Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB can significantly impact your typing experience. The Gateron Milky Red Pro switches are celebrated for their buttery smooth keystrokes, offering a delightful low-pitched "thock" sound that makes them an excellent choice for those seeking an effortless and less fatiguing typing experience. Being a linear switch, it provides a consistent feel throughout the key travel, ideal for gamers and typists alike who appreciate speed and a smooth response. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches introduce a tactile element to your typing, combining the deep "thock" sound when bottoming out with a subtle tactile bump for a satisfying feedback, making them attractive to those who enjoy a more engaged and responsive typing experience. Each switch caters to different preferences—whether you favor smoothness or tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$2.61

$2.30 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, both switches exhibit a focus on delivering a richer and deeper sound profile, albeit through different material compositions. The Milky Red Pro features a traditional nylon construction for both its top and bottom housings, which is well-known in the mechanical keyboard community for its soft texture that effectively absorbs sound. This results in a full-bodied auditory experience, characterized by a duller and rounder sound, particularly noticeable during typing. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB utilizes a proprietary blend of plastic known as "boba plastic," which, while not traditional like nylon, is similarly soft. This unique formulation also aims to deliver a rich sound profile and shares comparable acoustic properties with nylon—a crucial factor in achieving resonance and tonal depth in switch performance.

Despite the differences in material, the similarities between nylon and the Gazzew blend mean that users can expect a comparable typing experience regarding sound characteristics. Both materials are designed to soften the impact of key presses, resulting in a sound signature that minimizes sharpness or harshness. Typing on either switch will provide a type of auditory—a deeper and more pleasant rhythm characterized by rounded tones—thanks to their inherent material qualities. Therefore, while the Milky Red Pro employs a well-established nylon structure, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB's innovative plastic blend effectively mimics these acoustic effects, leading to similar auditory outcomes in a tactile context.

The effects of these housing materials also extend to the tactile feel experienced by users. The nylon in the Milky Red Pro, known for its cushioned response, enhances the overall key feel when bottoming out, which is further complemented by its sound-absorbing characteristics. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB's top and bottom housing, while composed of a proprietary blend, offers a comparable softness that ensures a satisfying actuation and release. This means that both switches deliver desirable click feedback and sound upon operation, making them suitable choices for avid typists seeking an engaging keyboard experience. In summary, while their materials differ, the sound and tactile profiles of the Gateron Milky Red Pro and Gazzew U4Tx RGB provide similar user experiences, reinforcing how the differences in housing can still yield complementary outcomes.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch with the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces become apparent. The Milky Red Pro features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a medium-light switch that is suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB switch has an unknown actuation force but a significantly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This suggests that while the Milky Red Pro is lighter and may offer a more effortless keystroke experience, the U4Tx RGB requires more force to bottom out, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, for those seeking lighter switches, the Milky Red Pro is the better choice, while the U4Tx RGB would appeal to those who favor a stronger push.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Milky Red Pro features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered the most traditional distance and provides a hearty depth that some users prefer for a more sustained typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, appealing to those who favor quicker response times typically preferred by gamers. This means that the Gateron switch offers a more pronounced feel during key presses, while the Gazzew switch is slightly more responsive, albeit feeling a bit more abrupt. Therefore, if you seek a deeper and more pronounced typing experience, the Milky Red Pro is the better choice, while the U4Tx RGB is ideal for those prioritizing speed and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is characterized by a rich, low-pitched “thock” sound. This sound is often described as deep and bassy, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that evokes a sense of warmth and fullness with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch is also known for its deep “thock” upon bottoming out, but it combines this with a quieter topping out, resulting in a refined and more nuanced sound profile. Both switches prioritize a deep auditory experience, allowing users to enjoy a tactile and pleasant sound while typing, albeit with the U4Tx having a slightly more sophisticated approach to sound modulation.

In terms of feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) excels in delivering a buttery smooth keystroke, allowing for a seamless typing experience without interruptions or scratchiness. This smoothness is ideal for those who value a continuous flow during their typing sessions. The Gazzew U4Tx RGB, while primarily tactile, adds a sharp tactile bump that enhances the typing experience, giving users a moment of feedback that is tactile but not overly jarring. While the Milky Red Pro is all about fluidity, the U4Tx provides a delightful contrast with its tactile response, catering to users who enjoy the sensation of feedback while typing.

In conclusion, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB serve different but appealing facets of the typing experience. The Milky Red Pro leans heavily into a smooth and satisfying audible and tactile journey, making it perfect for those looking for an uninterrupted typing experience. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB pairs tactile feedback with a refined sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a distinct tactile sensation alongside their deep auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, as both options deliver a premium typing experience in their own unique ways.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch should depend on your typing preferences and the use case. If you prioritize a smooth and lightweight typing experience, the Milky Red Pro is an excellent option. With its medium-light actuation force of 52 grams, it facilitates effortless key presses and is ideal for fast typists or gamers who need quick, responsive action without the distraction of significant resistance. The switch's buttery feel and low-pitched thock sound create a satisfying auditory experience that makes it enjoyable for long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile response and don’t mind a bit of additional resistance, the U4Tx RGB is the way to go. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, it provides a firmer feedback that allows you to feel each keystroke, making it perfect for typists who appreciate tactile switches and a sharper bump. Its refined sound profile combines both a deep thock on bottoming out and the soft stealth of topping out, making it desirable for an office setting or any environment where quietness is essential. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value smoothness or tactility in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) Linear

$2.61

$2.30 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more