Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering which mechanical keyboard switch to choose, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and TKC Tangerine both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is praised for its smooth and budget-friendly linear switches that produce a pleasing low-pitched “thock” sound. On the other hand, the Tangerine stands out for its incredibly smooth keystrokes and high-pitched clack, thanks to the rare UHWMPE housings. While the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a buttery and bassy typing experience, the Tangerine provides a frictionless and polished feel. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics, making them suitable for different typing preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the TKC Tangerine, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their respective materials. The Milky Red Pro features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Tangerine showcases a UHWMPE top housing, which provides a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing. While both materials offer different sound experiences, they each contribute to enhancing the overall typing sensation for users.
Similarly, when examining the bottom housing materials of the Milky Red Pro and the Tangerine, we see a pattern of contrast and comparison. The nylon bottom housing of the Milky Red Pro produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound due to its soft plastic composition. In contrast, the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Tangerine offers a very bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks while typing. Despite these differences, both bottom housings play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switches, providing unique tactile feedback for users.
Overall, the varying housing materials of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the TKC Tangerine contribute to distinct typing experiences for users. While the Milky Red Pro's nylon housing offers a softer and fuller sound profile, the Tangerine's UHWMPE housing provides a brighter and more resonant typing experience. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining sound quality and tactile feedback, highlighting the impact that different materials can have on the overall performance of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch to the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is evident that the Milky Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Tangerine's unknown actuation force. Additionally, the Milky Red Pro has a lighter bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Tangerine has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. The actuation force of the Milky Red Pro provides a smoother typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where quick and light key presses are required. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Tangerine switch may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and the desired weight of key presses.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the TKC Tangerine linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting the travel distance of these two switches, it is clear that they offer a similar typing experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Milky Red Pro or the Tangerine switch, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of keystroke feel and travel distance. Ultimately, both switches provide a consistent typing experience with a standard travel distance, making them suitable choices for those looking for linear switches with a familiar typing feel.
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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is known for its bassy and thocky characteristics, offering a deep and rich sound profile with a low-pitched tone during key presses. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch produces a high-pitched clack, giving it a sharp and crisp sound. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will also depend on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience for a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The TKC Tangerine switch, on the other hand, is noted for being frictionless and buttery as well as polished, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience with their smooth and uniform feel.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and TKC Tangerine linear switches offer smooth and buttery typing experiences, they differ in sound characteristics. The Milky Red Pro switch is known for its bassy and low-pitched thocky sound, while the Tangerine switch produces a higher-pitched clack. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and feel, as both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience with their smooth and effortless keystrokes.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smoother, more affordable typing experience with a satisfying low-pitched "thock" sound, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a higher-pitched clack sound, and a smoother, frictionless typing experience with UHWMPE housings for a polished feel, the TKC Tangerine may be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal preferences and typing style to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
Mentioned in this article
