Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch to enhance your typing experience, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and HMX Sunset Gleam each offer their own unique charm. The Gateron Milky Red Pro is widely celebrated for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes that deliver a buttery feel, complemented by a low-pitched, thocky sound—making it an attractive choice for those who prioritize a comfortable and affordable typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, impresses with its polished and bouncy characteristics, providing a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, thanks to its high-quality factory lube. While both switches share a linear design that minimizes tactile feedback and actuation noise, they cater to different preferences in typing texture and auditory satisfaction. Ultimately, whether you're drawn to the budget-friendly smoothness of the Gateron or the refined acoustics of the HMX, the decision should be informed by your individual needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) Linear

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$2.61

$2.30 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Sunset Gleam showcase a distinct contrast in their housing materials, which significantly influences their overall acoustic properties. The Milky Red Pro features a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound waves rather than reflecting them, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer material, enables a clearer resonance, making it particularly effective for users who favor an articulate auditory feedback when typing. Thus, while the Milky Red Pro may deliver a richer sound, the Sunset Gleam offers a more precise and resonant acoustic experience.

Both switches feature nylon as the bottom housing material, which introduces a fascinating commonality between them. The nylon bottom housing in both switches cultivates a similar deep and full sound, highlighting that despite the difference in their top housing materials, the Milky Red Pro and the Sunset Gleam can produce analogous auditory effects when bottoming out. This similarity means that users will experience a consistent sounding bottom-out feel across both switches, underscoring the significant role that the bottom housing plays in shaping the tactile feedback during keystrokes.

Moreover, the contrasting properties of the housing materials play crucial roles in the overall typing experience. For example, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro benefits from a smoother, more muted auditory feel thanks to its nylon top housing, the HMX Sunset Gleam invites a more vibrant and sharp sound with its polycarbonate top. Each switch, therefore, caters to different preferences; those prioritizing quiet and subdued typing may gravitate toward the Milky Red Pro, whereas users who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback may prefer the Sunset Gleam. Ultimately, even with the differing sound profiles, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying bottom-out experience, thus appealing to diverse typing preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces can be observed. The Milky Red Pro features an actuation force of 45 grams, requiring a slightly stronger push than the Sunset Gleam, which only needs 42 grams to actuate. This makes the Sunset Gleam the lighter option, potentially favored by those who prefer long typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. Additionally, the bottom out forces reflect a similar trend: the Milky Red Pro has a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Sunset Gleam's is lower at 48 grams. Consequently, the Sunset Gleam not only feels lighter overall but also provides a gentler end point when a key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro, with its higher force requirements, would cater better to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier feel. Thus, while both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, they cater to different preferences based on their actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, a clear difference emerges. The Milky Red Pro features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered more traditional and may be preferable for those who enjoy a deeper feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, which aligns with the trend of shorter switches that many gamers favor for their quicker response times. Those who lean towards a more responsive experience will likely prefer the Sunset Gleam, while users who appreciate a more pronounced actuation depth may opt for the Milky Red Pro. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference, with the Milky Red Pro being the longer option and the Sunset Gleam offering the shorter travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches produce a deeper, bassy tone with a soft “thock” that many users find satisfying. This low-pitched sound profile evokes a rich auditory experience, reminiscent of a soft knock, making it pleasant for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam switches offer a more resonant sound that is higher-pitched and sharper. Their sound is clean and immersive, providing a different auditory character that’s likely to appeal to those who prefer a crisper feedback. While both switches have enjoyable sound profiles, the Milky Red Pro leans towards a deeper, thocky resonance, whereas the Sunset Gleam stands out with its sharper, cleaner tones. As always, sound perception can vary significantly based on the keyboard build and keycap materials used.

In terms of feel, the Milky Red Pro is celebrated for its buttery smoothness, providing an effortless and fluid keystroke experience that many typists and gamers appreciate. The seamless transitions when pressing each key contribute to a uniform typing sensation that is highly regarded in the mechanical keyboard community. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam switches are known for their polished texture, which includes a lively bouncy sensation when pressed. This means users will experience a muted resistance paired with a smooth rebound in their keystrokes. The combination of polish and bounciness results in a typing experience that can feel both inviting and engaging. While the Milky Red Pro emphasizes a smoother, more effortless keypress, the Sunset Gleam’s polished and bouncy nature offers a different tactile enjoyment, giving users more springy feedback in every stroke.

In summary, both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel. If you’re looking for a smooth, bass-heavy typing experience, the Milky Red Pro is an excellent choice. Conversely, if you want a sharper, more resonant sound along with a lively and polished feel, the Sunset Gleam will serve you well. Ultimately, the enjoyment of either switch will depend on your personal typing style and preferences, but both switches promise delightful qualities that cater to different tastes within the mechanical keyboard community.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches ultimately depends on your preferences in typing feel and sound profile. If you value a balance between smooth keystrokes and a medium-light actuation force, the Milky Red Pro should be your go-to option. Its baseline tactile feedback and thocky, low-pitched sound create a satisfying typing experience that resonates well with those who appreciate a deeper acoustic profile. This switch is ideal for users who enjoy a buttery feel while typing, evoking a sense of comfort during long usage sessions.

On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more resonant sound, the Sunset Gleam may suit you better. With its lighter actuation force and polished, bouncy feel, the HMX Sunset Gleam offers a playful typing experience that can be particularly appealing to gamers or those who want a more responsive switch. Its higher-pitched acoustic signature is sharp and clean, making it a great choice if you enjoy an elevated sound profile that stands out. In essence, your choice between these two switches should reflect your specific typing style and sound preference, allowing you to create a keyboard setup that feels just right for you.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) Linear

$2.61

$2.30 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more