Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to the type of typing experience you are looking for. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a buttery smooth feel with a low-pitched "thock" sound that is both smooth and affordable. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear provides a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization thanks to its transparent polycarbonate top housing. Both switches are categorized as 'Buttery', but the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) leans towards a bassy and thocky sound while the WS Aurora Clear has a mild and polished feel. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
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
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both feature unique housing materials that significantly impact the sound profile of the switches. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3) utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer and more sound-absorbent nature. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to nylon. This contrast in sound quality highlights the different characteristics of nylon and polycarbonate as switch housing materials.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the WS Aurora Clear differ even further. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3) continues to use nylon for the bottom housing, maintaining its deep and full sound profile. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear features a UHWMPE bottom housing, which offers a very bright sound signature and resonant clacks when typing. This difference in bottom housing materials results in distinct sound experiences when typing on switches with these housing materials, with the UHWMPE bottom housing providing a unique and vibrant sound compared to the nylon bottom housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3).
Overall, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear differ in their choice of housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The softer nylon housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) creates a duller and rounder sound, while the stiffer polycarbonate and UHWMPE housings of the WS Aurora Clear produce sharper, higher-pitched, and brighter sound profiles. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience through their distinct housing materials, catering to users who prefer varying levels of sound crispness and resonance in their switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The Milky Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a medium-light typing feel. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear is heavier, with an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, resulting in a medium-heavy typing experience. Lighter switches like the Milky Red Pro are favored by those who want to type for extended periods without fatigue, while heavier switches like the WS Aurora Clear offer a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Milky Red Pro offers a more traditional travel distance, while the WS Aurora Clear provides a slightly shallower experience. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the WS Aurora Clear, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Milky Red Pro. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar typing experience with only a slight variation in travel distance.
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 Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00 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, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is known for its low-pitched and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfyingly deep and rich auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear offers a high-pitched sound, which produces a sharp and crisp tone when pressed. Depending on personal preference, users may gravitate towards the bassy and thocky sound of the Gateron switch or opt for the sharper, higher-pitched sound of the WS Aurora Clear.
As for feel, both the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the WS Aurora Clear are described as buttery switches, offering a smooth and fluid keying experience. Additionally, the WS Aurora Clear is noted for its mild feel, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. The polished finish of the WS Aurora Clear also contributes to its smooth key travel and reduced friction, ensuring a refined typing experience for users. Ultimately, both switches deliver a seamless and effortless typing sensation with their buttery feel, making them appealing choices for those seeking a smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the WS Aurora Clear linear switches offer slightly different sound profiles, they both provide a buttery and smooth typing experience. Whether you prefer the bassy and thocky sound of the Milky Red Pro or the high-pitched clarity of the WS Aurora Clear, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience with minimal friction and maximum customization options. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile, feel, and aesthetic preferences such as RGB lighting customization.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a smooth and low-pitched typing experience, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch would be a great choice. Its buttery smooth keystrokes and low-pitched "thock" sound make for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a higher bottom out force and a high-pitched typing sound, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch would be a better fit. With its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, this switch allows for maximum RGB lighting customization and offers a more polished typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to your personal preference in terms of bottom out force, sound profile, and overall typing feel.
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