Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy contenders are the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), both linear switches offering distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Milky Red Pro is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and budget-friendly price, providing an immersive typing experience marked by a pleasing, low-pitched "thock" sound, making it an excellent option for users seeking a soft yet satisfying key feel. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch stands out with its unique PA12 top housing, which produces softer acoustics and a POM stem that delivers a sharper, higher-pitched resonance. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate precise performance and a touch of sophistication in their typing experience. While the Milky Red Pro excels in its buttery smoothness and bassy character, the Xinhai (Heavy) brings a distinctive resonance that some might prefer for clarity and tactile feedback. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
When examining the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), one notable similarity is their use of nylon for both top and bottom housings. Nylon is recognized as a classic material for switch housings, and both switches leverage its properties to enhance sound quality during typing. Specifically, the nylon composition allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a typing experience that is enriched by the material's ability to absorb sound. This absorption occurs because nylon is inherently softer than harder plastics, which leads to a rounder and more pleasant auditory experience when engaging with the switches.
Despite both switches employing nylon, the absence of other material variations means that the overall characteristics of the typing experience remain largely consistent. Given that both the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Xinhai (Heavy) utilize nylon for both top and bottom housings, users can expect similar performance in terms of sound and feel. When a user presses down on either switch, the impact from the bottom housing will be noticeable, while the top housing will contribute to the sound upon releasing the key. Therefore, even with the different brand identities, both types of switches can deliver a uniformly satisfying typing experience.
However, it is essential to recognize the effect of the housing shapes and designs, which may lead to variations in feedback and sound despite the common material. While both switches utilize nylon, minute differences in the design can influence how the sound is projected and the tactile feedback experienced during use. Consequently, users might detect subtle distinctions in performance, even if the fundamental attributes provided by the nylon material remain constant. Overall, the similarities in housing materials foster a cohesive foundation, yet the individual designs could yield unique experiences reflective of their respective engineering nuances.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch with the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Milky Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch, ideal for extended typing sessions and gaming marathons without fatigue. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, catering to those who favor a more substantial feel when typing. This heavier resistance can provide a satisfying feedback for users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke. Consequently, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is the lighter option, promoting easier keystrokes, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is the heavier choice, delivering a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the Milky Red Pro features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Milky Red Pro offers a more traditional feel, often preferred by users seeking a hearty depth in their keypresses, whereas the shorter travel distance of the Xinhai (Heavy) caters to those who favor quicker response times, making it potentially better suited for gamers. If both switches were to indicate the same travel distance, users would likely experience comparable feedback and response. However, in this case, the Milky Red Pro stands out as the longer switch, while the HMX Xinhai is the shorter one, reflecting the varying preferences of users for either depth or responsiveness in their typing 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 (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch stands out with its characteristic low-pitched, thocky acoustics that deliver a bass-rich auditory experience during keystrokes. This switch produces a satisfying deep "thud" or soft "knock" that can enhance the keystroke experience, making it pleasing to many users who enjoy a resonant feedback while typing. In contrast, the sound profile of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is less defined in terms of specifics, although its PA12 top housing suggests it might generate a softer acoustic profile. Without explicit descriptors available for the Xinhai (Heavy), it's hard to provide a direct comparison, but it likely offers a different auditory experience altogether—perhaps more refined yet lacking the deep resonance of the Milky Red Pro.
Regarding feel, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is renowned for its buttery smooth keystrokes that create an effortlessly fluid typing experience. This smoothness is ideal for both typists and gamers who value quick, unencumbered acts of key presses. In contrast, the feel of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is not specified, leaving some ambiguity regarding the tactile sensation it provides. While the weight of the switch hints at a potential for a heavier, more deliberate press, specific descriptors about its smoothness or tactile feedback are absent, making it challenging to evaluate in direct comparison to the Milky Red Pro.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) excels in offering a rich, thocky sound profile and a buttery smooth typing experience, the lack of detailed information about the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch leaves some qualities unknown in comparison. If you appreciate a smooth and bassy sound while typing, the Milky Red Pro is clearly a strong option. However, if you are curious about the different auditory and tactile sensations provided by the Xinhai (Heavy), further exploration and user feedback will be necessary to gauge its performance fully. Ultimately, both switches cater to distinct preferences, and your choice will depend on whether you favor richer acoustic depth and smooth motion or the intrigue of a potentially different tactile response.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a smooth and lightweight typing experience with a soft, deep thock sound, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is an excellent choice for you, especially if you are budget-conscious or looking for a switch that allows for comfortable, prolonged typing sessions. The low bottom-out force of 52 grams together with its buttery feel makes it especially suitable for fast typists or gamers who rely on swift key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a heftier keying experience with a more pronounced sound profile, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch, with its 62.5 grams bottom-out force, might be more appealing. This switch offers a sturdier feel, combined with the crisp, higher-pitched resonance thanks to its POM stem, making it great for precision tasks and a more deliberate typing style. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing habits, whether you lean towards the smooth fluidity of the Milky Red Pro or the robust performance of the Xinhai (Heavy).
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