Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Cherry MX Black, both linear switches. The Milky Red Pro is ideal for those seeking a smooth and affordable typing experience, with its buttery keystrokes and low-pitched “thock” sound. On the other hand, the MX Black from Cherry offers a classic textured smoothness with a deep sound profile. While the Milky Red Pro is praised for its budget-friendly nature and satisfying keystrokes, the MX Black stands out for its refined quality and stiffness. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Cherry MX Black utilize nylon as their top and bottom housing material, resulting in a similar experience in terms of sound profile and typing feel. Nylon is known for its softness, which allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, ultimately leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This duller and rounder sound quality is appreciated by many keyboard enthusiasts who prefer a quieter typing experience.
While both switches share the same nylon housing material, the slight differences in the design of the top and bottom housings can affect the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch, such as the Milky Red Pro (KS-3), will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. These subtle distinctions may influence how a user perceives the typing experience and the overall satisfaction with the switch.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Cherry MX Black, both utilizing nylon, provide a similar typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The impact of the top and bottom housings on the sound and feel of the switches may differ slightly, but overall, users can expect a consistent performance from these switches. Whether typing on a Milky Red Pro (KS-3) or a Cherry MX Black, the nylon housing material ensures a satisfying typing experience for those who appreciate a quieter and more tactile feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it's evident that the Milky Red Pro is lighter in both aspects. 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. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, resulting in a more substantial and heavier typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Gateron Milky Red Pro would be the preferred choice. However, for individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more weighty typing experience, the Cherry MX Black would be the better option. Overall, the choices between these two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users will experience a similar keypress feel with both switches, as they will travel the same distance from top to bottom when pressed. This makes them equal in terms of travel distance, so users can expect consistent results in terms of keypress feel and overall performance. While the specifics of the design and materials used in each switch may vary, the travel distance remains constant with both the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the MX Black linear switch.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is known for its low-pitched and thocky sound profile, offering a deep and rich auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black also provides a low-pitched sound, giving a bass-heavy and mellow tone when typing. Both switches offer a satisfying sound experience, with the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) leaning towards a deeper thocky sound, while the MX Black provides a classic textured smoothness with a similarly deep sound profile. Ultimately, your choice of board and keycaps will also play a role in the overall sound produced by either switch.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is renowned for its buttery smooth keystrokes, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation. On the contrary, the Cherry MX Black is described as textured and stiff, providing noticeable friction and requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. While the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) focuses on delivering a smooth and effortless typing experience, the MX Black offers a more tactile and stiff feel, which might be preferred by users looking for a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Cherry MX Black linear switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3) excels in providing a buttery smooth typing experience with a deep and thocky sound profile, while the MX Black offers a textured feel with a classic low-pitched sound. Depending on whether you prefer a smoother or more tactile typing experience, you can expect similar results in terms of sound with a slight variation in feel between these two switches. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style will play a significant role in choosing the switch that best suits your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch or the Cherry MX Black linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a smooth, buttery typing experience with a low-pitched "thock" sound, then the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is the ultimate choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a classic textured smoothness with a deep sound profile, then the Cherry MX Black switch with Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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