Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Milky Red Pro is praised for its smooth and affordable typing experience, known for its buttery smooth keystrokes and low-pitched "thock" sound. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream provides a heftier linear typing experience with a deep sound profile that is not overly aggressive. Both switches share characteristics such as a buttery feel and low-pitched sound, making them suitable for those who appreciate a tactile typing experience. 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
70g
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
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
In terms of the housing materials, both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream offer unique sound profiles. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3) boasts a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream features a POM top housing that creates a more muted and deeper sound, providing a unique typing experience. While both housing materials aim to enhance sound quality, they achieve this in slightly different ways, with nylon offering a duller and rounder sound compared to POM's deeper and more muted profile.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches utilize similar materials to enhance the typing experience. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which complements the nylon top housing to create a consistent and immersive sound profile. Similarly, the NovelKeys Cream utilizes a POM bottom housing to further enhance the deeper and muted sound profile associated with POM materials. This cohesiveness in housing materials ensures that both switches deliver a consistent and satisfying typing experience to users, with each material contributing to the overall sound profile of the switch.
Overall, while there are differences in the specific qualities of the nylon and POM housing materials used in the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches, both switches aim to provide users with a distinct and pleasing typing experience. Whether it's the deeper and fuller sound profile of nylon or the more muted and unique sound of POM, users can expect a high-quality typing experience from either switch. While the top and bottom housing materials may have slight differences in impact on sound and feel, the overall goal of enhancing the typing experience remains consistent across both switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch differ in terms of weight. The Milky Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, offering a medium-light typing experience. In contrast, the NovelKeys Cream switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a medium-heavy feel. The Milky Red Pro is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the NovelKeys Cream is suited for users who enjoy a stronger push for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the 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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, the distance traveled from the top to the bottom will be identical. As a result, users can expect similar tactile experiences in terms of feel and responsiveness when using either switch. Therefore, the travel distance of both switches is equal, providing a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is chosen.
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 Cream 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 Cream 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is known for its bassy and thocky qualities, creating a pleasing and low-pitched "thock" sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch offers a deeper and resonant sound profile, providing a unique auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound. Both switches lean towards a lower-pitched sound, but the Cream switch may offer a slightly more immersive auditory experience due to its resonant characteristics. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and NovelKeys Cream switches are described as buttery, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. However, the Cream switch offers additional textured and invigorating qualities, providing a more pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel during typing. Some users may prefer the added texture and invigorating feel of the Cream switch for a more engaging typing sensation, while others may appreciate the simplicity and smoothness of the Milky Red Pro switch.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offer a smooth typing experience with a buttery feel. The Milky Red Pro switch provides a low-pitched and thocky sound, while the Cream switch offers a deeper and resonant sound profile. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between a more immersive auditory experience with the Cream switch or a simple yet satisfying sound with the Milky Red Pro switch. Ultimately, both switches will deliver a similar buttery feel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a smoother, buttery typing experience with a low-pitched "thock" sound, then the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heftier bottom out force and a deeper, resonant sound profile with a buttery and textured typing feel, then the NovelKeys Cream would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and satisfying to you as you type on your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
