Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and Outemu Black both offer unique features to consider. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is a linear switch renowned for its buttery smooth keystrokes and low-pitched "thock" sound, making it a budget-friendly yet high-quality option for a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Black is also a linear switch, but lacks specific standout features. While the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is best known for its smoothness and satisfying sound, the Outemu Black may appeal to those looking for a straightforward linear switch without any particular defining characteristics. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The major difference between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Black lies in the housing materials used. The Milky Red Pro features a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Black utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in sound quality is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate compared to the softer nylon material used in the Milky Red Pro.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Gateron Milky Red Pro and the Outemu Black use nylon, which is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound effectively. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that the typing experience and sound produced by pressing down on the switches will be quite similar between the two. However, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel may vary slightly due to other factors such as stem design and keycap material.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Milky Red Pro and the Outemu Black will depend on individual preference for sound profile and typing experience. While the Milky Red Pro offers a rounder and duller sound profile due to its nylon top housing, the Outemu Black provides a clearer and more resonant sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing. Both switches share the use of nylon in the bottom housing, ensuring a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, users can choose between the two based on their preferred sound characteristics and typing feel.
Weight
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is lighter compared to the Outemu Black linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. 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 Outemu Black has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, making it a heavier switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for longer typing sessions may find the Milky Red Pro more suitable, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Outemu Black switch. Both switches provide different typing experiences based on their respective actuation and bottom out forces, ultimately catering to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and actuation with both switches. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, as they both offer a consistent and standard typing experience.
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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 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
Overall, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is known for its smooth keystrokes and pleasing, low-pitched "thock" sound, giving users a buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Black linear switch lacks specific descriptions for both sound and feel, making it difficult to compare directly. However, based on the information provided, it is clear that the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a unique combination of bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profiles, along with a buttery typing feel. If one is looking for a switch with these specific qualities, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) would be the ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the overall typing experience desired by the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and buttery typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. The satisfying low-pitched sound and effortless keystrokes make it a great option for typing enthusiasts on a budget. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and don't mind a lack of specific sound or feel descriptors, the Outemu Black linear switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and budget constraints.
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