Gateron Melodic vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic 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 Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), a linear switch, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Melodic stands out for reinvigorating the clicky switch category with its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing users with a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback without compromising on smoothness. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro switches are known for offering a smooth and affordable typing experience, with buttery smooth keystrokes and a pleasing low-pitched "thock" sound. While both switches share a 'Buttery' characteristic, the Melodic is more 'Resonant' and 'Invigorating' with a 'Crunchy' feel, while the Milky Red Pro is described as 'Bassy' and 'Thocky'. 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), we see a clear distinction in the materials used for the top housing. The Melodic features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile while also allowing for RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. While both materials offer unique benefits, the polycarbonate housing of the Melodic gives a crisper sound, whereas the nylon housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) provides a more rounded sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, we find that both the Gateron Melodic and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) opt for nylon material. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon's softness absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. While the bottom housing material may not be as visually impactful as the top housing, it plays a crucial role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. Therefore, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound quality between these two switches, despite the difference in their top housing materials.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for the Gateron Melodic and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) showcases how the selection of polycarbonate and nylon can significantly influence the sound profile of mechanical switches. The contrast between the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Melodic and the deeper, fuller sound of nylon in the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) highlights the importance of material selection in achieving specific sound characteristics. While the top housing material may have a more noticeable impact on the sound when pressing and releasing keys, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound and typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, making them suitable choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Melodic switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Milky Red Pro has a lighter bottom out force of 52 grams. The actuation force of the Melodic switch is not specified, but the Milky Red Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Milky Red Pro switch is lighter both in actuation and bottom out force compared to the Melodic switch. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force for prolonged typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these switches, it is clear that both will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels from top to bottom. This means that whether you choose the Melodic clicky switch or the Milky Red Pro linear switch, you can expect to get similar results in terms of key travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Gateron Melodic clicky switch delivers a resonant and crunchy experience, characterized by a higher-pitched sound profile and a crisp, satisfying click similar to stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offers a bassy and thocky sound, with a deeper, richer tone and a low-pitched, mellow sound that results in a satisfying "thud" or "knock" with each key press. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences that can be enhanced further based on the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Melodic switch is known for its buttery and invigorating keystrokes, offering a smooth and fluid typing experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. In comparison, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch also boasts a buttery feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation that is consistent and uniform throughout each keystroke. Both switches excel in delivering a satisfying tactile experience for users who appreciate a smooth and responsive typing feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Melodic switch provides a resonant, crunchy sound and a buttery, invigorating feel, the Milky Red Pro switch delivers a bassy, thocky sound and the same buttery feel. Whether you prefer a clicky switch with a higher pitch or a linear switch with a deeper tone, both switches exhibit exceptional characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal sound and tactile preferences, as well as the overall keyboard setup you aim to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a Resonant or Crunchy sound with a Butterly or Invigorating feel, then the Melodic switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a Bassy, Thocky, or Low-pitched sound with a Butterly feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing experience and the auditory feedback that brings you the most satisfaction.
Mentioned in this article
