Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are plenty of options to consider. The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched "thock" sound, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy linear switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro provides a medium level of tactility with a light touch and neutral sound, appealing to those who prefer tactile switches. While the Milky Red Pro is known for its smoothness and affordability, the Violet Gold Pro is praised for its balanced typing experience. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
One key difference between the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is that the Milky Red Pro features a nylon top housing, while the Violet Gold Pro has a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is known for its softer texture and ability to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This means that typing on the Milky Red Pro will create a different auditory experience compared to typing on the Dareu Violet Gold Pro.
However, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing material. This means that regardless of the top housing material, the bottom housing will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel will be present in both switches, providing a consistent tactile experience across both options. In this sense, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom housing regardless of whether they choose the Gateron Milky Red Pro or the Dareu Violet Gold Pro.
In terms of aesthetics, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate top housing offers a unique advantage in allowing for RGB lighting to shine through due to its translucency. This can enhance the visual appeal of the switch when paired with RGB lighting, providing a visually striking experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro's nylon top housing does not offer the same level of light transmission. This difference in housing material can play a significant role in the overall look and feel of the switch, especially for users who prioritize customization and visual effects in their keyboard setup.
Weight
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of initial keypress sensitivity. However, the Milky Red Pro has a bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a slightly heavier feel when fully pressing down the key. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro is unknown, giving it an element of mystery in terms of the overall typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Milky Red Pro for extended typing or gaming sessions, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Milky Red Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for 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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Milky Red Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Violet Gold Pro. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most common choice. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Milky Red Pro. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key 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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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 offers a bassy and thocky experience with a low-pitched tone, creating a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch provides a neutral sound signature that is ideal for those looking for a balanced typing experience without any extreme characteristics. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find an option that suits their auditory preferences.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is praised for its buttery smooth keystrokes that offer a seamless and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is described as stepped, providing a tactile experience with two stages that allow users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. While the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) focuses on delivering a uniform and fluid typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro offers a more nuanced tactile feedback that caters to users seeking a tactile response during typing.
Overall, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3) excels in providing a deep and rich sound profile with buttery smooth keystrokes, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a balanced, neutral sound signature with a stepped tactile feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and tactile feedback, you can choose between these two switches for a typing experience that meets your individual needs. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience and provide a satisfying feel and sound during use.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and affordable typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium tactility with a fairly light touch and a neutral sound signature, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is a great option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Whichever switch you choose, both the Milky Red Pro and Violet Gold Pro offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
Mentioned in this article
