SP-Star Meteor White vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White 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, the market is filled with a plethora of options, each with its own unique characteristics. Two switches that stand out are the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), both of which are linear switches. The Meteor White is known for its subdued nature, offering a soft and gentle typing experience with a pitter-patter sound profile. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro is a classic budget switch that embodies smoothness and buttery goodness. It delivers a low, "thocky" sound accompanied by a satisfyingly thick resistance, making it ideal for both gaming and typing. While these are just general pointers, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your specific preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) share several similarities. Both switches utilize nylon as their top and bottom housing material. Nylon has long been regarded as a classic switch housing material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's relatively softer plastic composition, which allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches produce a duller and rounder sound when typing on them.
Although the housing materials are the same for both switches, the way they impact the typing experience may differ. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed. Therefore, if the top and bottom housings are different for a specific switch, the qualities associated with each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom. This means that the bottom housing of the Meteor White and the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) will contribute to the switch's overall sound and feel upon pressing the keys.
On the other hand, the top housing of a switch predominantly influences the sound when a key is released. Since both switches feature nylon as their top housing material, they are likely to yield similar results in terms of the sound produced when releasing a key. This could be described as a softer and rounder sound thanks to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon.
In summary, the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilize nylon as their top and bottom housing materials, resulting in similar sound profiles when typing on them. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Due to their shared nylon housing material, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound experience from both switches.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The actuation force of the Meteor White is unavailable, while the Milky Yellow Pro requires 50 grams of force for actuation. This indicates that the Milky Yellow Pro is lighter when it comes to triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out and pressing the keys all the way down, the Meteor White requires 57 grams of force, which is slightly lighter than the bottom out force of the Milky Yellow Pro at 62 grams.
Considering weight is important for different users. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Milky Yellow Pro, as its lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This makes it ideal for professionals who use their keyboards extensively at work or gamers who engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience, with a slightly heavier push, might find the Meteor White to be a better choice.
In conclusion, the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro differ slightly. The Milky Yellow Pro has a lighter actuation force but a heavier bottom out force compared to the Meteor White. Users may choose one over the other depending on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience. However, it is important to note that both switches provide similar results in terms of actuating keystrokes and bottoming out.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch have the same travel distance, measuring 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, whether you opt for the Meteor White or the Milky Yellow Pro, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance you feel when using them.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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 SP-Star Meteor White linear switch provides a soft and gentle sound profile. It has a pitter-patter sound that is subdued and pleasant to the ears. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound. It has a satisfyingly thick resistance and produces a thocky sound, resembling a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. Both switches provide unique sound characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Meteor White switch offers a mild and approachable typing experience. It has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a polished feel. With reduced friction and smooth key travel, typing on these switches is comfortable and effortless. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro switch provides a buttery keystroke experience. The keystrokes are smooth, fluid, and uniform, giving you a seamless typing sensation. While some users prefer a more textured or scratchy feel, the Milky Yellow Pro switch offers a friction-free experience that appeals to many.
Considering all of the available information, the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro switches are both excellent choices with their own unique qualities. The Meteor White switch excels in providing a soft sound and a polished feel, making it suitable for various purposes whether you are a beginner or advanced user. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro switch offers a low-pitched, bassy sound and a buttery feel, making it versatile for both gaming and typing.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and requirements. If you prefer a softer, pitter-patter sound and a mild, polished feel, the Meteor White switch is a great option. If you prefer a low-pitched, bassy sound and a buttery, seamless feel, the Milky Yellow Pro switch is the way to go. Both switches offer satisfying qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so you can expect similar positive results regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a gentle and soft linear switch with a moderate actuation force, the SP-Star Meteor White would be a great choice. It offers a pitter-patter sound profile and a comfortable typing experience. The Meteor White is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, making it versatile for home or work settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a classic budget switch with smoothness and a satisfyingly thick resistance, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is the way to go. With its low, "thocky" sound and buttery goodness, it excels in gaming and typing, making it a perfect all-purpose switch. The Milky Yellow Pro is highly regarded by budget enthusiasts for its performance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel, so consider your typing style and desired sound profile when making your decision.
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