Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Huano Strawberry Latte each offer unique features tailored to different preferences. The Milky Red Pro is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes, delivering a buttery feel with a satisfying low-pitched "thock" sound, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious gamers and typists seeking an affordable yet enjoyable typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte boasts super smooth actuation, enhanced by the use of the latest molds from Huano, offering a balanced sound profile that sits comfortably between quiet and overly resonant, appealing to those who value sound aesthetics in their typing experience. While both switches promise a linear experience with their distinct qualities, the Milky Red Pro leans towards a bassy thock, whereas the Strawberry Latte strikes a harmonious balance. 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
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When it comes to the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Huano Strawberry Latte, notable differences can be observed in their top housing materials. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer composition. This softness allows for sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic experience when typing. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing. POK not only has a higher coefficient of friction than nylon, suggesting that it offers a smoother typing feel, but its durability and shock resistance also surpass that of nylon. This difference in material may lead to a more clacky and vibrant sound profile in the Strawberry Latte as opposed to the softer, muted tones of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3).
Interestingly, both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Huano Strawberry Latte utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This similarity means that the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the keys will likely exhibit the same characteristics. Just as with the top housing, the typical properties of nylon—specifically its softness and sound-absorbing capabilities—mean that both switches will share a deeper and fuller sound experience at the moment of bottoming out. This commonality allows users to achieve a coherent acoustic profile, despite the different top housings. While the overall sound profiles of these switches may vary due to their top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom maintains a consistent foundation for the tactile experience.
Overall, the contrast between the top housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Huano Strawberry Latte provides distinct auditory experiences while their common bottom housing ensures some level of consistency in sound and feel upon keypress. Users looking for a softer, more muted sound might gravitate towards the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), while those who prefer a more energetic and clacky typing experience may favor the Strawberry Latte. Whichever option is chosen, the properties of the bottom housing create a threaded acoustic experience, creating a unique blend of characteristics between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Milky Red Pro requires an actuation force of 45 grams and bottoms out at 52 grams, positioning it as a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte boasts a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. These distinctions mean that users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions would likely prefer the Strawberry Latte, while those who appreciate a slightly heftier feel will find the Milky Red Pro more suitable. Ultimately, the Gateron switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its higher forces, while the Huano switch allows for easier keystrokes and less finger fatigue.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the Milky Red Pro has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Strawberry Latte offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Milky Red Pro provides a more traditional tactile experience, appealing to users who prefer a deeper keystroke. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte caters to those who favor a more responsive feel, making it suitable for gamers who benefit from quicker key presses. Therefore, if you prefer a more pronounced depth, the Milky Red Pro is the better option, while the Strawberry Latte, with its shorter travel distance, will provide faster response times.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is characterized by a bassy and low-pitched thock that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback during key presses. This rich depth not only enhances the typing experience but also contributes to enjoying a quiet yet solid typing atmosphere. Conversely, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch offers a balanced sound profile that strikes a middle ground; while it isn't as pronounced as the Milky Red Pro's thocky sound, it delivers a pleasing auditory experience that isn't overly resonant. Depending on your preference for a richer, deeper sound versus a more neutral tone, both switches serve unique acoustic qualities that cater to differing tastes.
When it comes to feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch excels in providing a buttery smooth keystroke, allowing for seamless and fluid typing with minimal resistance. This effortless movement makes it a favorite among those who value a silky-smooth experience. The Strawberry Latte switch, while not having specific descriptors available, is known for its super smoothness thanks to the latest molding techniques. This suggests that it may provide a similarly satisfying touch that enhances overall typing velocity and comfort. Any similarities in feel may lead to comparable results during typing, even if the specifics of the Strawberry Latte are yet to be detailed.
In summary, both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches present distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Milky Red Pro stands out with its rich, low-pitched thock sound and buttery smooth feel, making it ideal for those seeking a deeper auditory connection with their typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte offers a balanced sound with a smooth keystroke feel that could appeal to users looking for something less pronounced but equally enjoyable. Ultimately, both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences, though the choice may ultimately hinge on personal preferences toward sound and tactile sensation.
Conclusion
To summarize, your choice between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches should depend on your personal preferences regarding actuation force, sound profile, and overall typing experience. If you prefer a smooth and butter-like keystroke with a satisfying low-pitched 'thock' sound, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) might be the ideal choice for you, especially if you enjoy a bit more resistance with its medium-light bottom out force of 52 grams. This switch is well-suited for gamers and typists who appreciate a richer sound profile and buttery feel, making each keystroke a delightful experience. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a bottom out force of only 45 grams, the Strawberry Latte could suit you better. Its balanced sound profile provides a pleasant acoustics experience without being overly resonant, making it perfect for those who work or play for extended hours and prefer a more gentle actuation. Ultimately, both switches offer their unique charm; it's all about how much resistance and sound characteristics you favor in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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