Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), a linear switch, to the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower), a tactile switch, it's evident that each offers a unique typing experience. The Milky Red Pro is praised for its smooth and affordable typing experience, delivering a buttery smoothness and low-pitched "thock" sound that appeals to many users. On the other hand, the POM T1 stands out for its maximum tactility, providing a sharp tactility and clean clack that can make typing feel more satisfying. While the Milky Red Pro is best known for its 'Buttery', 'Bassy', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched' characteristics, the POM T1 is described as 'Resonant', 'Neutral', 'Sharp', 'Accented', 'Snappy', and 'Invigorating'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style, so it's important to delve deeper into the specifics to determine which switch best suits your needs.
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Proprietary
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3) utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deep and fuller sound due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the POM top and bottom housing of the POM T1 (Sunflower) create a pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and more muted compared to nylon. While both switches offer a distinct sound experience, the nylon housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) may provide a slightly duller and rounder sound overall.
In terms of tactile feedback, the nylon bottom housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the POM bottom housing of the POM T1 (Sunflower) play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The softer nature of nylon in the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) may contribute to a smoother bottom-out experience, while the POM housing of the POM T1 (Sunflower) adds to its deep and muted sound profile. However, the impact of the top housing material cannot be overlooked, as it influences the sound produced when a key is released. The nylon top housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the POM top housing of the POM T1 (Sunflower) each bring their own unique characteristics to the table.
Overall, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) have different housing materials that result in distinct sound profiles, users can expect similar results in terms of the overall typing experience. Both switches offer a satisfying and unique sound that is influenced by their respective housing materials. Whether it's the deep and fuller sound of nylon in the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) or the pleasing and muted sound of POM in the POM T1 (Sunflower), keyboard enthusiasts can enjoy a tactile typing experience that caters to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, we see that the Milky Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the POM T1's unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Milky Red Pro requires 52 grams while the POM T1 needs 67 grams, making it the heavier option. The Milky Red Pro offers a medium-light typing experience, ideal for those looking for a lighter touch that allows for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the POM T1 provides a medium-heavy feel, perfect for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Milky Red Pro being the lighter option and the POM T1 being the heavier option.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equally the same in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect to feel a consistent key press experience with either switch. The shorter distance allows for quick and smooth keystrokes, while the longer distance may provide a more tactile feedback. Overall, whether opting for the Milky Red Pro or the POM T1, users can expect a comfortable typing experience with a familiar 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 Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the POM T1 (Sunflower) for $5.57.
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 tone, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch delivers a resonant and clean sound with a higher-pitched and sharp profile, offering a more immersive auditory experience. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch is not just dependent on the switch itself but also on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless, effortless, and uniform. In contrast, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch offers a sharp tactility with a strong and crisp tactile bump that is distinct with each keypress. Additionally, the POM T1 switch is also described as accented and snappy, providing a medium tactile feel that is not overwhelming yet still prominent, and a super responsive typing experience due to longer or dual-staged springs. This gives an invigorating typing sensation that is both pronounced and immersive.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offers a smooth and affordable typing experience with a bassy and thocky sound profile and a buttery feel, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch provides maximum tactility with a clean and sharp sound, a sharp and distinct tactile bump, and additional features like accented and snappy responses. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience, and choosing between them will ultimately come down to individual preferences and typing styles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and affordable typing experience with a buttery feel and low-pitched "thock" sound, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is the way to go. On the other hand, if you seek maximum tactility with a sharp tactile bump and clean clack sound, the POM T1 (Sunflower) is the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a light-medium bottom out force and a buttery feel or a medium-heavy bottom out force with a sharp tactile feedback. Choose wisely based on your typing style and sound preferences for the ultimate mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
