Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique features and qualities to consider. The Milky Red Pro is praised for its smooth and affordable typing experience, with a buttery smooth feel and a low-pitched "thock" sound. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its use of POK material in the stem and bottom housing, providing typists with a smooth and creamy feel reminiscent of its dessert namesake. Acoustically, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, setting it apart from other switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream differ significantly. While the Milky Red Pro features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its soft and sound-absorbing properties, the Vanilla Ice Cream uses a proprietary KTT blend top housing that offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. In terms of bottom housing, the Milky Red Pro also utilizes nylon, providing a similar deep and full sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream incorporates POK material that is smooth, clacky, and exceptionally durable, surpassing Nylon in shock resistance and wear resistance.
The choice of housing materials in the Gateron Milky Red Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches greatly impacts the overall typing experience. The nylon top housing in the Milky Red Pro contributes to a duller and rounder sound when typing, whereas the proprietary KTT blend top housing in the Vanilla Ice Cream results in a more high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing in the Milky Red Pro provides a deeper sound profile, while the POK bottom housing in the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a smoother and more durable typing experience. These differences in housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of each switch.
While the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches have distinct housing materials that contribute to unique sound profiles, both switches share the characteristic of using quality materials that enhance the typing experience. The nylon top and bottom housings in the Milky Red Pro deliver a deeper sound profile and softer feel, while the proprietary KTT blend and POK materials in the Vanilla Ice Cream offer a high-pitched, clacky sound and exceptional durability. Despite their differences, both switches prioritize performance through the careful selection of housing materials that ultimately impact the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Weight
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch with 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Milky Red Pro requires 52 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream only needs 48 grams. This means that the Milky Red Pro switch is both heavier in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, as it has lighter actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, those who enjoy a bit more resistance in their keystrokes might find the Milky Red Pro switch more suitable. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, but the slight differences in force may cater to different preferences in typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Milky Red Pro offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a slightly shallower feel. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream, while those who prefer a more substantial key press might opt for the Milky Red Pro. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, but the slight difference in travel distance may cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual taste and typing style.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offers a low-pitched and thocky typing experience, producing a deep and satisfying sound profile with each key press. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched and marbly sound, giving typists a sharp and clean auditory feedback while typing. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Milky Red Pro delivering a bassy and thocky tone, while the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a resonant and marbly sound signature.
Moving on to the feel, both the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer a buttery typing experience. The Milky Red Pro switch is described as providing a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation, ensuring a seamless and uniform typing experience. Similarly, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is also noted for its buttery and creamy feel, offering typists a smooth and silky sensation while typing, akin to gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys. Both switches prioritize smoothness and comfort in typing, making them favorable choices for users seeking a satisfying typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch differ in sound characteristics, with the former being low-pitched and thocky, and the latter being high-pitched and marbly, they both share a common trait of providing a buttery and smooth typing feel. Whether you prefer a deeper, bassy sound profile or a sharper, resonant sound, both switches offer unique qualities that enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Milky Red Pro and the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would come down to personal preference in sound and feel, ensuring a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch or the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a deeper, bassy thock sound, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and appreciate a high-pitched, marbly sound with a smooth and creamy typing experience, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch might be more suited to your liking. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on which features align best with your personal preferences and typing needs.
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