KTT Lightning vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Lightning, a linear switch, to the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), also a linear switch, we see distinct differences in their characteristics. The Lightning is renowned for its speed and precision, making it ideal for gamers seeking quick response times. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is highlighted for its smoothness and budget-friendly price, appealing to typists looking for a comfortable typing experience without breaking the bank. While both switches offer unique advantages, such as the Lightning's clacky sound profile and the Milky Red Pro's buttery smooth keystrokes, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Lightning and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) both have different top and bottom housing materials, with the Lightning featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has nylon housing for both the top and bottom. The polycarbonate top housing of the Lightning creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting, due to its translucency. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is attributed to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the choice between the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon will depend on personal preference.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Lightning and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) feature nylon material. This means that typing on both switches will offer a similar deep and full sound profile that comes from the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. However, the impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound and feel of the switch will be more prominent when pressing down on the key, as it affects the bottom-out sound and feel. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches deliver a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel, despite having different top housing materials.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Lightning and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The Lightning's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) with nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. Whether you prefer the sharpness of polycarbonate or the depth of nylon, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that both switches have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces. The Lightning switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Milky Red Pro's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lightning requires 50 grams, while the Milky Red Pro needs 52 grams, making the Milky Red Pro slightly heavier in this aspect. Both switches cater to users who prefer a lighter typing experience, which can be beneficial for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether a lighter or slightly heavier typing feel is preferred.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is clear that the Lightning has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Lightning switch allows for a quicker response time, making it ideal for gamers who prefer rapid key presses. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a slightly deeper key press experience, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches provide different typing experiences based on their travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in deciding which one is the better fit for individual needs.
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 KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 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 KTT Lightning linear switch is best described as producing a clacky, high-pitched sound with a slight chirpy element, giving it a sharp and snappy sound profile that can be appealing for those looking for a more percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offers a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound when pressed, providing a deep and rich tonality that may cater to those who prefer a smoother and more satisfying typing sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for sound profiles, as both switches can offer distinct auditory experiences that enhance the overall typing feel.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Lightning switch presents a subtle and polished typing experience, with a gentle resistance and a refined finish that allows for smooth key travel and reduced friction during typing. On the contrary, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is renowned for its buttery feel, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation that promotes uniformity and fluidity in typing movements. Whether one prefers a more subtle and polished typing feel or a buttery and uniform keystroke experience, both switches offer distinct tactile attributes that can cater to different typing preferences.
Considering the subjective qualities of both the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that they offer unique sound and feel profiles that can appeal to different users based on their preferences. The Lightning switch excels in providing a clacky and high-pitched sound with a subtle and polished typing feel, ideal for those seeking a snappy and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch stands out with its bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound coupled with a buttery typing feel, catering to individuals looking for a smooth and satisfying typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preferences for sound and feel, ensuring that users will receive a tailored typing experience that meets their specific needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that prioritizes speed and agility, the KTT Lightning linear switch with its light bottom out force of 50 grams is the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a slick typing feel with a clacky sound profile, making them perfect for gaming or fast typing tasks where milliseconds can make a difference. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and affordable typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force of 52 grams, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch would be a great option. These switches are known for their buttery smooth keystrokes and low-pitched "thock" sound, providing a satisfying typing experience for everyday use. Ultimately, your choice between the Lightning and Milky Red Pro switches will depend on whether you value speed and clacky sound or smoothness and affordability in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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