Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Dareu Sky POM both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Milky Red Pro is renowned for its smooth keystrokes and low-pitched "thock" sound, providing a satisfying typing experience at an affordable price point. On the other hand, the Sky POM stands out for its premium quality crafted from POM material, offering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force. While both switches share characteristics such as being buttery and low-pitched, the Milky Red Pro is described as bassy and thocky, whereas the Sky POM is creamy and silky. 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
40g
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
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Dareu Sky POM, both switches utilize nylon for their top housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky POM features a POM top housing, which also offers a pleasing and unique sound profile with deeper tones. However, the POM material may provide a relatively more muted sound compared to nylon.
While both switches share a nylon bottom housing material, the qualities each housing brings to the switch will be distributed between the top and bottom components. The bottom housing's impact will be felt more during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. In contrast, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials allows for a dynamic typing experience with varying sound profiles depending on the action being performed on the switch.
Overall, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Dareu Sky POM offer similar typing experiences given their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing. Both switches provide a deep and full sound profile, thanks to nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. However, the top housing materials differ, with the Milky Red Pro using nylon and the Sky POM utilizing POM. This variance in top housing material results in slight differences in sound profiles, with the Sky POM offering a relatively more muted tone compared to the Milky Red Pro. Ultimately, both switches showcase the benefits of utilizing different housing materials to create unique and enjoyable typing experiences.
Weight
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Dareu Sky POM linear switch which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Milky Red Pro requires 52 grams while the Sky POM's bottom out force is unknown. The Milky Red Pro falls under the medium-light category for both actuation and bottom out force, providing a balance between a light typing experience and a more substantial push feel. In contrast, the Sky POM with its lighter actuation force may appeal to those who prefer a lighter keystroke for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out force for a customized typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Dareu Sky POM has the shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more substantial key press experience. Overall, both switches offer similar results due to their close travel distances, and the choice between the two would likely come down to personal preference for either a shorter, snappier press or a slightly longer, more deliberate keystroke.
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 Dareu Sky POM has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky POM for $4.98.
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 and thocky sound, providing a deep and satisfying tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offers a low-pitched sound, which is also characterized by its clacky nature, providing a unique auditory experience. Both switches excel in delivering a pleasant sound profile, with the Milky Red Pro offering a bassy thock and the Sky POM providing a clacky low-pitched tone. Ultimately, the sound preference may come down to personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
When it comes to feel, both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and Dareu Sky POM switches are described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The Sky POM switch further adds to its feel with descriptors like creamy and silky, emphasizing the smoothness and effortless typing sensation it provides. Similarly, the Milky Red Pro switch is praised for its buttery feel, ensuring a seamless and uniform typing experience. If you enjoy a switch that offers a buttery sensation and minimizes resistance during key presses, both options would provide a satisfying typing experience.
Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and Dareu Sky POM linear switches excel in delivering a smooth typing experience paired with unique sound profiles. While the Milky Red Pro leans towards a bassy thocky sound, the Sky POM offers a clacky low-pitched tone, appealing to different preferences. In terms of feel, both switches provide a buttery typing experience, with the Sky POM adding creamy and silky attributes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference in sound and feel, ensuring that you'll get similar results of a smooth and enjoyable typing experience regardless of the option you choose.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, you'll want to choose the Milky Red Pro if you prioritize a medium-light bottom out force with a smooth and affordable typing experience, along with a low-pitched and thocky sound profile. On the other hand, opt for the Sky POM if you prefer a switch crafted entirely from POM material for exceptional smoothness and a gentle actuation force, along with a clacky sound profile and a medium-light bottom out force. Both switches offer a buttery feel, but the Milky Red Pro focuses on affordability and a thocky sound, while the Sky POM emphasizes premium quality and a clacky sound. Consider these factors when making your decision based on your preferences and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
