Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer a smooth typing experience. The Milky Red Pro is known for its budget-friendly linear design that provides a buttery smooth keystroke and a low-pitched "thock" sound, creating a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel due to its lengthened single-stage spring. While the Milky Red Pro is categorized as 'Bassy' and 'Thocky', the Tourmaline Blue is described as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Neutral'. Both switches have their unique characteristics and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, it is evident that the Milky Red Pro utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate. This contrast in housing materials ultimately leads to differences in the sound produced by each switch, with the Milky Red Pro offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the clear and resonant sound of the Tourmaline Blue.
Despite the variations in housing materials between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both switches share commonalities in terms of their impact on typing experience. The use of nylon in the Milky Red Pro contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, much like how the polycarbonate in the Tourmaline Blue creates a sharper and crisper sound. As a result, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, with the differences in sound profile adding a unique touch to each keypress. Whether it be the softer sound of nylon or the clearer sound of polycarbonate, both housing materials offer their own distinct characteristics that enhance the overall typing experience.
It can be observed that the top and bottom housings play a crucial role in determining the sound profile of a switch. With the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key, the choice of housing material can significantly affect the overall typing experience. While the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue may utilize different housing materials, the qualities each material brings to the switch are divided between the top and bottom, providing a balance of sound characteristics for both switches. Ultimately, the housing materials chosen for a switch contribute to the overall typing experience, with each material offering a unique sound profile that caters to the preferences of different users.
Weight
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch. The Milky Red Pro requires 45 grams to actuate and 52 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue needs 59 grams to actuate and 67 grams to bottom out, placing it in the medium-heavy category. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Milky Red Pro for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Tourmaline Blue. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, we see that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. As a result, the typing experience provided by both switches will be consistent in terms of key travel. Both switches offer a moderate travel distance, which can provide a comfortable typing experience for many users. In conclusion, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches offer the same travel distance, ensuring a comparable typing experience for users.
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 Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 is known for its deep and rich bass tones, resulting in a satisfying "thock" sound when typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users. The sound produced by both switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Tourmaline Blue switches are described as providing a buttery smooth keystroke experience. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blue switch is noted for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate each key. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The mild characteristics of the Tourmaline Blue switch also make it approachable to most users, offering a balanced typing experience.
Overall, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches both offer a smooth and satisfying typing experience with buttery keystrokes, they differentiate in sound profile. The Milky Red Pro switch provides a deep, bass-heavy sound with a low-pitched "thock", whereas the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a more neutral sound suitable for a wider user base. Choosing between the two switches would ultimately depend on personal preference for sound and the desired typing experience. However, if a similar typing feel is desired, either switch can provide a comparable result in terms of smoothness and comfort.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a smooth keystroke and low-pitched, thocky sound, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force with a bouncy feel and a neutral sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue might be more suitable for you. Consider your typing experience goals and the characteristics that matter most to you when making your decision between these two switches.
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