Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both stand out for their unique characteristics. The Milky Red Pro is praised for its smooth and affordable typing experience, offering a buttery smoothness and a pleasing low-pitched "thock" sound. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches are known for their exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, paired with a light touch for vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. While the Milky Red Pro is buttery, bassy, thocky, and low-pitched, the Salt Ice switches are in a category of their own. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Jerrzi Salt Ice, we see a stark difference in the material used. The Milky Red Pro features a nylon top and bottom housing, known for its softer composition that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Salt Ice utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This contrast in housings results in distinctly different typing experiences, with the Milky Red Pro offering a more muffled and rounded sound compared to the Salt Ice's clear and resonant sound.
Despite their differences, both the Milky Red Pro and the Salt Ice share a common trait in their housing materials - their transparency. While the Milky Red Pro's nylon housing may differ in sound profile from the polycarbonate housing of the Salt Ice, both switches allow for RGB lighting to shine through due to their clear housing material. This aesthetic feature adds a touch of flair to the switches, enhancing the visual appeal for users who enjoy customizable lighting effects on their keyboards.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Jerrzi Salt Ice will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. The softer nylon housing of the Milky Red Pro provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the stiffer polycarbonate housing of the Salt Ice offers a sharper and crisper sound. Whether you prefer a more muted typing experience or a clear and resonant sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in switch housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the Milky Red Pro has a bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a slightly heavier feel when fully pressed compared to the Salt Ice, which has an unknown bottom out force. The medium-light actuation and bottom out force of the Milky Red Pro may appeal to those looking for a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. In contrast, the Salt Ice's force requirements are unknown, making it challenging to compare directly with the Milky Red Pro. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and intensity.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Salt Ice has a shorter travel distance compared to the Milky Red Pro. The shorter travel distance of the Salt Ice may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the 4 mm travel distance of the Milky Red Pro might provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper actuation. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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 low-pitched "thock" sound, providing a deep and rich auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is noted for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, offering a more vibrant and energetic sound profile. Depending on personal preference, the Milky Red Pro may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper and smoother sound, while the Salt Ice may be favored by users seeking a more lively and responsive auditory feedback.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is described as providing a buttery typing experience, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation that is seamless and effortless. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the specific feel characteristics of the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch. However, based on its bright and clacky sound profile, it can be inferred that the Salt Ice switch may offer a snappy and responsive tactile feel during typing.
Overall, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and potentially feel. The Milky Red Pro is praised for its smooth and buttery keystrokes paired with a low-pitched "thock" sound, appealing to those who prefer a deeper and richer auditory experience. In contrast, the Salt Ice switch stands out with its bright and clacky sound profile, potentially providing a more vibrant and energetic typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths, and choosing between them would ultimately depend on individual preferences in sound and potentially feel.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch or the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a smooth and buttery typing experience accompanied by a low-pitched "thock" sound, then the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a vibrant and clacky typing experience with bright feedback and light actuation, the Salt Ice switch may be more suited to your preferences. Consider factors such as sound profile, bottom out force, and overall typing feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that aligns best with your own preferences and needs.
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