Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and Outemu Milk Tea offer distinct typing experiences. The Milky Red Pro is a linear switch, loved for its smooth keystrokes and affordable price tag. It delivers a buttery smooth typing experience with a satisfying low-pitched "thock" sound, making it ideal for those who prioritize a quiet and smooth keypress. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea is a tactile switch, known for providing tactile feedback with each keypress. While it lacks specific descriptors, tactile switches are typically preferred by those who enjoy a bit of resistance and feedback when typing. Both switches have their own merits and reasons for choosing them, 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
N/A
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Ly
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
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Milk Tea both utilize nylon for their top housing material, providing a classic switch housing experience. Nylon is known for absorbing sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches with nylon housing. This characteristic creates a duller and rounder sound, offering a unique typing experience. Despite both switches using nylon for their top housing, the specific design and construction of each switch may affect the overall sound and feel when typing.
On the other hand, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, the Outemu Milk Tea also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. This classic switch housing material lends itself to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, contributing to the overall typing experience. With both switches sharing the same material for their bottom housing, users can expect a similar level of sound absorption and typing feel.
Despite both switches sharing the same material for either their top or bottom housing, the specific design and construction of each switch may result in different typing experiences. While the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Milk Tea both offer a classic switch housing material with nylon, the differences in sound profile and overall typing experience may vary. It is important to consider not only the material of the housing but also the overall design and construction of the switch when choosing between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Milk Tea for your typing needs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, we find that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Milky Red Pro has a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Milk Tea's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Milky Red Pro slightly heavier overall. In terms of weight preferences, those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Milk Tea, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may find the Milky Red Pro to be a more suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches offer a consistent feel in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when a key is pressed. Users can expect a similar typing experience in this aspect with both switches. Whether choosing the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) or the Outemu Milk Tea, the travel distance will provide a satisfying typing experience without any noticeable differences.
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 Milk Tea 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 praised for its bassy, thocky, and low-pitched qualities, providing a satisfying typing experience with a rich and deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch's sound characteristics are unknown, making it difficult to directly compare to the Gateron Milky Red Pro. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap material.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is known for its buttery smooth keystrokes, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the tactile feedback and feel of the Outemu Milk Tea switch, making it challenging to provide a direct comparison in this aspect.
Taking all available information into consideration, if one is seeking a smooth and affordable linear switch with a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) would be a solid choice. On the other hand, the tactile feedback of the Outemu Milk Tea switch remains unknown, making it a bit of a mystery in terms of feel. Ultimately, depending on personal preference in sound and feel, both switches could offer a satisfying typing experience, with the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) providing a more concrete description of its characteristics.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, you should consider your preference for a smooth and affordable typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force. If you value a buttery smooth keystroke and a pleasing low-pitched sound, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an unknown bottom out force and tactile feedback, the Milk Tea might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel, sound profile, and budget constraints.
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