Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the SP-Star Polaris Gray 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 SP-Star Polaris Gray mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two distinct options. The Milky Red Pro is lauded for its smooth and budget-friendly linear design, offering a buttery typing experience with a low-pitched “thock” sound. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray provides a bouncy typing sensation with a clean and clacky sound profile. While the Milky Red Pro leans towards a buttery and bassy feel, the Polaris Gray offers a more neutral and polished 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, we see a stark difference in the materials used. The Milky Red Pro features nylon top and bottom housings, which are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their softer nature. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant. This contrast in materials leads to a significant difference in the overall sound experience of the switches.
While the Nylon top and bottom housing of the Milky Red Pro provide a duller and rounder sound profile, the use of polycarbonate in the Polaris Gray results in a crisper and more defined sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch. The impact of the housing material on the sound profile cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in defining the overall typing experience and feel of the switch. Therefore, choosing between nylon and polycarbonate housings can greatly influence the user's preference for sound and aesthetics.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Gateron Milky Red Pro and the SP-Star Polaris Gray offer a unique typing experience that is influenced by their respective nylon and polycarbonate housings. While the sound profiles may vary due to the softer nature of nylon and the stiffer quality of polycarbonate, users can expect a high-quality and satisfying typing experience from both switches. Whether one prefers the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches provide reliable performance and durability that will enhance any typing setup.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch to the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, one significant difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Milky Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. In contrast, the Polaris Gray's actuation force is unknown, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, giving a medium-heavy feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Milky Red Pro for extended typing sessions or gaming, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Polaris Gray. Overall, the Milky Red Pro offers a lighter feel, while the Polaris Gray delivers a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, the distance traveled from the top to the bottom is the same. Both switches offer a consistent and smooth experience for users, with no significant difference in the travel distance. Therefore, whether you choose the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) or the Polaris Gray, you can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and 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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 and low-pitched "thocky" sound profile, offering a deep and satisfying auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch provides a cleaner and clackier sound, with a neutral and thocky sound profile. While the Milky Red Pro brings a richer and deeper tone, the Polaris Gray offers a more moderate and versatile sound suitable for various typing preferences. Ultimately, the sound of these switches will also depend on factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is praised for its buttery smooth keystrokes, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, ensuring a gentle and refined feel during use. With a safe and middle-ground zone of qualities, the Polaris Gray switch caters to a wider range of typing preferences while maintaining a smooth and sleek key travel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, but the Milky Red Pro emphasizes a buttery smoothness, while the Polaris Gray focuses on a polished and refined feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Milky Red Pro excels in providing a bassy and rich auditory experience with a buttery smooth keystroke, while the Polaris Gray focuses on a clean and clacky sound profile with a polished and mild typing feel. Depending on whether you prefer a deeper, thockier sound or a cleaner, clackier sound, as well as a buttery or polished typing feel, these switches offer a range of options to customize your mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel during typing sessions.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched and thocky sound profile, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clean, clacky sound profile with a low-pitched and thocky sound, the Polaris Gray switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing needs.
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