Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Everglide Rice Pudding offer two distinct yet appealing options for different types of users. The Milky Red Pro, a linear switch, stands out for its buttery smooth keystrokes and a satisfying low-pitched “thock” sound, making it a favorite among those seeking a seamless typing experience without distraction. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch, a hall effect switch, presents a harmonious blend of smooth operation and deep sound, catering to enthusiasts who value both precision and performance—especially as it pairs seamlessly with Wooting's innovative keyboards. While the Milky Red Pro is an excellent budget-friendly option for a satisfying tactile response, the Rice Pudding switch shines in versatility and reliability for gamers and typists alike. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your unique typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, we notice a distinct contrast in their top housing materials. The Milky Red Pro utilizes a nylon top housing, a choice that contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This material absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted sound when typing. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition which promotes a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The clearness of the polycarbonate also allows for more effective diffusion of RGB lighting, making it an attractive option for keyboard enthusiasts seeking to customize aesthetics alongside performance.
Both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which brings a consistent auditory characteristic to the typing experience. The nylon bottom housing in both models ensures a deeper, more rounded sound upon bottoming out, enhancing the overall typing experience with a soft, dampened feel. While the Milky Red Pro maintains uniformity with a nylon housing throughout, the Rice Pudding presents a combination of materials. This duality means that the higher-pitched and crisper sound characteristics promoted by its polycarbonate top housing will be juxtaposed with the deeper, fuller sound resulting from its nylon bottom. As such, the combined effects of different materials can result in a unique auditory experience that showcases the strengths of both materials.
Ultimately, although the Gateron Milky Red Pro and Everglide Rice Pudding switches diverge significantly in their top housing materials, their shared nylon bottom housing creates a common ground in sound profile for both switches. The differing compositions of the top housings influence how sound is perceived depending on whether a key is pressed down or released. Therefore, while users may experience a stark contrast in sound during keystrokes, the foundational characteristics offered by the nylon bottom housing will ensure that both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback that echoes the softer, deeper sound profile typical of nylon. The end result is a nuanced typing experience, blending the unique properties of nylon and polycarbonate across the switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight distinct user experiences. The Milky Red Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the Rice Pudding features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. Thus, users seeking a softer feel during typing or gaming may prefer the Rice Pudding switch for its lighter touch, which can facilitate longer periods of use without fatigue. Meanwhile, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Milky Red Pro, as its slightly heavier forces provide a firmer feedback upon actuation and bottoming out. Overall, the Gateron Milky Red Pro offers a heavier typing experience compared to the lighter Everglide Rice Pudding switch, allowing users to choose according to their preferences for typing feel and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, it's evident that the two switches cater to different user preferences. The Milky Red Pro has a travel distance of 4 mm, aligning with the traditional key switch feel that many typists and gamers who favor deeper presses might appreciate. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This shorter distance can appeal to gamers, allowing for quicker actuation for enhanced responsiveness during fast-paced gaming sessions. Ultimately, those who prefer the more traditional, deeper typing experience might opt for the Milky Red Pro, while those seeking faster response times may find the Rice Pudding more appealing due to its shorter 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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is characterized by a rich, low-pitched “thock” that creates a satisfying auditory experience when typing. These switches deliver a deep, bass-heavy sound reminiscent of a soft thud as the keys are pressed and released, contributing to an immersive typing atmosphere. The depth and subtlety of the Milky Red Pro's acoustic qualities enhance the overall experience, especially in a well-built keyboard. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch are more ambiguous and not specified. However, if they similarly emphasize smoothness and deep sound, they may offer a comparable auditory experience, although the specifics remain unknown without further details on their acoustic properties.
When it comes to feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) provides a buttery smooth typing experience, characterized by seamless keystrokes that glide effortlessly under the fingers. This fluidity can enhance both typing speed and comfort, making these switches particularly appealing for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the feel of the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is also not explicitly detailed, leaving space for speculation but without conclusive information. If the Rice Pudding switch is designed with a focus on smooth operation as suggested, users may find that it offers a similarly pleasant typing sensation.
In summary, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is celebrated for its smooth, buttery feel and satisfying low-pitched thock sound, making it a great budget-friendly option for typists seeking a rich auditory and tactile experience. The Everglide Rice Pudding switch also promises a balance of smooth operation and deep sound, fitting for enthusiasts looking for versatility. While the Milky Red Pro provides a clear picture of sound and feel, the absence of specific characteristics for the Rice Pudding means that potential users may need to rely on firsthand experience or further reviews to determine how closely they align in overall performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a smooth, buttery keystroke with a low-pitched, thocky sound and prefer a slightly firmer feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) may be the better choice for you. Its medium-light actuation force of 52 grams strikes a balance that many find appealing for both typing and gaming, especially if you enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback as you type. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a more delicate response, the Everglide Rice Pudding, with its gentle 48 grams of actuation force, offers a precise and delightful typing experience. It stands out for its compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards, making it a fantastic option if you’re looking to explore advanced features and versatility. In essence, your decision should reflect what aspects of typing you find most enjoyable, whether that's the enhanced tactile response of the Milky Red Pro or the unique advantages of the Rice Pudding's hall effect technology.
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