Zuoce Lavender vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Zuoce Lavender and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Lavender stands out for its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is praised for its smooth and affordable typing experience, featuring buttery smooth keystrokes with a low-pitched "thock" sound. While the Lavender is easy-to-press and clacky, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is buttery, bassy, thocky, and low-pitched. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences and typing style; 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
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
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
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) have different housing materials, with the Lavender featuring POM housings and the Milky Red Pro utilizing nylon housings. Both materials contribute to creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, but in slightly different ways. POM housings in the Lavender offer a relatively muted sound that is pleasing and unique, while nylon housings in the Milky Red Pro absorb more sound due to their softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the top housing, the POM top housing of the Lavender and the nylon top housing of the Milky Red Pro both influence the sound profile when a key is released. The POM top housing of the Lavender creates a unique and deep sound that is relatively muted, while the softer nylon top housing of the Milky Red Pro absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound profile. Despite the differences in sound, both materials contribute to a pleasing typing experience with their distinct characteristics.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the POM bottom housing of the Lavender and the nylon bottom housing of the Milky Red Pro play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The POM bottom housing in the Lavender creates a deep and pleasing sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing in the Milky Red Pro offers a fuller sound due to its softer nature. Despite the differences in material, both switches provide a unique typing experience with their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall into the category of medium-light key switches. The Lavender switch has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. In terms of weight, both switches are relatively similar, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, those who prefer a slightly stronger push feel may find the Lavender switch to be slightly heavier due to its higher bottom out force. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces are minimal, and users can expect a comparable typing experience from both switches.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lavender switch would provide a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which could be beneficial for gamers looking for speed and agility. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who prefer a more substantial key press. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and desired key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch offers a unique and satisfying clacky sound, known for its crisp and percussive quality. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch provides a bassy and thocky sound profile with a low-pitched tone, creating a deeper and richer sound experience. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Lavender focusing on a sharp and snappy sound, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) delivers a smoother and more bass-heavy tone. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference and desired sound profile for your typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is characterized as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a responsive and low-impact typing feel, enhancing the overall typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is described as providing a buttery smooth keystroke experience, ensuring seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensations. Both switches prioritize a smooth typing experience, with the Lavender focusing on easy activation and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) emphasizing a fluid and effortless typing feel.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and clacky sound signature, offering a unique typing experience characterized by easy actuation and satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch excels in providing a smooth and affordable typing experience, with a focus on a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a pleasing low-pitched thock sound. Both switches have their strengths in terms of sound and feel, so the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and sound profile. Ultimately, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch, delivering similar results in terms of smoothness and satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Zuoce Lavender linear switch or the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prioritize a smooth typing experience right out of the box with a crisp and clacky sound, then the Lavender switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you're looking for a budget-friendly option that offers a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a pleasing low-pitched "thock" sound, then the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is a great choice. Both switches have a medium-light bottom out force, but the Lavender switch leans towards an easy-to-press feel, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch provides a buttery typing experience. Ultimately, consider your sound and feel preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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