Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Aflion Windy Shadow 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 Aflion Windy Shadow both offer unique qualities worth considering. The Milky Red Pro is favored for its smooth and budget-friendly linear design, providing a buttery typing experience with a low-pitched "thock" sound. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow by Aflion boasts a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce, thanks to its extended spring, creating a comfortable medium-light keystroke feel. While the Milky Red Pro leans towards a bassy and thocky sound, the Windy Shadow offers a mild and neutral 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Aflion Windy Shadow, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with nylon bottom housing. Both the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and Windy Shadow provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel, thanks to their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing.
However, the key point of divergence between the two switches lies in the material used for their top housing. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, while the Windy Shadow utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is also ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. As a result, typing on the Windy Shadow will offer a more clear and resonant sound compared to the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) with its softer nylon top housing.
In terms of sound characteristics and typing experience, the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role in determining the overall feel of a switch. While both the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and Windy Shadow share nylon for their bottom housing, the choice of polycarbonate for the Windy Shadow's top housing creates a distinct sound profile. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing is noticeable when pressing down on a key and releasing it, highlighting the importance of housing materials in contributing to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, we can see that the Milky Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Windy Shadow's unknown actuation force. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Milky Red Pro has a slightly heavier force of 52 grams, while the Windy Shadow has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it the heavier of the two. Both switches fall into the medium-light category, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. The actuation force and bottom out force play a crucial role in determining the overall feel and typing experience of a keyboard, with lighter forces being ideal for extended typing sessions and heavier forces providing a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual 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 Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Milky Red Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Windy Shadow. For those who prefer a deeper feel when pressing down on a key, the Gateron Milky Red Pro may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow with its shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Aflion Windy Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Windy Shadow for $3.91.
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 is known for its bassy and thocky qualities, offering a deep and satisfying sound profile that many users find enjoyable. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound experience, making it suitable for a wide range of users who prefer a more subtle sound while typing. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, so choosing between them comes down to personal preference and the type of sound you find most appealing.
In terms of feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is renowned for its buttery smoothness, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation that many users find delightful. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offers a mild typing experience, with a gentle feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it comfortable for most users. Whether you prefer a smoother, buttery feel or a milder typing experience, both switches offer qualities that can cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Overall, both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch have their own unique sound and feel qualities that can enhance the typing experience for users. While the Milky Red Pro switch leans towards a deeper, more pronounced sound and a buttery smooth feel, the Windy Shadow switch provides a more neutral sound and a mild typing experience that appeals to a wider range of users. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, as both switches offer high-quality performance and reliability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is important to consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a smooth keystroke and a low-pitched, thocky sound, then the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from an extended spring, the Aflion Windy Shadow might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences for sound and feel.
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