Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is praised for its smooth and budget-friendly linear design, providing a buttery feel with a low-pitched "thock" sound. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry stands out for its sharp tactile bump, offering a more textured typing experience with a lower-than-average sound frequency. Those who prefer a softer, smoother typing experience may lean towards the Milky Red Pro, while those seeking a more tactile and snappy feel might gravitate towards the Blueberry. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
3.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top and bottom housing, while the NovelKeys Blueberry uses POM for both components. The Nylon top housing of the Milky Red Pro provides a deeper and rounder sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Blueberry switch creates a unique, muted sound that leans towards the deeper side.
On the bottom housing side, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and NovelKeys Blueberry both offer nylon and POM, respectively. The nylon bottom housing of the Milky Red Pro contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing, while the POM bottom housing of the Blueberry creates a pleasing and muted sound experience. These bottom housings play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the keystrokes.
Overall, despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, both switches offer unique and desirable sound profiles. The choice between nylon and POM housings ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience one is looking for. Whether opting for a softer, more absorbing sound with the Milky Red Pro or a pleasingly muted sound with the Blueberry, both switches provide quality sound profiles that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a lighter actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Milky Red Pro requires 52 grams, while the Blueberry switch requires a higher 80 grams. The Milky Red Pro offers a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch provides a more substantial and tactile typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches have different levels of actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their preference for typing feedback and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This means that in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results. No matter which switch you choose, you can expect a consistent keypress experience with a 4 mm travel distance.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
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 offers a bassy and low-pitched "thock" sound that provides a deep and rich typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch produces a lower-than-average sound frequency with a sharp and resonant quality that gives a clean and sharp auditory experience. Depending on your preference for a deeper and richer sound profile or a sharper and more immersive sound, both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch provides a buttery and seamless keystroke experience with smooth and fluid feedback. In contrast, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch offers a snappy and invigorating feel with pronounced feedback and a responsive typing sensation. Additionally, the Blueberry switch has a textured feel that may appeal to users seeking a more tactile feedback during typing. Depending on whether you prefer a smoother and uniform typing sensation or a more tactile and invigorating feel, both switches offer distinct tactile qualities that can elevate your typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch provide unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing. The Milky Red Pro offers a bassy and thocky sound with a buttery keystroke feel, while the Blueberry switch presents a lower-than-average frequency sound with a sharp and resonant quality paired with a snappy and invigorating tactile feel. Depending on whether you prioritize sound depth and richness or a sharp and responsive feel in your typing experience, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your overall satisfaction with your mechanical keyboard. Additionally, factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps will further influence the sound and feel of these switches, allowing you to customize your typing experience to suit your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a smooth and budget-friendly typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, opt for the Milky Red Pro (KS-3). These switches are known for their buttery keystrokes and low-pitched "thock" sound. On the other hand, if you enjoy a sharp tactile bump and a heavier bottom out force, the NovelKeys Blueberry is the way to go. These switches offer a unique typing feel with a lower-than-average sound frequency and a resonant tone. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preference for switch characteristics such as sound, feel, and actuation force.
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