Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Jade both offer unique qualities to consider. The Milky Red Pro is favored for its smooth and budget-friendly linear switches, providing a buttery keystroke sensation and a pleasing low-pitched "thock" sound. On the other hand, the WS Jade stands out with its metallic insert in the stem base, creating a bright and resonant sound profile, as well as a captivating RGB display. While the Milky Red Pro leans towards a smoother and bassier typing experience, the WS Jade offers a clacky and marbly 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
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Jade both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3) utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that may be appealing to some users. On the other hand, the WS Jade utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housing, which creates a more muted and deeper sound profile. This difference in housing materials can result in a noticeable variation in sound when typing on the switches.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Jade offer a unique typing experience that can cater to different preferences. The nylon top housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) contributes to a deeper sound profile, while the POM top housing of the WS Jade creates a quieter and more muted sound. In terms of the bottom housing, both switches use the same material - either nylon or POM - which can impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. This means that while the sound profile may differ between the switches due to the top housing material, the typing feel may be more similar due to the shared bottom housing material.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Jade may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. The nylon housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a softer and rounder sound, while the POM housing of the WS Jade delivers a more muted and deep sound. Both switches provide a unique typing experience that can cater to different preferences, making them suitable options for users looking for distinct sound profiles and typing feels in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force with the Milky Red Pro at 52 grams and the WS Jade at 60 grams, making them both medium in terms of typing resistance. The Milky Red Pro may be preferred for those who enjoy a lighter typing experience, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming, while the WS Jade offers a slightly heavier push feel for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference for typing force.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, we see that the Milky Red Pro has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Milky Red Pro sticks to the traditional 4.0mm distance, offering a deeper key press, while the WS Jade provides a shallower 3.6mm distance for a quicker response time favored by gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prioritize a deeper key press for a more satisfying feel, or a shorter distance for faster response times. Both switches have their own strengths, and depending on your needs and preferences, you will achieve similar satisfactory results with either one.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is known for producing a pleasing, low-pitched "thock" sound profile that is characterized as bassy and thocky, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch features a bright metallic and resonant sound thanks to its unique design with a metallic stem insert and light diffuser, creating a clacky and marbly sound profile. When it comes to feel, the Milky Red Pro switch is described as providing a buttery typing experience, while the WS Jade switch offers a silky and creamy feel, enhancing smoothness and minimizing resistance. Overall, if you prefer a deeper and richer sound with smoother keystrokes, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer an immersive and sharp sound profile paired with a smooth and silky typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Jade switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in typing experience. If you prefer a budget-friendly option with a smooth and buttery keystroke and a low-pitched "thock" sound, then the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) might be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch with a unique metallic insert for a bright and resonant sound profile, along with a rock-solid bottom-out feel, then the WS Jade could be the ideal fit for your needs. Consider the sound and feel descriptors provided to further guide your decision and choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, so make sure to consider your desired typing experience before making a decision.