Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Everglide Sunset Yellow both offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The Milky Red Pro is known for its budget-friendly linear switches that provide a smooth and buttery keystroke, accompanied by a satisfying low-pitched "thock" sound. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches feature a rich and bassy sound profile, thanks to their unique Ly stem and factory lube method. While both switches offer a "thocky" typing experience, the Milky Red Pro is more "bassy" and "buttery", while the Sunset Yellow is described as "creamy" and "polished". However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. In comparison, the Everglide Sunset Yellow features a POM top housing that also produces a pleasing and unique sound, albeit on the deeper and more muted side. Both materials offer their own distinct sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience.
On the bottom housing side, both switches differ in their materials with the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) using a nylon bottom housing and the Sunset Yellow featuring a POM bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile. Conversely, POM bottom housing creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound. Despite their differences, both materials play a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switch, providing users with a unique typing experience.
When comparing the overall housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, it is evident that both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The nylon and POM top and bottom housings of each switch contribute to their respective sound qualities, with nylon offering a deeper and fuller sound in the Milky Red Pro and POM providing a more muted yet pleasing sound in the Sunset Yellow. While the materials may differ, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from both switches with unique sound signatures that set them apart from each other.
Weight
Between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces are quite similar. The Milky Red Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Sunset Yellow has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-light category, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. The slight difference in force between the two switches may not be noticeable to the average user, so in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, users can expect similar results from both switches. This makes them ideal choices for those looking for a comfortable typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Milky Red Pro has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.2 mm of the Sunset Yellow. The Milky Red Pro offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Sunset Yellow provides a shallower feel. Gamers may lean towards the Sunset Yellow for its faster response times due to the shorter travel distance, while others may prefer the Milky Red Pro for its deeper key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus key 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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 per 10 switches.
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, both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches are described as having a rich and bassy sound profile with a satisfying thocky sound when pressed. The low-pitched nature of both switches adds a depth and richness to the typing experience, making them both pleasant choices for users looking for a more immersive sound while typing. Additionally, the sound of a switch can vary based on other factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used, so individual preferences may play a role in how the sound is perceived by the user.
When it comes to feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is noted for its buttery smooth keystrokes, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow is described as creamy and frictionless, offering a silky smooth typing experience that allows fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. The polished finish of the Sunset Yellow switch contributes to a refined and sleek typing experience, further enhancing the overall feel of the switch. Both switches aim to provide a smooth and comfortable typing experience, with slight variations in the specific qualities they offer.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches offer users a satisfying typing experience with rich, bassy sound profiles and smooth keystrokes. While the Milky Red Pro is known for its buttery feel, the Sunset Yellow provides a creamy and frictionless typing experience, accentuated by its unique stem design and factory lubrication method. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and any additional features that may sway a user's decision. Nevertheless, users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing satisfaction and performance with both of these linear switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, consider the following factors. If you are looking for a smooth and budget-friendly typing experience with a low-pitched and thocky sound profile, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a rich and bassy sound profile combined with a creamy, frictionless, and polished feel, the Sunset Yellow might be the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and budget. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your desired typing experience.
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