Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Cream Blue mechanical keyboard switches, the decision ultimately comes down to your preference in typing experience. The Milky Red Pro is a linear switch that offers a smooth and affordable typing experience, perfect for those who value buttery keystrokes and a low-pitched "thock" sound while typing. On the other hand, the Cream Blue is a clicky switch that provides tactile feedback and an audible click with each keystroke. While the Milky Red Pro is best known for its affordability and smoothness, the Cream Blue is favored for its satisfying clicky sound and tactile feel. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-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 Cream Blue, both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This commonality means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and overall feel. Nylon's softer plastic composition allows for a deeper and fuller sound when typing, as it absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This shared characteristic between the two switches suggests that typists who enjoy the sound profile of nylon switches will likely appreciate both the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Cream Blue.
On the other hand, the distinction between the top and bottom housing materials in a switch can impact the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a role in the sound when releasing a key. In this case, since both the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Cream Blue use nylon for both the top and bottom housings, users can expect a consistent sound profile and typing feel throughout their keystrokes. This consistency may appeal to those who prefer a uniform typing experience without variation between key presses.
Overall, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Cream Blue share the same housing material in nylon for both the top and bottom housings, the impact of this material on the typing experience may vary slightly between switches. Typists who appreciate the soft, absorbing qualities of nylon switches will likely find both options appealing. Additionally, the consistent sound profile and typing feel across both switches due to the shared housing material may be advantageous to users seeking a uniform typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Cream Blue may come down to other factors such as actuation force, tactile feedback, and overall build quality.
Weight
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch. The Milky Red Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it medium-light, while the Cream Blue has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. This difference in weight can impact typing and gaming experiences - those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Milky Red Pro for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the Cream Blue for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches provide different levels of tactile feedback due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in typing and gaming styles.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is the same at 4mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches means that users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and actuation point, as the distance traveled by the key is the same for both options.
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 Cream Blue 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 characteristics, offering a satisfying and deep sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch's sound profile is unknown, making it difficult to compare. Both switches can produce different sounds based on the setup of your keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is praised for its buttery smooth keystrokes, providing a seamless and uniform typing experience. Unfortunately, the feel of the Cream Blue switch is not described, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison between the two. However, if you enjoy a smooth and effortless typing sensation, the Milky Red Pro may be the better choice.
In conclusion, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch stands out for its smooth typing experience and deep, satisfying sound profile. While the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch's qualities are unknown, based on the available information, the Milky Red Pro appears to offer a more detailed description of its subjective qualities. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel during typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and affordable typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a buttery smoothness and a pleasing low-pitched "thock" sound, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Cream Blue switch might be more suited to your needs. While the Cream Blue switches do not have as much information available in terms of sound and feel, they are known for providing a satisfying click sound during key presses. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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