Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. KTT MoonRosa
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the KTT MoonRosa switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch to the KTT MoonRosa linear switch, it's evident that both provide a smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. The Milky Red Pro stands out for its budget-friendly nature and buttery smooth keystrokes, giving off a satisfying "thock" sound. On the other hand, the MoonRosa boasts an all-POM construction for a gentle typing feel and an easy-to-press actuation. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the KTT MoonRosa differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Milky Red Pro features a nylon top and bottom housing, known for creating a deep and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the MoonRosa utilizes a POM top and bottom housing, which produces a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and relatively more muted compared to nylon. While both housing materials provide a satisfying typing experience, the nylon housing of the Milky Red Pro offers a duller and rounder sound profile, while the POM housing of the MoonRosa delivers a deeper and more muted sound.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the KTT MoonRosa both contribute to an enhanced typing experience. The nylon top housing of the Milky Red Pro absorbs more sound than the harder POM top housing of the MoonRosa, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the POM bottom housing of the MoonRosa creates a relatively more muted sound compared to the softer nylon bottom housing of the Milky Red Pro. Both switches offer a unique sound profile, with the Milky Red Pro emphasizing a duller and rounder sound, while the MoonRosa provides a deeper and more pleasing typing experience.
While the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the KTT MoonRosa have different housing materials, their overall typing experience may yield similar results. The split between the top and bottom housing of a switch impacts the sound profile when typing and releasing a key. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether nylon or POM, will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. In contrast, the top housing, whether nylon or POM, will influence the sound generated when releasing a key. Both switches offer their own unique sound profiles and typing experiences, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the KTT MoonRosa linear switch, it is evident that the MoonRosa is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Milky Red Pro. The Milky Red Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the MoonRosa has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. This means that the MoonRosa requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out compared to the Milky Red Pro. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the MoonRosa would be the preferred choice, while those looking for a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Milky Red Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the KTT MoonRosa linear switch, it is clear that the MoonRosa has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Milky Red Pro's 4 mm. This means that the MoonRosa will require slightly less force to actuate and bottom out, making it potentially more suitable for those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro with its 4 mm travel distance may provide a more traditional and deeper key press, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT MoonRosa comes in at $4.88 per 10 switches.
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 Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is known for its bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the KTT MoonRosa linear switch offers a low-pitched sound signature, emphasizing a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches offer a pleasing sound experience, albeit with slight differences in the depth and richness of the sound produced. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the user's desired auditory feedback.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is renowned for its buttery smooth keystrokes, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation. In contrast, the KTT MoonRosa switch is characterized as providing a mild and easy-to-press typing experience. The MoonRosa switch offers a gentle typing experience with light actuation force, promoting effortless and comfortable typing that reduces finger fatigue. While the Milky Red Pro switch excels in providing a smooth and fluid typing experience, the MoonRosa switch offers a gentle and approachable feel for most users.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the KTT MoonRosa linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Milky Red Pro switch boasts a bassy, thocky sound and a buttery smooth typing experience, while the MoonRosa switch provides a low-pitched sound and a mild, easy-to-press feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing feedback, either switch can provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the KTT MoonRosa linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a medium-light feel with a buttery smooth typing experience and a satisfying low-pitched sound, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a mild, easy-to-press feel with a buttery smooth typing experience and a low-pitched sound, the MoonRosa may be more suited to your liking. Both switches offer a smooth and pleasant typing experience, so it ultimately depends on whether you prefer a slightly heavier touch or a lighter touch when typing. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences for an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
