Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Xinhai mechanical keyboard switches, both offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Milky Red Pro is celebrated for its smooth and affordable typing experience, featuring buttery keystrokes and a low-pitched "thock" sound. On the other hand, the Xinhai is known for its unique construction with a PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. While the Milky Red Pro exudes a buttery and bassy feel, the Xinhai offers a bouncy and clacky sensation. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The key difference between the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Xinhai lies in the type of plastic used. The Milky Red Pro features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Xinhai utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials have their unique qualities, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate will ultimately depend on the sound profile that the user prefers.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon material. This means that when typing on either switch, users can expect a similarly deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of the bottom housing, users can expect similar results in terms of sound when using either the Milky Red Pro or the Xinhai.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Xinhai comes down to personal preference in sound profile. Those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound may lean towards the Milky Red Pro with its nylon top and bottom housing. On the other hand, users who prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile may find the Xinhai with its polycarbonate top housing more to their liking. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch to the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is clear that the Xinhai is the lighter option with an actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Milky Red Pro's 45 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Xinhai is lighter at 45 grams compared to the Milky Red Pro's 52 grams. This means that the Xinhai provides a lighter typing experience overall. The actuation force is essential for triggering keystrokes, while the bottom out force measures the amount of force needed to press the key all the way down. Both switches offer different levels of tactility, with the Milky Red Pro being medium-light and the Xinhai being light. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer than the 3.4 mm travel distance of the HMX Xinhai linear switch. The Milky Red Pro offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Xinhai provides a shallower travel distance preferred by gamers for faster response times. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Xinhai, while those who enjoy a deeper press may prefer the Milky Red Pro. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming 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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is known for its bassy and thocky profile, providing a deep and satisfying low-pitched sound during key presses. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a unique clacky sound, characterized by a sharp and snappy quality. Depending on personal preference, the Milky Red Pro switch may be more appealing for those who enjoy a deeper and richer sound, while the Xinhai switch may cater to individuals seeking a crisp and percussive tone.
When it comes to feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a bouncy sensation with a lively feel that provides rebound when pressed, along with a creamy typing experience that feels silky and allows fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. Depending on user preference, the buttery sensation of the Milky Red Pro switch may be favored for its uniformity and smoothness, while the bouncy and creamy feel of the Xinhai switch may be preferred for its spring-like feedback and ease of typing.
Overall, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. The Milky Red Pro switch provides a bassy and thocky sound with a buttery typing experience, while the Xinhai switch offers a clacky sound with a bouncy and creamy feel. Depending on whether you prefer a deeper, richer sound or a sharp, snappy tone, as well as a smooth, uniform feel or a spring-like rebound, you can select the switch that best suits your typing preferences for a satisfying and engaging typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, you should consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel that best suits your preferences and needs. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a smooth and buttery typing experience paired with a low-pitched "thock" sound, then the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a unique acoustics profile that is crisp and bright, the Xinhai switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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