TKC Kiwi vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi 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 TKC Kiwi and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offer distinct characteristics to cater to different preferences. The TKC Kiwi is a tactile switch known for its medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing a satisfyingly snappy sound profile and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is a linear switch that offers a smooth and affordable typing experience with buttery smooth keystrokes and a pleasing low-pitched "thock" sound. Each switch has its own unique qualities that may appeal to different individuals based on their typing preferences. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) both offer unique acoustic qualities that influence the sound signature of typing on these switches. While the Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE for both its top and bottom housings, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) opts for a nylon material in both components. The bright sound signature of UHWMPE in the Kiwi provides resonant clacks when typing, offering a distinct auditory experience. On the other hand, the nylon top and bottom housings of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, with nylon's softer nature absorbing more sound for a rounder sound.
Despite their differences in housing material, both the Kiwi and Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches offer their own advantages when it comes to sound profile. The UHWMPE top and bottom housings of the Kiwi produce a bright and resonant sound signature, ideal for those who prefer a sharper auditory feedback while typing. Conversely, the nylon top and bottom housings of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) create a deeper and fuller sound profile, adding a level of depth to the typing experience. Each housing material brings its own unique acoustic qualities that cater to different preferences in sound.
Ultimately, the choice between the TKC Kiwi and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) will come down to personal preference in sound signature. While the Kiwi offers a brighter and more resonant typing experience with its UHWMPE housing, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) provides a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon housing. Both switches excel in offering distinct auditory feedback, enhancing the overall typing experience. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch option, as each material contributes to a unique sound signature that caters to individual preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch vary in terms of weight. The TKC Kiwi has a medium-heavy actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, offering a lighter typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Gateron Milky Red Pro, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, individuals who enjoy a more robust typing feedback may lean towards the TKC Kiwi. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience and comfort level for users, with lighter options allowing for longer typing periods and heavier forces providing a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of how far the key travels from the top to the bottom. This makes them ideal choices for those who prefer a consistent typing feel across different keyboards. Overall, the travel distance of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is equal, providing comparable results for users looking for a specific travel distance in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 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 TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch produces a bassy and thocky sound with a low-pitched tone, delivering a deep and rich auditory experience during key presses. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can be further enhanced by your keyboard and keycap choices.
When it comes to feel, the TKC Kiwi switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished, providing a tactile typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. This switch offers a smooth and refined finish due to factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and effortless key travel. Meanwhile, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is known for its buttery feel, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and uniform. Both switches cater to different preferences in tactile feedback, allowing users to choose based on their desired typing sensation.
In conclusion, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch each have their own unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experiences. While the Kiwi offers a more neutral sound and stepped, accented feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) provides a bassy sound and buttery feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience that each user is looking for. However, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience with their distinct characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a medium to medium-strong bump for an immersive typing experience, then the TKC Kiwi switches would be the perfect choice for you. With a low-pitched sound profile and stepped, accented, and polished feel, the Kiwi switches provide a satisfying typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a smoother keystroke and a budget-friendly option, then the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches would be the ideal pick. With a buttery smoothness and a thocky, bassy, low-pitched sound profile, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches offer a rich and satisfying typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on your preference for tactile feedback and key feel, so choose wisely based on your typing style and preferences.
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