Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the characteristics of various options to find their perfect match. The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is celebrated for its buttery smooth keystrokes and unique low-pitched “thock” sound, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a solid yet affordable typing experience. Its bassy tones provide a satisfying feedback that many users find appealing, especially for long typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switches offer a silkier glide, thanks to meticulous lubrication, which contributes to an effortless typing experience. These switches deliver a poppy and clacky sound profile, further enhanced by their ultra-light actuation force, attracting those who prefer a lighter touch with every keystroke. While both switches promise smooth performances, their distinct acoustic feedback and actuation characteristics cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Poro both utilize nylon as their primary housing material, which plays a significant role in determining their overall sound profile and typing experience. The nylon housed in both switches is praised for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This similarity arises from the softness of nylon, which excels in sound absorption compared to harder plastics. Consequently, both the Milky Red Pro and the HMX Poro deliver a rounder and more subdued acoustic signature, allowing for a more pleasant typing experience that minimizes high-pitched sounds that can come from more rigid materials.
Looking at the housing construction, both switches feature nylon in both their top and bottom housings. This consistency in material throughout each switch means that the acoustic properties associated with nylon will influence both the bottom-out sound and the release sound uniformly. For users, this results in a cohesive sound experience; when bottoming out, the deeper thud will resonate similarly, while releasing the key will evoke that signature dull sound with little variation between the two. This further enhances the users’ ability to predict and replicate the auditory feedback they can expect, improving overall typing satisfaction.
While both switches share the same material characteristics and benefits, subtle differences in other aspects, such as stem design or spring tension, may influence overall performance and feel. Nonetheless, because the top and bottom housings are made from nylon in both models, the splits in sound characteristics based on housing position will remain consistent. Typing on either switch will elicit a familiar and satisfying sound profile that caters to users who prioritize auditory feedback in their mechanical switch experience. Ultimately, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Poro align closely in their material usage, ensuring that enthusiasts can look forward to a comparable tactile and auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, both exhibit an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Milky Red Pro at 52 grams and the Poro at 50 grams. This places the Milky Red Pro in the medium-light category, while the HMX Poro is considered light. As such, typists seeking a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Poro more appealing due to its slightly lower bottom out force, which contributes to a less taxing experience on the fingers. Conversely, the Milky Red Pro offers a marginally heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a firmer keypress. Overall, while both switches share the same actuation force, the choice between them may ultimately depend on personal preferences regarding bottom out sensation and the typing experience overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, we find that they differ in their design, with the Milky Red Pro featuring a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Poro has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This indicates that the Milky Red Pro offers a more traditional depth, which some users may find preferable for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Poro, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who favor responsiveness, making it potentially better suited for gamers seeking quicker actuation. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that provides a heartier feel, the Milky Red Pro would be your best bet, whereas if you value speed and agility in your key presses, you might lean towards the HMX Poro. Thus, while both switches serve specific preferences, they do not provide the same travel distance, with the Milky Red Pro being the longer option and the HMX Poro being the shorter.
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 HMX Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro for $2.99.
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) switches produce a rich, low-pitched “thock” that resonates deeply, offering a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. Their bassy and thocky profile provides a luxurious depth that many typists and gamers appreciate. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switches are known for their poppy and clacky sound, delivering a more lively auditory feedback. While the Milky Red Pro leans towards a mellow and grounded tone, the Poro introduces a higher-pitched clarity that brings a refreshing character to the typing experience. Both switches, however, are influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, meaning the final sound can vary based on individual setups.
Regarding the feel, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is celebrated for its buttery smoothness that allows for a seamless and effortless typing experience. This fluidity makes every keystroke feel well-controlled and satisfying, catering to users seeking a very smooth linear feel without any tactile bumps. Unfortunately, the feel characteristics of the HMX Poro switches are less documented, leaving some uncertainty about how they may compare in tactile response to the Milky Red Pro. However, with the Poro's meticulous lubrication, it is likely that they deliver a similarly smooth experience.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and HMX Poro linear switches offer distinct sound profiles—with one favoring a deeper thock and the other a poppy clack—they both cater to users seeking smooth operation. The Milky Red Pro’s buttery feel is well-defined, whereas the tactile feedback of the Poro is less certain but might offer a comparable smoothness given its design features. Ultimately, both switches present excellent options for those new to mechanical keyboards, with sound and feel being important personal factors to consider when making a choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you seek a smooth and affordable typing experience with a medium-light actuation force that offers a satisfying thock sound, the Milky Red Pro is a fantastic choice. Its buttery feel ensures fluid keystrokes, making it particularly well-suited for long typing sessions or gaming where precision and comfort are paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and enjoy a poppy, clacky sound profile, the HMX Poro switch is designed for those who appreciate a silky smooth glide and an ultra-light touch. This switch can be ideal for fast typists or gamers who benefit from a quick response time. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to whether you prioritize a deeper, richer sound and a slightly heavier feel or a lighter, more agile keypress with a brighter sonic character.
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