Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Milky Red Pro is praised for its smooth and affordable typing experience, with a buttery smoothness and a pleasing low-pitched "thock" sound. In contrast, the Venus stands out for its internal configuration, offering a seamless glide and a unique "Q-texture" that provides a matte sensation. The Venus also boasts very light actuation for quick typing and a muted sound signature for a subdued auditory experience. Both switches offer a buttery feel, but the Milky Red Pro leans towards a bassy and thocky sound profile, while the Venus includes elements like gummy, frictionless, and polished characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Venus both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Milky Red Pro utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound experience. In contrast, the Venus incorporates a POM top housing and a polycarbonate bottom housing. The POM top housing creates a deeper and relatively muted sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. These differences in housing materials lead to contrasting sound experiences for users of each switch.
While both the Milky Red Pro and the TTC Venus offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, they share similarities in their utilization of different materials for the top and bottom housings. The qualities each housing material brings to the switch are split between the top and bottom, affecting the sound and feel of typing. The impact of the bottom housing is more prominent during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of housing materials results in a more nuanced typing experience for users of both switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the Gateron Milky Red Pro features a classic nylon housing that offers a timeless look and sound profile. Conversely, the TTC Venus distinguishes itself with a unique combination of POM and polycarbonate housings, creating a more visually striking appearance. The translucency of the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Venus allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, adding a touch of customization to the overall look of the switch. Ultimately, while both switches provide excellent sound and feel qualities, the choice between the Milky Red Pro and the Venus may come down to personal preference in terms of both sound profile and aesthetics.
Weight
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making them equal in terms of weight. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience with either switch. The actuation force of these switches is considered medium-light, providing a relatively light touch for smoother typing and gaming. The bottom out force also falls within the same range, offering a consistent feel when pressing the keys all the way down. Users who prefer a lighter typing experience may find both of these switches suitable for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a slightly heavier touch may appreciate the more substantial typing feel provided by these switches. Overall, both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Venus linear switches offer a reliable and consistent typing experience with their similar actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Venus switch will provide a slightly quicker key press compared to the Milky Red Pro switch. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Venus switch, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their key presses may opt for the Milky Red Pro switch. Both switches offer a modern travel distance that caters to different preferences, but in this case, the Venus switch is the shorter option while the Milky Red Pro switch is slightly longer.
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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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) and the TTC Venus linear switches offer different auditory experiences. The Milky Red Pro is known for its low-pitched and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying deep "thud" with each key press. On the other hand, the Venus switch offers a low-pitched and muted sound, giving a softer and quieter typing experience compared to the more pronounced sound of the Milky Red Pro. Both switches provide unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Milky Red Pro offering a deeper and richer sound, while the Venus provides a more subdued and gentle auditory experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Venus switches are described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. However, the Venus switch also incorporates descriptors such as gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished, highlighting additional qualities that enhance the typing sensation. The Venus switch offers a unique "matte" sensation with a balance of nearly frictionless glide and springy resistance, providing a smooth yet engaging typing experience. In comparison, the Milky Red Pro focuses more on the seamless and effortless typing sensation associated with buttery switches. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable and uniform typing experience, with the Venus offering a bit more versatility in terms of feel due to its additional characteristics.
In conclusion, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch both offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Milky Red Pro provides a deeper, thocky sound profile and a buttery smooth keystroke experience, ideal for those seeking a satisfying and budget-friendly typing experience. On the other hand, the Venus switch offers a softer, muted sound and a unique matte sensation with gummy, frictionless, and polished attributes, catering to users looking for a more versatile and engaging typing feel. Ultimately, both switches guarantee a smooth and comfortable typing experience, but the choice between them will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider the following factors. If you are looking for a smooth and affordable typing experience with a buttery smoothness and low-pitched "thock" sound, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a unique "matte" sensation, light actuation, and a muted sound signature that wraps each keystroke in a subdued auditory embrace, the TTC Venus may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
