Dareu Master vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Master and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) both offer unique features and benefits. The Master switch from Dareu is a linear switch made of all-POM material, offering a medium weight that provides a classic clacky sound signature and smooth operation. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is a budget-friendly linear switch that is known for its smoothness and buttery feel, accompanied by a low, "thocky" sound and satisfying resistance. While the Master switch is praised for its polished feel and mild characteristics, the Milky Yellow Pro stands out with its bassy sound profile and textured feel. Both switches excel in gaming and typing, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts. However, diving deeper into the specifics of each switch will help you determine which one is the best fit for your individual preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Master and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) both use different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The Master features a POM top housing, known for creating a unique, pleasing sound profile that is deep and relatively muted. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon top housing, offering a fuller and deeper sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both materials aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, the POM top housing may offer a slightly different sound compared to the nylon top housing.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Dareu Master and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) also differs in material. The Master's POM bottom housing produces a deep and pleasing sound, similar to its top housing. Meanwhile, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a fuller and deeper sound when typing. The choice between POM and nylon for the bottom housing may impact the overall sound and feel of the switch, as each material absorbs sound differently and creates unique sound profiles.
In summary, the Dareu Master and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the sound profile of mechanical switches. While both switches prioritize creating a pleasing typing experience, the choice between POM and nylon for the top and bottom housings can result in slightly different sound characteristics. Whether one prefers the deeper and muted sound of POM or the fuller and rounder sound of nylon, both switches offer distinct options for customizing the typing experience.
Weight
The Dareu Master linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is heavier at 62 grams compared to the Dareu Master, where the bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming for extended periods, the Dareu Master switch may be the better option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel is desired, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch with its heavier bottom out force could be the preferred choice. Both switches have their own strengths, catering to different preferences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Master linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Master's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Milky Yellow Pro's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth when typing. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Master being more responsive and the Milky Yellow Pro offering a more traditional typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more traditional typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 Dareu Master switch offers a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch provides a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, with a deep, rich, and satisfying tone during key presses. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, but overall, they deliver an enjoyable auditory experience that enhances the typing or gaming process.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Master switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch offers a buttery and textured feel, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with noticeable friction when pressed. While the Master switch focuses on a comfortable and approachable typing feel, the Milky Yellow Pro switch prioritizes a seamless and uniform typing sensation with additional tactile feedback.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel qualities of the Dareu Master linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Master switch excels in providing a classic clacky sound and a mild, polished typing feel, while the Milky Yellow Pro switch emphasizes a low-pitched, thocky sound and a buttery, textured keystroke experience. Depending on whether the user values a sharp and percussive sound with a gentle typing feel or a bassy and rich sound with a smooth keystroke, both switches offer excellent options for creating a customized and enjoyable typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, by selecting either the Dareu Master or the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro switch, users can expect similar results in terms of high-quality performance and satisfaction, tailored to their unique preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Dareu Master linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a classic clacky sound, the Dareu Master may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-bottom out force, a bassy, low-pitched, thocky sound, and a buttery, textured feel, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) could be the perfect fit for your typing needs. Keep these factors in mind as you choose the switch that best suits your preferences and typing style.
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