Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and Everglide Sakura Pink are both linear switches known for their smooth typing experience, but each offers unique characteristics for different preferences. The Milky Red Pro offers a buttery smooth keystroke with a low-pitched “thock” sound, ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink stands out with its feather-light 35g actuation force and frictionless operation, perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing. Both switches are categorized as 'Buttery', but the Sakura Pink adds a 'Creamy' feel to its 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
35g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Everglide Sakura Pink, we see that the Milky Red Pro features a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Sakura Pink has a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. The use of nylon in the Milky Red Pro results in a softer and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the polycarbonate used in the Sakura Pink creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate housing of the Sakura Pink allows for a more translucent appearance, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting.
While the housing materials of the Milky Red Pro and Sakura Pink differ in terms of nylon and polycarbonate, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their respective housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of the Milky Red Pro contributes to a deeper and rounder sound profile, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Sakura Pink enhances a sharper and more resonant sound. Additionally, the qualities of the top housing material play a significant role in the sound produced when pressing and releasing a key, with nylon creating a duller sound and polycarbonate providing a clearer sound.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Everglide Sakura Pink comes down to personal preference for sound and aesthetics. While the nylon and polycarbonate materials offer distinct sound profiles, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches excel in their own right. Ultimately, the decision between the two housing materials will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and sound.
Weight
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, which requires 35 grams of force to actuate. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Milky Red Pro requires 52 grams, while the Sakura Pink requires 45 grams. This means that the Milky Red Pro is overall a bit heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sakura Pink would be the better option, as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro may be more suitable for those who prefer a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their different actuation and bottom out forces, catering to the preferences of a wide range of users.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting their travel distance, it can be said that both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of keypress depth when using either switch. In practical terms, this means that typing on both switches will feel familiar in terms of travel distance, providing a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is chosen.
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 Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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 offers a low-pitched and thocky sound that provides a deep and satisfying acoustic experience during typing sessions. In contrast, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch produces a muted sound, making it a quieter option ideal for those seeking a more subdued typing experience. Both switches have their unique sound profiles, with the Milky Red Pro offering a richer and bassier tone, while the Sakura Pink delivers a playful and poppy bubble wrap-like sound.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and Everglide Sakura Pink switches are described as buttery, providing a smooth and seamless typing sensation. Additionally, the Sakura Pink switch is noted for its creamy and easy-to-press qualities, offering a gliding type feel and minimal resistance during key presses. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro switch is praised for its buttery keystrokes that evoke a uniform and effortless typing experience. Both switches feature a frictionless operation, ensuring a smooth and comfortable typing feel for users.
In conclusion, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Milky Red Pro switch excels in providing a rich and thocky sound profile paired with a buttery typing sensation, the Sakura Pink switch stands out for its muted and poppy sound along with a creamy and easy-to-press feel. Depending on your sound and feel preferences, you can choose between these switches to enhance your typing experience with either deep bass tones or playful bubble wrap-like sounds. Ultimately, both switches provide smooth and effortless keystrokes, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch or the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, you should take into account the differences in bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a low-pitched, thocky sound profile with a buttery typing feel, then the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a muted sound profile, and a variety of descriptors such as creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless typing feel, then the Sakura Pink switch would be better suited for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what feels most comfortable to you during extended typing sessions.
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