Durock Medium Tactile vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offer distinct experiences for their users. The Durock Medium Tactile is lauded for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, providing a unique jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro switches are praised for their smooth keystrokes, offering a buttery smoothness paired with a pleasing "thock" sound. While the Durock Medium Tactile is categorized as 'Accented', 'Stepped', 'Mild', 'Polished', the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) falls under 'Buttery', 'Bassy', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched'. If you're looking for a tactile switch with a satisfying bump, the Durock Medium Tactile may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a linear switch that provides a smooth and affordable typing experience, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) could be the ideal choice. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Overall, both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches use nylon material for their bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with harder plastic bottoms. However, the Durock Medium Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon top housing for a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in top housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with the Medium Tactile offering a more clear and resonant sound, whereas the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) provides a softer and more muted sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the Durock Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing allows for a translucent appearance, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, which may not be as visually appealing when it comes to RGB lighting. Additionally, the difference in stiffness between polycarbonate and nylon may also affect the overall feel of the switch, with the Medium Tactile potentially offering a firmer keypress compared to the Milky Red Pro (KS-3).
While both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, ultimately, the choice between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) will come down to personal preference. If a sharper and crisper sound is desired, the Medium Tactile with its polycarbonate top housing may be the preferred option. Conversely, if a deeper and fuller sound is preferred, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) with its nylon top and bottom housing may be the better choice. Despite their differences, both switches are sure to provide a satisfying typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences. The Medium Tactile switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Milky Red Pro with a 45-gram actuation force. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Medium Tactile switch requires 65 grams of force, which is heavier than the 52 grams needed for the Milky Red Pro. This means that the Medium Tactile switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Milky Red Pro offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force, with the Medium Tactile being the heavier option and the Milky Red Pro being the lighter option.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users will get comparable results in terms of key press feel and travel distance. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is the same, making them equally suitable options for those looking for a smooth typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is known for its jelly-like sound signature, which is likely due to the balance of its pronounced tactility. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is recognized for its low-pitched "thock" sound, giving off a satisfying deep and rich tone during key presses. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and what type of sound profile you prefer for your typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is often described as accented and stepped, offering a medium amount of tactility without being overpowering. It also provides a mild and polished typing experience, ensuring smooth and refined key travel. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is known for its buttery smooth keystrokes, delivering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a medium level of tactility, the Durock Medium Tactile switch may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a linear switch with a smooth and fluid keystroke, the Gateron Milky Red Pro could be the ideal choice.
Overall, both the Durock Medium Tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Durock switch provides a balance of pronounced tactility and a jelly-like sound, the Gateron switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched "thock" sound. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch could provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. Additionally, both switches can be customized further with different keycaps and boards to enhance their performance and sound profile, ensuring that you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), consider the following factors. Choose the Durock Medium Tactile if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a pronounced yet balanced tactility for a satisfying typing experience with a jelly-like sound signature. Opt for the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a smooth and budget-friendly linear switch that offers a buttery smooth keystroke paired with a pleasing low-pitched "thock" sound. Overall, the Durock Medium Tactile is best suited for those seeking a tactile typing experience with a unique sound profile, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is ideal for those looking for a smooth and affordable linear switch with a satisfying sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and force requirements.
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