Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Wine Red mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer a unique typing experience. The Milky Red Pro is a budget-friendly linear switch known for its smooth keystrokes and pleasing low-pitched "thock" sound, making it a great choice for those looking for a buttery, bassy typing experience. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch by KTT provides a pillowy light type feel with a deep and rich sound profile, appealing to those who prefer a more subdued, low-pitched sound. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making it important to consider your personal preferences before making a decision. 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
44g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Wine Red, we see a clear difference in the materials used. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top and bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Wine Red utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound when using the switch.
Moreover, the choice of housing material also impacts the aesthetic appeal of the switches. The translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Wine Red allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it a visually appealing choice for those who want to enhance their keyboard with colorful lighting effects. On the other hand, the opaque nature of nylon in the Milky Red Pro may not offer the same level of visual interest, but it does provide a classic and reliable switch housing material known for its sound-absorbing qualities. Whether you prioritize sound quality or visual appeal, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing can make a significant difference in your typing experience.
While the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Wine Red differ in terms of nylon versus polycarbonate, both switches aim to provide a high-quality typing experience. The use of nylon in the Milky Red Pro contributes to a deeper sound profile with its sound-absorbing properties, while polycarbonate in the Wine Red delivers a sharper and crisper sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two housing materials will depend on personal preference for sound and aesthetics, but both switches offer reliable and durable housing options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, we see that both switches fall within the medium-light category. The actuation force of the Milky Red Pro is slightly heavier at 45 grams compared to the 44 grams of the Wine Red. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Wine Red requires a heavier 55 grams compared to the Milky Red Pro's 52 grams. This means that the Wine Red provides a slightly firmer typing experience when fully pressing down the keys. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Milky Red Pro might be the better choice. Alternatively, users who appreciate a bit more resistance for a more substantial feel while typing may lean towards the KTT Wine Red switch. In either case, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with similar actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring that users will get comparable results regardless of their choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. As a result, the typing experience and key feel will be consistent between the two switches in terms of travel distance. Therefore, there is no significant difference in the travel distance between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Wine Red linear switch.
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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
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, both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Wine Red switches offer a bassy and low-pitched tone during key presses, providing a deep and rich sound experience. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is further characterized by a thocky sound profile, creating a satisfyingly deep and soft noise when typing. However, the specific sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycap combination used.
Moving on to feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is known for its buttery smooth keystrokes, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding the specific feel of the KTT Wine Red switches. Despite this, based on the descriptions provided, it can be assumed that both switches deliver a smooth typing experience, with the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) being particularly praised for its buttery feel.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Wine Red switches offer desirable qualities in terms of sound and likely share a similar smooth typing feel. While the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is lauded for its thocky and buttery characteristics, the Wine Red switches seem to provide a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile without specific information on feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference and the overall keyboard setup being used.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch or the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a smoother and more affordable option with a buttery keystroke feel and a low-pitched "thock" sound, then the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) would be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a pillowy light typing feel with a deep and rich sound profile, then the KTT Wine Red switch may be more suitable for your needs. Both switches offer a medium-light bottom out force, so the decision largely relies on the specific characteristics you value most in a keyboard switch. Ultimately, the best switch for you will be the one that aligns with your unique preferences and typing style.
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