PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch to the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Milk Tea switch boasts a high-pitched yet muted sound, with a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. Designed for prolonged typing sessions with an accessible bottom-out of just 43.5g, it's ideal for those who require a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro switches from Gateron provide a smooth and affordable typing experience, characterized by smooth keystrokes and a pleasing low-pitched "thock" sound. While both switches offer their own advantages, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. 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
37.5g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Ly
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
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) both aim to provide a unique sound experience for users. The Milk Tea's POM top housing creates a deep and relatively muted sound profile that is considered pleasing, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3)'s nylon top housing offers a fuller and deeper sound due to its softer nature. Despite their differences in sound profile, both housing materials are known for their ability to create a distinctive typing experience that appeals to keyboard enthusiasts.
In terms of bottom housing, the POM material used in the Milk Tea provides a similar deep and pleasing sound profile like its top housing counterpart. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer nature. These differences in sound profile between the bottom housings of the two switches showcase how the choice of housing material can impact the overall typing experience and sound quality for users.
Overall, the top and bottom housings of a switch play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing on a keyboard. While the Milk Tea and Milky Red Pro (KS-3) may have different housing materials for their top and bottom components, both switches aim to provide a unique and pleasing sound profile for users. Whether it's the deeper and more muted sound of POM or the fuller and rounder sound of nylon, both housing materials offer a distinct typing experience that can cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is clear that the Milk Tea is lighter overall. The Milk Tea has an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it a light switch. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Milk Tea make it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the slightly heavier forces of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches highlights the importance of weight preferences when choosing a switch for a keyboard.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. In the world of mechanical keyboards, even the slightest difference in travel distance can have a noticeable impact on typing or gaming experience. Gamers who value quick response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Milk Tea switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the longer travel distance of the Milky Red Pro switch. In the end, both switches offer unique typing experiences, and choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a unique blend of high-pitched tones with a muted essence, resulting in a gentle and balanced auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch produces a low-pitched "thock" sound, paired with smooth keystrokes for a pleasing typing experience. While the Milk Tea switch leans towards a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Milky Red Pro switch provides a deeper and richer tone. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the bright and percussive sound of the Milk Tea or the bassier and mellow tone of the Milky Red Pro for a customized typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is designed for prolonged typing sessions with a lightweight bottom-out force and a stem material that enhances the ease of keystrokes, resulting in a polished and effortless typing sensation. Conversely, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is described as offering a buttery smooth keystroke experience, ensuring a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Both switches prioritize smoothness, with the Milk Tea boasting a refined finish and reduced friction, while the Milky Red Pro emphasizes a fluid and effortless typing experience.
Overall, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Milk Tea switch excels in providing a balance between high-pitched tones and muted essence for those seeking a sharp and crisp sound, the Milky Red Pro switch stands out for its smooth and budget-friendly typing experience with a low-pitched “thock” sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel, ensuring that users can find the perfect switch to enhance their typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you appreciate a higher-pitched and polished typing experience with a lighter bottom-out force, the Milk Tea may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, buttery feel with a lower-pitched sound and a slightly higher bottom-out force, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) could be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing needs and preferences.
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