Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Silent Yellow are two popular options worth considering. The Gateron Milky Red Pro switches are praised for their smooth and budget-friendly linear design, offering a buttery smooth typing experience with a satisfying low-pitched "thock" sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches are known for their silent operation, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities that make them appealing to different users. 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
60g
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
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 Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Silent Yellow, we find that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This means that typing on switches using either of these switches will elicit a similar deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller and rounder sound. However, when it comes to the top housing, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) uses nylon while the Silent Yellow uses polycarbonate. This results in a difference in sound profile, with the Milky Red Pro producing a softer and deeper sound, while the Silent Yellow creates a sharper and crisper sound due to the stiffness of polycarbonate.
Despite both switches having nylon bottom housings, the use of different materials for the top housing gives them distinct characteristics. The Milky Red Pro's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, making it stand out for those looking for a crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes the Silent Yellow a suitable option for users who want to enhance their typing experience with RGB lighting.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom housings of the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Milky Red Pro and Silent Yellow both offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, users can expect similar results in terms of the overall feel and sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings.
Weight
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch which has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams. Both switches have a bottom-out force, with the Milky Red Pro at 52 grams and the Silent Yellow at 80 grams. The Milky Red Pro offers a medium-light typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent Yellow provides a heavier push feel for users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom-out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these switches, it's clear that both offer the same keypress experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Milky Red Pro or the Silent Yellow switch, you can expect similar results in terms of keypress travel distance. Overall, both switches provide a consistent and reliable keypress experience for users looking for a linear switch with a 4 mm 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 Silent Yellow 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
Overall, when comparing the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch in terms of sound, the Milky Red Pro stands out for its bassy, thocky, and low-pitched qualities, providing a deep and satisfying sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow's sound characteristics are unknown. When it comes to feel, the Milky Red Pro offers a buttery smooth keystroke experience, ensuring a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Unfortunately, the feel of the Silent Yellow switch remains unknown. In conclusion, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch offers a rich sound profile and smooth typing experience, the lack of information on the Outemu Silent Yellow switch makes it difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, based on the available information, it can be assumed that the Silent Yellow switch may provide a quieter typing experience similar to other silent switches on the market. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, you should choose the Milky Red Pro if you are looking for a smoother and more budget-friendly typing experience. With a medium-light bottom out force and a low-pitched, buttery sound, the Milky Red Pro offers a satisfying typing feel at a more affordable price point. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a higher bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Yellow may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, consider your personal preferences in terms of typing experience, sound profile, and budget when choosing between these two switches.
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