Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Akko V3 Piano Pro are both popular linear mechanical keyboard switches known for their unique characteristics. The Milky Red Pro is praised for its smooth and affordable typing experience, offering a buttery smoothness and a pleasing low-pitched "thock" sound. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro is recognized for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke.
If you value a budget-friendly option with a buttery feel and low-pitched sound, the Milky Red Pro may be the switch for you. Alternatively, if you prefer a switch with a snappy sound signature and a smooth tactile experience, the V3 Piano Pro could be the better choice for you. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This similarity in material choice means that both switches will offer a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing due to nylon's ability to absorb sound and create a duller and rounder sound. As a result, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality when using either switch.
However, despite both switches utilizing nylon for their housing materials, there may still be subtle differences in the overall sound and feel of the switches due to potential variations in design and construction. For example, the thickness or shape of the housing components could impact the sound profile differently between the two switches. Additionally, the specific manufacturing processes used for each switch could influence the overall typing experience, even with the same housing material.
Ultimately, while the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Akko V3 Piano Pro are the same, providing a similar sound profile for typing, individual preferences for key feel and sound may still vary between the two switches. It is important for users to consider not only the housing material but also other factors such as key switch design, actuation force, and overall build quality when choosing between these two switches to ensure a typing experience that best suits their preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch have similar actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Milky Red Pro requires 52 grams, while the V3 Piano Pro requires 55 grams. This means that the V3 Piano Pro is slightly heavier than the Milky Red Pro, although both switches fall into the medium-light category. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience to prevent fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions, the Milky Red Pro may be the better option. On the other hand, those who prefer a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the V3 Piano Pro. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the main difference lying in the slightly heavier bottom out force of the V3 Piano Pro.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The shorter travel distance of the V3 Piano Pro may appeal to gamers looking for a quicker response time, as shorter distances are typically preferred for gaming. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth to the key press for some users. Both switches offer a different experience based on their travel distance, with the V3 Piano Pro being the shorter option and the Milky Red Pro being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and feel while typing or gaming.
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 Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offers a bassy and thocky experience with a low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory feedback during key presses. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch delivers a clacky and resonant sound signature, boasting a sharp and snappy tone with higher-pitched characteristics, enhancing the overall typing experience with a crisp and clean sound. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, catering to users who prefer either a deeper, bass-heavy sound or a lively, bright sound when typing.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is known for its buttery keystrokes, offering a smooth and fluid typing sensation, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch provides a bouncy feel with a spring-like feedback, giving a lively sensation with each key press. Additionally, the Piano Pro switch is also described as creamy, polished, and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced smoothness in key travel. Both switches provide unique tactile sensations, catering to users who prefer either a buttery, seamless feel or a bouncy, energetic rebound when typing.
In conclusion, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different user preferences. While the Milky Red Pro delivers a bassy and thocky sound with a buttery typing experience, the V3 Piano Pro provides a clacky and resonant sound with a bouncy and creamy typing sensation. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on the individual's preference for sound and feel, ensuring a customized typing experience tailored to their liking.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a switch with a bottom out force of 52 grams and a smooth, buttery typing experience with a low-pitched, thocky sound, then the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a switch with a bottom out force of 55 grams and a snappy sound signature with a lively, crisp quality to each keystroke, then the Akko V3 Piano Pro might suit your preferences better. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing style for an optimal mechanical keyboard experience.
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