Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for typing experience. The Milky Red Pro is renowned for its smooth and budget-friendly linear design, offering a buttery feel and low-pitched "thock" sound that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo provides a crisp tactile bump at the top of each keystroke, followed by a cushioned feel when bottoming out, striking a balance between tactility and comfort. While the Milky Red Pro is ideal for those seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Oreo caters to individuals who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, giving it a deeper and fuller sound profile overall. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, especially useful for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.
While the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Everglide Oreo both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, they have their own distinct characteristics. The nylon housing of the Milky Red Pro provides a softer and more absorbent sound experience, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the Oreo delivers a sharper and crisper sound, making it ideal for those looking for a more clear and resonant typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to enhance the overall sound and feel of typing.
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Everglide Oreo, it's evident that the choice between nylon and polycarbonate can significantly impact the sound profile of a switch. The bottom housing material plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material influences the sound when letting go of a key. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, each housing material brings its own unique qualities to enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel when typing.
Weight
The actuation and bottom-out forces of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch are quite similar. The Milky Red Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom-out force of 52 grams, while the Oreo has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom-out force of 55 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-light category in terms of force required. When considering weight, some may prefer a lighter actuation force for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer a heavier bottom-out force for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, both switches offer a balance between the two preferences, providing a comfortable typing experience for users who do not have a strong preference for extremely light or heavy switches.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, making them both equal in this aspect. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile feedback and typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. Users of both switches can expect a consistent travel distance when typing or gaming, offering a familiar feel regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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 offers a deep, rich, and satisfying "thock" sound during key presses, characterized by its low-pitched tone reminiscent of bass tones. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a unique "chirpy" sound profile, adding a touch of whimsy to the typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is praised for its buttery smooth keystrokes, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. On the contrary, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a notable tactile bump at the top of the keystroke, followed by a cushioned feel when bottoming out. The Oreo switch can be likened to an accented and stepped tactile experience, striking a balance between tactility and comfort.
In conclusion, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is best suited for those who prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a pleasing low-pitched sound, while the Everglide Oreo tactile switch caters to individuals seeking a crisp tactile bump accompanied by a mellow sound profile. Both switches offer unique qualities that will cater to different typing preferences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference and the type of typing experience desired. If sound and feel are important to you, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a deeper sound and smoother feel, while the Everglide Oreo provides a more tactile and satisfying sensation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a smooth and affordable typing experience with a satisfying low-pitched thock sound, then the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a delectable tactile typing experience with a crisp bump at the top and a cushioned bottom out feel, then the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is the perfect choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and budget. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so make sure to consider what you value most in a keyboard switch before making your final decision.
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