Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and Outemu Cold Plum both offer distinct features worth exploring. The Milky Red Pro stands out for its smooth and budget-friendly linear design, providing a buttery typing experience with a pleasing low-pitched "thock" sound. On the other hand, the Cold Plum boasts a thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, offering enthusiasts a unique and satisfying typing feel. Both switches have their own strengths, making them ideal choices for those seeking a smooth and enjoyable 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
60g
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
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
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
Both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Cold Plum utilize nylon as the material for both their top and bottom switch housings. This commonality means that typing on switches from these two brands will result in a similar experience of a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. This quality contributes to a more satisfying typing experience for users who prefer a quieter and more muted sound profile.
Despite both switches using nylon for their housing material, the slight variations in manufacturing processes may result in subtle differences in sound and feel. The impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. These distinctions may affect how users perceive the typing experience on each switch, with nuances in sound and tactility potentially influencing their preference between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Cold Plum.
In conclusion, the decision between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Cold Plum may come down to personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback. Both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their shared use of nylon for the housing material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characteristic of this material. However, the subtle differences in how the top and bottom housing impact the typing experience may be a determining factor for users who have specific preferences for the sound and feel of their mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
Comparing the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, the Milky Red Pro is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Cold Plum. 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. On the other hand, the Cold Plum has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Milky Red Pro more suitable for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions, while those who appreciate a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Cold Plum for a heavier typing experience. The actuation force determines the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the force needed to press the key all the way down. In terms of results, using switches with similar actuation and bottom out forces will provide a consistent typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Milky Red Pro offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Cold Plum provides a shallower feel. Gamers may favor the Cold Plum for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the Milky Red Pro. Both switches offer different advantages based on personal preference, with the Cold Plum being the shorter option and the Milky Red Pro having a longer travel distance.
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 Cold Plum 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 is known for its bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switch does not have specific sound descriptors provided, making it difficult to directly compare the sound qualities between the two switches. However, both switches are likely to produce a pleasant and unique sound profile that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on personal preference and the keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offers a buttery smooth keystroke experience, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Unfortunately, there is no specific feel descriptor provided for the Outemu Cold Plum switch, making it challenging to compare the tactile feedback between the two switches. Nevertheless, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing feel that caters to different preferences in terms of keypress smoothness and feedback.
Overall, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch excels in providing a smooth and affordable typing experience with its buttery feel and low-pitched, thocky sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switch offers a unique typing experience with its thocky sound profile and nylon construction, catering to enthusiasts seeking a distinct tactile and auditory experience. While specific information on the Cold Plum switch's sound and feel may be unknown, both switches are likely to deliver similar results in terms of overall satisfaction based on their respective design characteristics and reputation in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and budget considerations.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switches, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a smooth, buttery 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 a unique thocky sound profile with a fully nylon construction, then the Outemu Cold Plum switch may be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific characteristics that best match your typing preferences and needs.
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