Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Swift 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 HMX Swift both offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Milky Red Pro is praised for its smooth and budget-friendly linear switches that provide a buttery typing experience with a low-pitched "thock" sound. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out for its deeper sound profile and silky smooth feel, thanks to its full nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. While the Milky Red Pro offers a "buttery" and "bassy" experience, the Swift is described as "clacky" and "feathery". 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
42g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Swift are both made of nylon, which is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches made with harder plastics. Both switches offer a similar typing experience, with the nylon top and bottom housings working together to create a consistent and satisfying sound and feel when typing.
While the nylon top and bottom housings of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Swift are the same material, the impact of each housing component can vary. The bottom housing of a switch typically affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing can have a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. This means that even though both switches feature nylon housings, the specific design and construction of each switch can lead to subtle differences in typing sound and feel.
Overall, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Swift both offer a similar typing experience with their nylon housing materials. The softer nature of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more satisfying typing experience for users. Whether it's the bottom-out sound or the release sound, both switches utilize nylon to enhance the overall sound quality of typing, making them a popular choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a smooth and consistent typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is 45 grams, while the actuation force of the HMX Swift linear switch is 42 grams, making the Swift slightly lighter. The bottom out force of the Milky Red Pro is 52 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Swift is 50 grams, making the Milky Red Pro slightly heavier in this aspect. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the HMX Swift would be the better choice, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. However, for those who enjoy a slightly more substantial typing feel, the Gateron Milky Red Pro may be the preferred option. Both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience, so users can expect similar results in that aspect. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. While the 0.1 mm may not seem like a significant difference, it can still impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the HMX Swift with its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Gateron Milky Red Pro. Both switches offer a balance between traditional and shallow travel distances, catering to a variety of preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the user.
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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 offers a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses with a satisfying low frequency range resembling bass tones. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is characterized as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, offering a crisp, bright, and percussive sound experience. The choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile, with the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) providing a deeper and richer sound, while the Swift offers a sharper and brighter sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless, effortless, and uniform. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is known for being easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy, providing a light actuation force with gentle resistance, reducing finger fatigue, and offering a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation for a lively typing experience. Both switches offer a smooth and comfortable typing feel, but the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) focuses more on a buttery smoothness, while the Swift emphasizes a light and responsive typing experience.
Overall, both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3) provides a smooth and budget-friendly typing experience with a bassy and thocky sound profile, while the Swift stands out with its deep sound profile and easy-to-press feel. When choosing between the two switches, consider whether you prefer a deeper and richer sound with a buttery feel or a sharper and brighter sound with an easy-to-press sensation. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, and you can expect similar results in terms of overall quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, you should consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a smooth typing experience with a low-pitched "thock" sound, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and value a deeper sound profile with a silky smoothness, the HMX Swift linear switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the sound and feel that you find most appealing.
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