Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the SP-Star Yanyu mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Milky Red Pro offers a budget-friendly option for those seeking a smooth and satisfying typing experience with its buttery keystrokes and low-pitched "thock" sound. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches cater to individuals looking for a more delicate typing experience, particularly for extended periods. Known for its crisp sound profile, the Yanyu switch provides a subtle and polished feel to each keystroke. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the SP-Star Yanyu both feature nylon top housing materials, but they offer different sound profiles. The Milky Red Pro's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Yanyu's top housing, which is a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, offers a brighter sound profile that is still pleasant to the ears. This contrast in sound profiles makes each switch unique in its own right.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both switches also use nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the Milky Red Pro's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound, the Yanyu's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE offers a slightly brighter sound profile that is still pleasant. Despite both switches using nylon for their bottom housings, the unique blend in the Yanyu switch sets it apart from the Milky Red Pro in terms of sound characteristics.
When considering how the top and bottom housings impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, it is important to note that each housing material brings distinct qualities to the typing experience. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. While the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the SP-Star Yanyu may have similar housing materials, the unique blends and compositions of these materials give each switch its own sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Yanyu is lighter at 43 grams, while the Milky Red Pro requires 52 grams to bottom out. This makes the Yanyu switch more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the Milky Red Pro offers a slightly heavier feel. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, but the slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces can cater to different preferences for typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switches have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Users can expect consistent results in terms of key press feel and actuation point with both switches. As a result, whether you choose the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) or the Yanyu switch, you can expect a similar typing experience in terms of 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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 best known for its bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses with a satisfying thud-like sound. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is described as having a neutral and thocky sound profile, providing a moderate actuation force requirement and a deep, rich sound. Ultimately, both switches offer a pleasing auditory experience, but the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) leans towards a bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the Yanyu offers a more balanced sound suitable for various typing scenarios.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is best known for its buttery smooth keystrokes, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The SP-Star Yanyu, on the other hand, is described as offering a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience, with gentle resistance, light actuation force, and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, but the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) emphasizes a smooth and fluid keystroke, while the Yanyu focuses on a light and gentle typing feel with reduced finger fatigue.
Overall, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities tailored to different preferences. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3) excels in providing a bass-heavy sound profile with a buttery typing experience, while the Yanyu offers a more balanced sound with a light and gentle typing feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience with their distinct characteristics. If you're looking for a similar typing experience in terms of sound or feel, choosing either switch will still result in a smooth and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, you would want to choose the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch if you are looking for a medium-light bottom out force and a smooth, buttery typing experience with a low-pitched "thock" sound. These switches are affordable and provide a satisfying typing feel. On the other hand, you would want to choose the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more delicate typing experience, especially for long typing sessions. The Yanyu switches offer a crisp sound profile and a variety of qualities like a feathery feel and subtle sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force.
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