Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Bsun Taichi present two intriguing options for enthusiasts who prefer linear switches. The Gateron Milky Red Pro is celebrated for its buttery smooth keystrokes and a satisfying thock sound, making it a budget-friendly choice that delivers a pleasing auditory experience alongside its performance. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi offers a more enchanting experience with a high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to its long-pole stem and extended springs that enhance both smoothness and stability. While both switches provide a linear feel beloved by typists and gamers alike, their distinct sound profiles and performance characteristics set them apart. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your personal preferences and typing style.
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
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Bsun Taichi, it is evident that the switches harness the distinct acoustic properties of different materials, significantly influencing their sound profiles. The Milky Red Pro features a top housing made from nylon, a classic material that is known to yield a deeper and fuller sound due to its relatively soft texture. This leads to sound dampening properties that absorb vibrations, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is characterized by its stiffer composition. This stiffer plastic facilitates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, giving the Taichi a crisper and more resonant output. Thus, users can expect a contrasting auditory experience from these two switches based on their top housing material.
Delving into the bottom housings, both the Milky Red Pro and the Bsun Taichi share a commonality through their use of nylon. The consistent presence of nylon in the bottom housing of the switches ensures that both models elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out, as nylon's softer nature contributes to sound absorption. This similarity means that while the top housing significantly influences the sound upon key release, the bottom housing remains a common factor in the overall acoustic character between both switches. Therefore, despite the differences in their top housing compositions, both switches would similarly benefit from the tonal characteristics provided by nylon in their bottom housing.
Ultimately, the combination of contrasting and complementary materials in these switches emphasizes how different plastics can shape the user experience. With the Gateron Milky Red Pro's nylon top creating a more resonant and mellow key release paired with its nylon bottom, and the Bsun Taichi's polycarbonate top resulting in a clearer and punchier sound, the user will encounter markedly different tonal profiles despite the shared nylon element in the bottom housing. This interplay between materials ensures that while both switches maintain some sonic similarities through nylon, their overall sound experience diverges notably due to the distinct qualities imparted by the differing top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we see some notable differences in actuation forces but a lack of information regarding the bottom out force of the Taichi. The Milky Red Pro features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it medium-light, which can be advantageous for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Taichi switch offers a lighter actuation force at 40 grams, potentially appealing to those who prefer a softer keystroke. However, the bottom out force for the Taichi remains unknown, making it difficult to comprehensively compare it with the Milky Red Pro's measurable bottom out force of 52 grams. This difference suggests that while both switches may cater to users who enjoy a lighter typing experience, the Gateron Milky Red Pro also provides a more defined feedback upon bottoming out, which some typists may prefer for a more substantial feel. In summary, if you prioritize a lighter switch, the Bsun Taichi would be more suitable, whereas the Milky Red Pro offers a balanced typing experience with a slightly heavier feel overall due to its higher bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, it is clear that the Milky Red Pro has a longer travel distance at 4 mm, while the Taichi measures 3.6 mm. This difference means that if you opt for the Taichi switch, you'll experience a more responsive feel due to the shorter travel distance, which is often favored by gamers seeking quicker key presses. Conversely, the Milky Red Pro’s greater travel distance provides a deeper, more substantial press that some users may find preferable for comfort and control. While shorter travel distances are becoming more popular for their efficiency, those who enjoy a more pronounced key engagement might lean towards the Milky Red Pro for its traditional depth. Hence, if you value speed and rapid response, the Taichi is the better choice, but for a more cushioned typing experience, the Milky Red Pro stands out.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) delivers a notably low-pitched and thocky acoustic profile that resonates with a satisfying depth during key presses. The deep, rich sound provides a comforting sensory experience, akin to a soft thud that can be described as both mellow and bass-heavy. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch produces a clacky sound that is markedly sharper and more percussive. This crisp and bright auditory feedback creates a lively typing experience, though it may not provide the same fullness in sound depth as the Milky Red Pro. Despite their differing sound profiles, the perception of acoustics can be influenced by the keyboard chassis and keycap materials, meaning that individual setups may yield unique results for each switch.
In terms of feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is celebrated for its buttery smooth keystrokes, offering an effortless and flowing typing sensation with minimal friction. This seamless action enables prolonged typing sessions without discomfort, making it especially appealing for writers and gamers alike. The Bsun Taichi switch, on the other hand, is characterized by a polished feel, indicating a refined typing experience attributed to quality materials and perhaps factory lubing. The smoothness experienced here might provide a similarly satisfying typing experience, though the focus on polish may yield a slightly different tactile response compared to the buttery sensation of the Milky Red Pro.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and Bsun Taichi linear switches offer valuable attributes for different user preferences. While the Milky Red Pro excels in delivering a low-pitched thocky sound and a buttery typing feel, the Bsun Taichi shines with its clacky sound and polished finish. Ultimately, your choice of switch may come down to personal preferences regarding auditory feedback and tactile sensations; however, both switches promise to provide smooth operation—your setup will play a vital role in tailoring your overall experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Bsun Taichi linear switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you favor a smooth, buttery feel with a rich, low-pitched thock sound, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is likely the best fit for you. It's an ideal option for those who enjoy a medium-light bottom-out force of 52 grams, making it suitable for both casual typing and gaming without requiring significant effort. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a snappier, clacky sound with an emphasis on polished performance, the Bsun Taichi switch would be more aligned with your needs. Its extended springs and long-pole stem are designed for enhanced smoothness and stability, providing a more refined typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a softer acoustic profile and feel, or if you prefer a more pronounced auditory response coupled with seamless key travel. Consider trying both options if possible to see which aligns best with your personal typing style.
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