Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Rose mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is celebrated for its budget-friendly option that provides a smooth and buttery typing experience, accompanied by a low-pitched "thock" sound. On the other hand, the KTT Rose stands out for its progressive springs that offer a substantial yet not heavy typing feel, providing a polished and mild typing experience with a touch of bassy raindrops. While both switches share a low-pitched sound profile, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) leans towards a buttery and bassy feel, while the KTT Rose 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
63.5g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Rose lies in their top housing material. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Rose utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This contrast in materials ultimately affects the overall sound quality and feel of each switch, catering to different preferences for typing experiences.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Rose use nylon, which is known for producing a deep and fuller sound profile due to its soft and sound-absorbing properties. This shared material in the bottom housing of both switches ensures that users will experience a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel when bottoming out keys. While the top housing material may differ between the two switches, the use of nylon in the bottom housing maintains a certain level of consistency in sound characteristics for both switches.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Rose comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The nylon top housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) caters to those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Rose is ideal for those who enjoy a sharper and crisper sound. Despite the difference in top housing material, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when bottoming out keys. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile and user experience of each switch.
Weight
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Rose linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the Rose switch has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Milky Red Pro has a bottom out force of 52 grams. This means that the Milky Red Pro switch provides a more lightweight typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the KTT Rose switch offers a more substantial typing feel with a heavier bottom out force. Both switches have their advantages depending on the user's preference for lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of the two switches, it is evident that they provide a similar keypress experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from top to bottom. This means that users can expect consistent keypress feedback and actuation depth from both switches. Despite any other differences between the two switches, the travel distance remains the same, ensuring a uniform typing experience for users regardless of their choice between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Rose linear switch.
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 KTT Rose comes in at $3.01 per 10 switches.
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, thocky, and low-pitched characteristics, providing a satisfying and deep sound with each key press. On the other hand, the KTT Rose linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, with a bass-heavy and mellow tone that resembles the sound of bassy raindrops when typing. Both switches offer unique sound experiences, with the Milky Red Pro leaning towards a deeper, more resonant tone while the Rose provides a softer, more nuanced sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid typing experience that is seamless and effortless. In contrast, the KTT Rose switch is characterized as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to deliver a comfortable typing feel, with the Milky Red Pro focusing on a buttery smoothness and the Rose offering a polished and approachable typing sensation.
Overall, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and KTT Rose linear switches each bring their own unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a deeper and more resonant sound with smooth keystrokes, the Milky Red Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a softer, more nuanced sound with a gentle typing experience, the KTT Rose switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches promise a pleasant typing experience, and choosing between them may come down to personal preference and the specific typing feel and sound profile you are looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and budget-friendly typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, then the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Milky Red Pro switches offer a buttery smooth keystroke with a low-pitched "thock" sound, perfect for those who prefer a softer and deeper typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a unique typing feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the KTT Rose linear switch would be more suited for you. The Rose switches provide a substantial yet not heavy typing experience with a bassy and neutral sound profile, making them versatile for various typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your individual typing style and sound preferences.
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