Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Durock Sea Glass mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Milky Red Pro switches are perfect for those seeking a smooth and affordable typing experience, with their buttery smooth keystrokes and low-pitched "thock" sound. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches offer a unique dryness, wispiness, and airiness in typing experience, along with a surprisingly weightless feel despite their 62g bottom-out force. While the Milky Red Pro switches are known for their bassy and thocky feel, the Sea Glass switches provide a frictionless, feathery typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Durock Sea Glass both use nylon in their top housings, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the plastic. However, the Sea Glass takes it a step further by blending polymer nylon with UHMWPE, resulting in a unique sound profile that leans towards the brighter side compared to the Milky Red Pro. This difference in sound profile may appeal to different preferences, with the Milky Red Pro offering a duller and rounder sound, while the Sea Glass provides a more pleasant and slightly brighter sound.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Milky Red Pro and the Sea Glass continue to utilize nylon, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The Sea Glass again stands out by incorporating a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its bottom housing, resulting in a sound profile that is slightly brighter compared to the Milky Red Pro's duller and rounder sound. This variation in sound profile between the two switches adds to the overall typing experience and may cater to different preferences based on sound preferences.
Overall, the different housing materials used in the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Durock Sea Glass contribute to unique sound profiles that can impact the overall typing experience. While both switches use nylon in their housing materials, the addition of UHMWPE in the Sea Glass provides a brighter sound profile compared to the Milky Red Pro. Understanding the impact of top and bottom housings on the typing sound and feel can help users make an informed decision based on their preferences for sound quality when choosing between these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a light and responsive typing experience. However, the bottom out force of the Milky Red Pro is lighter at 52 grams compared to the Sea Glass's heavier 62 grams. This means that while both switches offer a similar actuation force, the Sea Glass provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Milky Red Pro may be more suitable, while the Sea Glass is better suited for users who prefer a more solid push feel. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences for typing dynamics.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Sea Glass has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Milky Red Pro. The 0.2 mm may not seem significant, but it can make a noticeable difference in how the switches feel when typing or gaming. Those who prefer a quicker response time may lean towards the Sea Glass with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their key presses may prefer the Milky Red Pro. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively traditional travel distance and will provide similar results in terms of key feel and performance.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 is known for its low-pitched, bassy "thock" sound during key presses, providing a deep and rich auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch produces a uniquely hollow sound signature, which may appeal to those looking for a more airy typing experience. While the Milky Red Pro offers a more traditional deep and satisfying sound, the Sea Glass introduces a new dimension with its distinct and captivating sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Milky Red Pro switch is often described as buttery, offering a smooth and seamless typing sensation that is effortless and uniform. Conversely, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch provides a frictionless feel, allowing for an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. Additionally, the Sea Glass switch is known for its mild, feathery, and easy-to-press qualities, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions and suitable for various uses such as gaming, school, or work.
Overall, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch may differ in sound and feel, both switches excel in their respective qualities. The Milky Red Pro offers a classic low-pitched "thock" sound and a buttery feel for a smooth typing experience, while the Sea Glass introduces a unique hollow sound and a frictionless feel for a different typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches provide a premium typing experience that caters to different preferences and typing styles.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when choosing between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Durock Sea Glass linear switches, consider the following factors: if you prioritize a lighter key press and a smoother typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier key press with a distinct dry, wispiness and airiness in sound along with a weightless feel despite the 62g bottom-out force, then the Durock Sea Glass switch would be the better option. Each switch offers a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for key feel and sound profile.
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