Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence both performance and user experience. The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) stands out for its budget-friendly, buttery smooth keystrokes, paired with a satisfying low-pitched “thock” sound that many typists adore. This switch is ideal for users who seek a smooth and reliable typing experience without breaking the bank. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell switch offers an alluring aesthetic with its vibrant purple hue and provides a light, clacky feel that brings a delightful auditory experience to each keypress. Known for its polished design, this switch is perfect for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience while maintaining comfort during prolonged sessions. While each switch brings its own unique characteristics to the table, 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
1.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and Jerrzi Seashell differ in their top housing materials, which significantly affects their overall sound profiles. The Milky Red Pro utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic choice known for its softer texture that absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and rounder sound profile. Conversely, the Jerrzi Seashell features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and allows for a sharper, crisper sound. This distinction implies that while both switches can offer satisfying typing experiences, the auditory feedback and acoustics will vary substantially, with the Milky Red Pro leaning towards a muted tone while the Seashell fosters lively and resonant sounds.
Interestingly, both switches employ nylon as their bottom housing material, offering similarities in their performance characteristics. The nylon bottom housing in the Milky Red Pro contributes to a plush and full sound profile, reinforcing the deep tone established by its top housing, while the same material in the Seashell also promotes this fuller sound experience. Thus, despite the contrasting top materials, both switches can provide a complementary feel due to the shared nylon at the base, which affects the bottom-out sound and typing feedback. This shared aspect allows users of both switches to enjoy greater depth in sound, ultimately linking the two in terms of tactile experience.
When analyzed holistically, the differences in top housing—between nylon and polycarbonate—create unique auditory profiles, yet both switches can present a similar foundational feel due to their common bottom housing material. While light shines through the Seashell's transparent design, enhancing the RGB lighting experience, the Milky Red Pro relies on its more muted aesthetic. Therefore, users’ preferences may ultimately revolve around desired sound characteristics and visual elements, allowing them to choose between deeper tones and crisper pitches depending on the switch they select. In summary, although the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Jerrzi Seashell showcase distinct top housing materials that greatly affect sound quality, their nylon bottom housings promise users a deeper sound experience, resulting in a unique yet comparable typing ambiance.
Weight
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch exhibit some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share an actuation force of 45 grams, which means users can expect similar ease of key actuation with both, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Gateron Milky Red Pro is rated at 52 grams, indicating a slightly firmer feel when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Jerrzi Seashell switch is currently unavailable, leaving an incomplete comparison in this respect. Based on the available data, the Milky Red Pro can be considered the heavier option overall due to its defined bottom out force, while the Seashell's overall weight characteristics remain unknown. This distinction may influence user preference based on their desired typing experience, with lighter switches being more comfortable for prolonged use and heavier switches offering a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Milky Red Pro features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the more traditional distance favored by many typists for its substantial feel. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, appealing particularly to gamers who favor quicker actuation for enhanced responsiveness. This shorter distance can lead to faster response times, which some users may find beneficial, while others might view it as too abrupt. Ultimately, the Milky Red Pro with its 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper keystroke experience, making it a preferable choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing sensation, whereas the Seashell’s 3.4 mm distance caters to those seeking a swift and agile response.
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 Seashell has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Seashell 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches produce a notably low-pitched and thocky tone, characterized by deep, rich sounds akin to a soft "thud" or a muted "knock." This creates a satisfying auditory experience that many users find appealing, especially in environments where a quieter typing sound may be preferred. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell switches are distinctly clacky, offering a bright and snappy sound profile that resonates in a higher frequency range. The Seashell's sharp and percussive nature contrasts sharply with the bassy sounds of the Milky Red Pro, catering to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback in their keystrokes.
In terms of feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is celebrated for its buttery smooth action, providing an effortless and fluid keystroke experience. This attribute allows for seamless typing, making it an excellent choice for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell switches excel with their feathery feel, requiring minimal force to actuate while offering a polished finish that enhances the smoothness of each keypress. The light actuation force makes these switches easy to press, reducing finger fatigue and ensuring that long gaming or typing marathons remain comfortable. While both switches focus on comfort and easing the typing experience, the Milky Red Pro emphasizes smoothness, whereas the Seashell switches highlight lightness and responsiveness.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and Jerrzi Seashell linear switches present unique characteristics catering to different preferences. The Milky Red Pro offers a low-pitched, thocky sound and a buttery smooth feel, making it ideal for users who appreciate a rich auditory experience paired with seamless keystrokes. Conversely, the Seashell's clacky sounds combined with their feathery, easy-to-press action are perfect for those who enjoy a bright, lively typing experience that minimizes finger strain. While sound and feel preferences may vary, both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, ensuring that newcomers will find suitable options within the realm of linear switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switches, your choice will largely depend on your personal preferences regarding feel, sound, and the specific typing or gaming experience you seek. If you prioritize a smooth, buttery typing experience with a satisfying thock sound profile, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is an excellent choice, particularly for those who enjoy a solid, medium-light actuation force that balances comfort and responsiveness. This switch shines in both casual typing and more structured gaming scenarios where you need reliable feedback without overwhelming finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you're aiming for something visually stunning that also delivers a cheerful and clacky sound with a feathery, easy-to-press feel, the Jerrzi Seashell switch will serve you well. It's perfect if you prefer a more playful and engaging auditory experience and lighter key presses, making it a superb option for long gaming sessions or extended typing tasks where comfort is paramount. Ultimately, your decision should align with the typing experience that resonates with you the most, as both options cater to different aspects of preference and usability in the mechanical keyboard realm.
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