Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When navigating the world of mechanical keyboards, switch selection can significantly influence your typing experience, and two compelling options from Gateron are the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Sea Salt Smoothie. The Milky Red Pro stands out for its smooth and affordable keystrokes, providing a buttery feel complemented by its low-pitched "thock" sound, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a medium-weight all-POM construction that promises durability while delivering a similar thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes. Both switches are linear, appealing to users seeking a seamless typing experience free from tactile bumps or click sounds. 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
48g
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
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches utilize different materials for their housing, which fundamentally influences their acoustic characteristics. The Milky Red Pro features a nylon top and bottom housing, known for its ability to absorb sound effectively. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a typing experience that feels both rounded and muted. The softer nature of nylon contributes to its sound-dampening qualities, making it a preferred choice for users seeking a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie employs a POM top and bottom housing, which is celebrated for producing a unique, pleasing sound. While still leaning toward a deeper tone, POM offers a different texture and feel compared to nylon, resulting in a more pronounced yet muted acoustic profile.
When we consider how these materials affect the bottom-out and release sounds, it becomes clear that the differences in housing materials lead to distinct auditory experiences. The nylon bottom housing of the Milky Red Pro will contribute significantly to the overall sound when the switch is fully pressed down, resulting in a comfortable, noise-reduced feel. Meanwhile, the POM bottom housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a slightly different quality; while it also produces a deeper sound, the characteristics of POM allow for a unique and refined tonal experience, slightly altering the tactile feedback during typing. As each material offers its own sound dynamics, the top housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie similarly affects the sound when releasing a key, contrasting with the nylon's absorption qualities of the Milky Red Pro.
Despite the differences in materials, both switches are designed to deliver a pleasant typing experience, with notable acoustic results. Users seeking deeper and fuller sounds may gravitate toward the Milky Red Pro, while those interested in a more unique auditory experience might prefer the Sea Salt Smoothie. Regardless of the housing materials, both switches provide desirable qualities, but with varying nuances in sound and feel that cater to specific user preferences. Thus, while they are constructed of different materials, the overall design and engineering of each switch ensure that users can achieve satisfactory auditory and tactile experiences, albeit in slightly different packages.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Milky Red Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it relatively medium-light, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions might find the Milky Red Pro more appealing, as it requires less effort to actuate. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown, making it difficult to fully compare the tactile experience when bottoming out between the two switches. With the Milky Red Pro's bottom out force at 52 grams, it provides a clear and firm feedback, suggesting a more substantial typing experience. In summary, if you’re looking for a lighter touch, the Milky Red Pro is the better choice, while the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its higher actuation force, may appeal to those seeking a bit more resistance in their keystrokes, albeit the bottoming out experience remains uncertain.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two switches, while the Sea Salt Smoothie features a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. For those who prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie's shorter travel distance may be more appealing, as it allows for quicker actuation and faster response times, which can be especially advantageous for gamers. Conversely, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3), with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, offers a deeper feel, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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, both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie present a thocky profile, characterized by a deeper, richer audio experience. The Milky Red Pro is particularly noted for its low-pitched and bassy qualities, producing a satisfying “thock” sound that resembles a soft knock, adding an appealing depth to each keystroke. This sound is not only enjoyable but can also be more resonant, contributing to an immersive typing experience. While the specific auditory characteristics of the Sea Salt Smoothie are unknown, it is also described as thocky, indicating that users can expect a similar level of auditory satisfaction when typing with either switch. The actual volume and character can vary widely based on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, but those seeking a richer tonal quality will find both switches capable of delivering a pleasing soundscape.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is lauded for its buttery smoothness, translating to a seamless and fluid keystroke experience. This effortless feel allows for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue, making it a popular choice among typists. Users can expect a consistent and uniform sensation that enhances overall comfort. The tactile characteristics of the Sea Salt Smoothie remain unspecified, so a direct comparison in this aspect isn't possible. Nonetheless, if the Sea Salt Smoothie captures a similar ethos in design, it may also offer a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, though this would require further examination.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches cater to enthusiasts looking for a satisfying typing experience with a thocky sound profile. The Milky Red Pro shines with its buttery feel and lower-pitched audio that is rich and immersive. While the Sea Salt Smoothie's specific tactile feedback and sound qualities remain unknown, its similar thocky profile suggests that users will find parallels in the auditory experience. Those choosing between the two will appreciate the smooth operation offered by both, ensuring a rewarding typing experience, though personal preference for sound and feel may ultimately guide the final choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie largely depends on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel during typing. If you are someone who enjoys a medium-light typing experience with a focus on a smooth keystroke, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is an excellent choice. Its buttery smoothness paired with a low-pitched, thocky sound makes it ideal for those who want a delightful auditory feedback without being too loud. On the other hand, if you are seeking a medium-weight switch that delivers a high-quality performance with a satisfying sound profile, albeit with characteristics that might be less defined, the Sea Salt Smoothie could be the better option for you. It offers a unique combination of smoothness and thock, making it suitable for both typing and gaming scenarios. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a consistent feel and sound with the Milky Red Pro or if you prefer the robust yet smooth character of the Sea Salt Smoothie.
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