Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Silent Grey 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 the Outemu Silent Grey are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Milky Red Pro is a linear switch known for its smoothness and affordability, providing a buttery smooth typing experience accompanied by a low-pitched "thock" sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. While the Milky Red Pro is best suited for those who enjoy a smooth and budget-friendly option, the Silent Grey is perfect for those seeking a satisfying yet silent 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
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Silent Grey, it is clear that both switches feature a nylon bottom housing. This means that users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on either switch, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, when it comes to the top housing, the Milky Red Pro utilizes a nylon material while the Silent Grey uses polycarbonate. The polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Grey creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the deeper and fuller sound produced by the nylon top housing of the Milky Red Pro.
In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Silent Grey also differ in their appearance. The Milky Red Pro features a nylon top housing, which does not allow for RGB lighting due to its opaque nature. On the other hand, the Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing is clear and translucent, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. This difference in housing materials can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of a keyboard, especially for users who prioritize customizable lighting options.
Overall, while both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Silent Grey share a nylon bottom housing for a similar typing experience, their top housings set them apart in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal. The Milky Red Pro with its nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Grey with its polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of the Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting customization, making it a more visually striking option for users looking to elevate their keyboard setup.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch differ in terms of weight. The Milky Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Grey has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, resulting in a medium-heavy feel when typing. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Milky Red Pro for longer typing sessions or gaming, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Silent Grey for a stronger push feel. Despite the variance in weight, both switches offer unique benefits depending on personal preference.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity allows for a similar typing experience in terms of key travel for both switches. Despite this, other factors such as actuation force and sound may vary between the two switches, providing a slightly different overall 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 Silent Grey 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, providing a deep and rich sound profile that can be quite satisfying during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided, indicating that its sound profile may not be as distinctive or pronounced as the Milky Red Pro. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is praised for its buttery smooth keystrokes, offering a seamless and effortless typing experience. This suggests that users of this switch can expect a consistent and comfortable typing sensation with each key press. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available regarding the tactile feel of the Outemu Silent Grey switch, making it difficult to directly compare its typing experience to the Milky Red Pro. However, tactile switches are generally preferred by users who appreciate a more pronounced feedback during typing.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it is clear that the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch excels in providing a smooth and rich sound profile along with a buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a quiet typing experience with tactile feedback, making it a suitable option for those who prioritize a silent working environment. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. If a user prefers a linear switch with a deep sound and smooth keystrokes, the Milky Red Pro would be the way to go. If a user seeks a quiet typing experience with tactile feedback, the Outemu Silent Grey may be the better choice.
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 is the way to go. However, if you prefer a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch would be more suitable for you. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force when deciding between these two switches to ensure you choose the one that best suits your typing style and needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so make your decision based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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