Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Brown 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 Outemu Brown. The Milky Red Pro is a linear switch known for its smooth and affordable typing experience, offering a buttery smoothness with a low-pitched “thock” sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is a tactile switch that provides a different typing experience. While the Milky Red Pro is praised for its buttery and bassy feel, the Outemu Brown offers a tactile feedback that some users prefer for enhanced typing accuracy. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Brown, we see a clear distinction in the materials used. The Milky Red Pro utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, while the Outemu Brown opts for polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for its softer and more sound-absorbent qualities, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. On the other hand, polycarbonate, being stiffer and clearer, produces a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This difference in material results in a distinct typing experience for each switch.
Despite the difference in housing materials, both the Milky Red Pro and the Outemu Brown offer a similar typing experience due to the nylon bottom housing they share. Nylon's characteristics of being a softer plastic that absorbs sound effectively contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. This consistency in the bottom housing material ensures that typists can expect a certain level of acoustics and tactile feedback regardless of the switch they choose. However, the choice of polycarbonate for the top housing of the Outemu Brown may provide a slightly crisper sound profile compared to the duller sound produced by the nylon top housing of the Milky Red Pro.
Overall, the contrast between nylon and polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches brings forth distinct sound profiles. Typists who prefer a deeper and fuller typing sound may lean towards the Milky Red Pro with its nylon top housing, while those seeking a sharper and crisper sound may opt for the Outemu Brown with its polycarbonate top housing. The translucency of the polycarbonate in the Outemu Brown also offers the added benefit of enhancing RGB lighting effects, making it a visually compelling choice for those who prioritize aesthetics in their keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and visual appeal.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch offer a noticeable difference in weight. The Milky Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it medium-light. In contrast, the Outemu Brown switch has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Milky Red Pro would be the ideal choice, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Outemu Brown switch. In instances where both switches have the same force requirements, users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing comfort and keypress responsiveness.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that pressing down on keys equipped with either of these switches will result in a similar feel and response. Users can expect consistent performance in terms of travel distance when using both switches.
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 Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch provides a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deep, rich, and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Brown tactile switch is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is described as providing a buttery typing experience that is smooth and fluid, offering seamless and uniform keystrokes. Unfortunately, the tactile feel of the Outemu Brown switch is unknown, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in terms of typing feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch stands out for its smooth keystrokes and pleasing sound profile, offering a buttery typing experience with a low-pitched thocky sound. Although the specific sound and feel characteristics of the Outemu Brown tactile switch are not provided, based on the information available, it is safe to assume that the two switches will offer different typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and budget considerations.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, you should consider the bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a smooth typing experience with a low-pitched "thock" sound, then the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and value a tactile typing experience without a defined sound profile, then the Outemu Brown switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and sound preference.
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