Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Orange. The Milky Red Pro switches are known for their smooth and affordable typing experience, offering buttery keystrokes and a low-pitched "thock" sound. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches feature a bouncy feel with a frictionless typing experience and a low-pitched sound profile, thanks to their unique design and factory-lubing. While the Milky Red Pro switches lean towards a smoother and budget-friendly option, the KTT Orange switches offer a bouncier and frictionless 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
46g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Orange switches both offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials. The Milky Red Pro features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile with a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Orange switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in housing materials results in distinct typing experiences for users, catering to those who prefer a softer, absorbing sound with the Milky Red Pro or a clear, resonant sound with the KTT Orange.
Furthermore, the bottom housing materials of the two switches also play a significant role in their overall sound profiles. The Milky Red Pro's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Orange switch enhances the sharpness and clarity of the typing sound. This difference in bottom housing material further distinguishes the switches in terms of sound quality, providing users with a range of options based on their preferred typing experience.
While the Milky Red Pro and KTT Orange switches have different top and bottom housing materials, the overall typing experience is influenced by a combination of both. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Despite their varying characteristics, both switches offer unique benefits depending on user preferences. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound with the Milky Red Pro or a sharper, crisper sound with the KTT Orange, each switch provides a distinct typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, we see that both switches have very similar weights. The Milky Red Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Orange has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-light category, offering a balance between typing comfort and feedback. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, either of these switches would be a suitable choice. However, if someone desires a slightly heavier push for a more substantial typing experience, they may want to explore other options with higher actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches would come down to personal preference regarding typing feel and force sensitivity.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is clear that there is a difference between the two. The Milky Red Pro has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Orange has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Milky Red Pro will require a slightly deeper press compared to the Orange switch. However, both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances for mechanical switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and whether you prefer a slightly shorter or slightly longer travel distance for your typing or gaming needs.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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) stands out for its signature low-pitched "thock" sound, providing a deep and rich auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch also offers a low-pitched sound profile, emphasizing a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches aim to deliver a satisfying sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience, although the Milky Red Pro may lean more towards a deeper and bassier tone compared to the Orange.
When it comes to feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is characterized by its buttery smooth keystrokes, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. On the contrary, the KTT Orange switch is known for its bouncy and frictionless feel, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth key travel. While the Milky Red Pro prioritizes a smooth and uniform typing experience, the Orange switch focuses on delivering a lively and rebounding feel with minimal resistance or friction.
Overall, both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Orange switches excel in offering subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Milky Red Pro emphasizes a buttery smoothness and low-pitched "thock" sound, the KTT Orange switch focuses on providing a bouncy and frictionless typing experience with a distinct low-pitched sound profile. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, either switch can offer a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that newcomers to mechanical keyboards can find a switch that suits their particular preferences. Additionally, if you enjoy a deeper, bass-heavy sound and a smooth keystroke, opting for the Milky Red Pro may provide a similar experience to the KTT Orange in terms of overall feel and sound profile.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a low-pitched, bassy, and thocky sound with a buttery typing experience, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a low-pitched sound with a bouncy, frictionless feel that provides a spring-like feedback, then the KTT Orange switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision.
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