Gateron Luciola vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3). The Luciola switches are known for their eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, while the Milky Yellow Pro switches are often hailed as the epitome of a classic budget switch. The Luciola switches offer a medium heft, providing a smooth and bouncy typing feel, along with a distinct hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro switches excel in both gaming and typing, thanks to their smoothness, satisfyingly thick resistance, and low "thocky" sound. Both switches have their unique advantages, offering a range of characteristics such as snappiness, clackiness, bassiness, and butteriness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. This creates a satisfying thin and clacky sound when typing. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.
The bottom housings of the Luciola and the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) also differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, aligning with the characteristics of the top housing. This combination creates a consistent clacky sound when bottoming out a key. Meanwhile, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) employs a nylon bottom housing, which adds to the overall sound profile. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when pressing down on the switch.
Despite these differences, it's important to note that both the Luciola and the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) expect similar results from their respective housing materials. While the Luciola's proprietary INK blend produces a clacky sound, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) nylon housing focuses on a deeper and fuller sound. However, the use of different materials allows the keyboards to cater to different sound preferences. Ultimately, when typing on either switch, the housing materials contribute to the overall sound and feel, with the bottom housing having a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing playing a role in the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, there are slight differences in their weight requirements. The Luciola has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams, which means it requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a slightly lower actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches fall under the medium range of actuation force.
In terms of bottom out force, the Luciola has a bottom out force of 60 grams, whereas the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a bottom out force of 62 grams. Again, both switches fall into the medium range for bottom out force.
Considering weight as an important factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch due to its lower actuation force. The lighter force allows for comfortable typing over extended periods, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Luciola switch with its slightly higher actuation force.
Ultimately, while there are slight variations in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches, they both offer similar results and fall within the medium range. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference for either a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola 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. The Luciola has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Milky Yellow Pro. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered to be more traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, with the rising popularity of gaming, shorter travel distances have become prevalent among gamers who prefer faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Luciola with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances to feel abrupt and prefer a switch with a deeper travel distance. In this case, the Milky Yellow Pro with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. Overall, both switches offer distinct travel distances, catering to different preferences and use cases.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is best described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. This means that when pressed, these switches produce a sharp and snappy sound with a little squeak, reminiscent of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is characterized as bassy, low-pitched, and thocky. This results in a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, with a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience based on personal preferences, but it's important to consider the impact of other factors like the keyboard board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron Luciola and Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switches share a common descriptor: buttery. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The Luciola switch is also described as snappy and polished, indicating a super responsive feel with a longer or dual-staged springs, as well as a smooth and refined finish resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch is characterized as textured, suggesting the presence of noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a pleasant tactile experience while typing, with slight differences in responsiveness and texture.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Luciola switch produces a clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sound, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch offers a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound. Both switches provide a buttery feel, but the Luciola switch also offers a snappy and polished experience, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch has a textured attribute. It's important to consider personal preferences and the impact of other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps when selecting between these switches. Ultimately, whether you choose the Luciola or Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), you can expect a satisfying typing experience based on the desired sound and feel qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the Gateron Luciola linear switch, you would want to choose it if you prioritize a unique visual experience due to their eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature. These switches offer a medium heft, providing a smooth and bouncy typing feel. They also produce a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile, which can be appealing to those who enjoy a distinct auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you are looking for a reliable budget switch, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch would be the ideal choice. With its smoothness and buttery goodness, it excels in both gaming and typing, making it a versatile switch. It offers a satisfyingly thick resistance and emits a low "thocky" sound, which adds to the overall typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your priorities, whether it be visual appeal or a budget-friendly option, both switches offer their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
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