enhanced by their respective housing materials.
When focusing on the top housing of each switch, the POM housing of the Kiki Red and the nylon housing of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) play a significant role in determining the sound when key presses are released. The POM top housing of the Kiki Red creates a pleasing and unique sound that adds to the overall typing experience. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile that contributes to a rounder and duller sound when keys are released. Both housing materials bring their own distinct qualities to the sound profile of the switches.
Furthermore, the bottom housing of the switches also plays a crucial role in the overall sound and feel of the typing experience. With POM bottom housing in the Kiki Red and nylon bottom housing in the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel differs between the two switches. The POM bottom housing of the Kiki Red contributes to a deeper and muted sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) adds to a fuller and deeper sound experience. Overall, the housing materials of both switches enhance the sound and feel of typing, albeit in slightly different ways.
Weight
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In comparison, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, but the Kiki Red is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out force compared to the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3). Depending on individual preferences, users can choose between the lighter touch of the Kiki Red or the slightly heavier feel of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) for their typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Kiki Red has a shorter travel distance compared to the Milky Yellow Pro. The shorter travel distance of the Kiki Red may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Milky Yellow Pro may provide a more substantial feeling when pressed. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the type of typing experience you prefer. Both switches offer different advantages based on their respective travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Kiki Red has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Kiki Red for $3.83.
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 Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is praised for its comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance that strikes a balance between crispness and subtlety. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch offers a low, "thocky" sound profile with a satisfyingly thick resistance, providing a deep and rich auditory feedback. While the Kiki Red leans towards a sharper and crisper sound, the Milky Yellow Pro emphasizes a deeper and bass-heavy tone during key presses. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the clacky nuance of the Kiki Red or the thocky richness of the Milky Yellow Pro.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is known for its smooth and creamy typing experience, offering a frictionless and polished feel with effortless key presses. Described as creamy, snappy, and silky, the Kiki Red switch provides users with a refined and fluid typing sensation. On the contrary, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is labeled as buttery and potentially textured. With a focus on seamless and effortless keystrokes, the Milky Yellow Pro delivers a uniform and comfortable typing experience. Users can compare the smooth and frictionless feel of the Kiki Red to the buttery sensation of the Milky Yellow Pro when deciding on their preferred switch type.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities catering to different preferences. The Kiki Red excels in providing a clacky and creamy typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile, while the Milky Yellow Pro shines with its thocky bass-heavy sound and buttery keystroke feel. Whether users prioritize sharpness and smoothness like the Kiki Red or depth and richness like the Milky Yellow Pro, both switches guarantee satisfactory performance depending on individual tastes. Ultimately, selecting either switch will lead to a similar level of quality and satisfaction in typing and gaming experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, you should opt for it if you value a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky sound profile. This switch offers a smooth actuation, medium-light weighting, and a subtle auditory feedback for enthusiasts who appreciate finesse in performance. On the other hand, if you lean towards a classic budget switch that excels in both gaming and typing, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is the way to go. With its smooth and buttery goodness, low "thocky" sound, and satisfying resistance, it is a versatile option suitable for various typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience that aligns with your needs and preferences in mechanical keyboards.
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