Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two notable options from Gateron stand out: the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Gateron Weightlessness. The Milky Red Pro is celebrated for its buttery smooth keystrokes and low-pitched "thock" sound, making it an ideal choice for those who value fluid typing and minimal tactile feedback in their experience. Its affordability adds to its allure, appealing to both budget-conscious gamers and typists looking for a reliable linear switch. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a more tactile experience with a subtle to moderate bump that enhances the typing feel without overwhelming the user. This switch strikes a balance between feedback and sound, providing a satisfying audible response while still maintaining a smooth typing experience. Both switches have their unique appeals—whether you prioritize the seamlessness of the Milky Red Pro or the tactile engagement of the Weightlessness—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
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Gateron Weightlessness utilize similar housing materials for both their top and bottom housings, both constructed from nylon. Nylon is known for its softer properties compared to harder plastics, which contributes to a distinct sound profile. Both switches are designed to offer a deeper and fuller audio experience while typing. The softer nature of nylon helps absorb higher frequencies, resulting in a more muted and rounded sound when keys are pressed and released. This characteristic is highly beneficial for users who prioritize a quieter typing experience while maintaining a pleasant auditory feedback.
While the material composition is identical for both switches, the overall performance may also depend on the specific design and configuration of each switch. If the top and bottom housings were to differ, one could expect varied impacts on the typing experience. For instance, a softer bottom housing would influence the sound and feel of the keystrokes more prominently than a harder top housing. However, since both the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and Weightlessness feature nylon in both top and bottom housings, the resultant sound profile remains consistent across both switches. The design choices in housing shape and internal components may exhibit subtle differences, but the nylon construction ensures a shared auditory experience.
Ultimately, users of both switch types—Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and Weightlessness—can expect similar sound experiences due to the consistent use of nylon in the housings. This results in a soothing and muted sound profile that appeals to typists who favor a deeper acoustic environment. The impact on bottoming out and the release sound will be harmonious in both switches, aligning their tactile feedback. Thus, while minor variations may exist in performance or feel, the commonality in housing materials guarantees a familiar auditory signature, allowing for an enjoyable typing experience across both options.
Weight
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly influence typing experiences. The Milky Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, compared to the Weightlessness, which requires 50 grams to actuate. This makes the Milky Red Pro a more suitable option for users who prefer a lighter feel, allowing for longer typing sessions or extended gaming marathons without as much fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch is unknown, making it difficult to fully compare the feedback experienced when pressing these switches all the way down. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro has a clearly defined bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a medium-light tactile feedback when fully pressed. Therefore, for those who enjoy a lighter switch with defined actuation and bottom out feedback, the Milky Red Pro is the better choice, while the Weightlessness may appeal to those seeking a heavier tactile experience, but with less clarity in its bottom out characteristics.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference in travel distance can significantly impact the typing experience, with the Milky Red Pro offering a deeper feel that some users may prefer for its satisfying tactile feedback, while the Weightlessness caters to those who favor a more responsive action due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers, in particular, might lean towards the Weightlessness for quicker response times, although some users might find it too abrupt. Therefore, if you're looking for a hearty depth in your keystrokes, the Milky Red Pro is the better choice, while the Weightlessness is ideal for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing or gaming.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 characteristics, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is notable for its bassy, thocky profile. This switch produces a deep and rich sound during key presses that evokes a satisfying low-pitched thud, giving the user an engaging auditory experience. Its low-frequency tone contributes to a mellow ambiance while typing, making it a favorite for those who appreciate a more muted, less distracting noise. In contrast, the sound profile of the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch is currently unknown, so it’s difficult to draw direct comparisons regarding auditory feedback. However, it’s essential to note that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by the keyboard’s construction, including the type of board and keycaps used.
In terms of tactile feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers an impressively smooth typing experience that can be described as buttery. The effortless keystrokes provide a seamless sensation that many typists find appealing, contributing to reduced finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch features a subtle to moderate tactile bump, delivering its own distinct typing experience. This tactile feedback can enhance the overall typing feel for those who prefer a more defined actuation point while still maintaining a smooth keystroke. While they cater to different preferences, both switches offer quality experiences in their respective categories.
Ultimately, choosing between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Gateron Weightlessness switches comes down to individual preferences in sound and feel. If you enjoy a smooth linear experience with rich auditory feedback, the Milky Red Pro is an excellent choice. Conversely, if tactile feedback is more important to you, the Weightlessness switch may be more appealing, despite a lack of known sound characteristics. Each switch has its unique strengths; thus, you can achieve a satisfying typing experience tailored to your needs by picking the one that resonates with your style.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth and fluid typing experience, particularly for long typing sessions or gaming, the Milky Red Pro is an excellent option due to its buttery keystrokes and pleasing thocky sound. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 52 grams makes it accessible for those who enjoy a lighter touch while typing. However, if you appreciate tactile feedback without overwhelming noise, the Weightlessness switch could be more suited to your needs. Though its bottom-out force is unavailable, it offers a subtle to moderate tactile feel, ideal for those who want that little "bump" in their keystrokes for added satisfaction without being too noisy. Ultimately, consider your personal typing habits and whether you prefer the smoothness and sound of the Milky Red Pro or the tactile experience provided by the Weightlessness to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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