Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the options can be overwhelming, but two standout choices are the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash. The Milky Red Pro is renowned for its buttery smooth keystrokes and low-pitched "thock" sound, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a budget-friendly linear switch that doesn’t compromise on the tactile experience. Its smooth operation and pleasing auditory feedback have made it a favorite among typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, the WS Dash, featuring Hall Effect technology, offers a bright, clacky sound signature combined with a silky smooth keystroke. This switch not only provides a refined typing experience but also showcases the innovative advancements in keyboard technology. While both switches cater to different preferences—one leaning towards a classic linear feel and the other embracing cutting-edge Hall Effect design—each offers unique benefits to enhance your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which directly influence their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Milky Red Pro utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic material known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This softer plastic characteristics allow for a duller and rounder sound, making it ideal for users who prefer a more muted acoustic environment while typing. In contrast, the WS Dash features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer material, enhances resonance and clarity, making it particularly advantageous for those who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback, especially when coupled with RGB lighting due to its translucence.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches share a common feature with nylon materials. The nylon bottom housing in both the Milky Red Pro and WS Dash brings the same benefits of producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The material's inherent softness aids in sound absorption, thus providing users with a consistent experience when bottoming out the switches. As a result, regardless of the differences seen in the top housings, both switches will elicit a similar audible performance from the bottom housing. This mutual reliance on nylon brings a pleasing harmony to the overall sound signature of both switches, proving that even contrasting materials can converge in certain aspects of design.
The interplay between the differing top housing materials and the similar bottom housings in these two switches highlights how their individual characteristics can combine to create a unique typing experience. With the Gateron Milky Red Pro's nylon top yielding a warmer tone contrasted against the WS Dash's clear, resonant profile, users can expect distinct auditory feedback upon key release and actuation. Nevertheless, as both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, the bottom-out sound and feel remained aligned, allowing for a deep and satisfying tactile response regardless of the specific typist's preference in auditory feedback when releasing keys. This factor serves as an interesting testament to the way housing materials can influence the overall perception and functionality of mechanical switches.
Weight
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch showcase notable differences in their actuation forces. The Milky Red Pro requires an actuation force of 45 grams, making it feel more substantial compared to the WS Dash, which has a lighter actuation force of just 30 grams. This difference makes the WS Dash more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, enhancing long typing sessions and reducing finger fatigue. While the bottom out force of the Milky Red Pro is 52 grams, the WS Dash features a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while users of the Milky Red Pro will encounter a slightly more forgiving feel when pressing the key completely down, the WS Dash provides a firmer bottoming out experience. Therefore, for those seeking a lighter overall feel in both actuation and bottom out forces, the WS Dash is the better choice, whereas the Milky Red Pro offers a heavier actuation that some may prefer for a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference means that the Milky Red Pro offers a more substantial typing experience, which some users may prefer for its depth and tactile feedback, making it ideal for activities that benefit from a more deliberate keystroke. In contrast, the WS Dash's shorter travel distance caters to gamers and those seeking faster response times, providing a more immediate actuation that can enhance performance in fast-paced scenarios. Overall, if you favor a classic feel with more depth, the Gateron Milky Red Pro is the better choice, whereas the WS Dash is likely to be more appealing for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes.
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 Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is characterized by its low-pitched, thocky quality, producing a satisfying and deep sound reminiscent of a thud or soft knock upon each keystroke. This bass-heavy acoustic experience enhances the pleasure of typing, making it a compelling choice for those who appreciate a rich auditory feedback. In contrast, specifics regarding the sound signature of the Wuque Studio WS Dash Hall Effect switch are less defined, but they are known to produce a bright and clacky sound, creating a more pronounced and lively auditory experience. This difference in sound highlights that while both switches can deliver enjoyable auditory feedback, their characteristics cater to varying preferences for those who value either a rich thock or a brighter, more pronounced clack.
When it comes to feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch excels with its buttery smooth keystrokes, offering a seamless and fluid typing experience that feels effortless and uniform with each press. This smoothness can make for comfortable extended typing sessions, particularly appealing for those who often engage in writing or gaming. The feel of the WS Dash is less documented, leaving a gap in understanding how it may compare to the buttery nature of the Milky Red Pro. However, given that it’s a Hall Effect switch, one might anticipate a different tactile feedback, potentially leaning towards a more distinct or refined typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) provides a solid combination of low-pitched thocky sound and a buttery feel, making it ideal for users who prioritize smooth typing and a satisfying acoustic profile. The WS Dash, while promising a bright and clacky sound, leaves its feel somewhat unknown. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and tactile experience, as both are capable of delivering enjoyable typing results albeit in slightly different auditory and tactile dimensions.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing needs and preferences. If you're looking for an affordable, smooth, and low-noise option that offers a satisfying thocky sound profile, the Milky Red Pro is an excellent choice. With its buttery feel and medium-light bottom-out force of 52 grams, it’s perfect for both casual typing and gaming, providing you a delightful experience without breaking the bank. On the other hand, if you desire a refined touch and a brighter, clackier acoustics that comes with the innovative hall effect technology, the WS Dash is ideal. With a slightly firmer bottom-out force of 55 grams, these switches can provide a more responsive feel, setting them apart in performance for those who prioritize a tactile, engaging keyboard experience. Ultimately, your decision will reflect your own typing style—whether you prefer the affordable smoothness of the Gateron Milky Red Pro or the advanced design and sound of the WS Dash.
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