Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and PH Studio Yoel both offer unique typing experiences. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is praised for its smooth and budget-friendly linear switches that provide a buttery keystroke feel accompanied by a low-pitched "thock" sound. On the other hand, the Yoel, manufactured by BSUN, offers a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile that is satisfying and pronounced. While the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) leans towards a buttery and bassy feel, the Yoel provides a creamy and polished sensation with a hint of marbly resonance. 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
53g
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
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the PH Studio Yoel, it is evident that they offer distinct sound profiles due to the differences in materials used. The Milky Red Pro's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile characterized by a duller and rounder sound, thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Yoel's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer properties that allow for a more clear and resonant sound. This contrast demonstrates how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Milky Red Pro's nylon bottom housing mirrors the characteristics of its top housing, offering a similar deep and full sound profile that creates a rounder sound due to the softer nature of nylon. In contrast, the Yoel's POM bottom housing brings a unique and pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper side, providing a more muted sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. This difference in sound profiles between the two switches showcases how the choice of bottom housing material can also play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience for users.
While the housing materials of the Milky Red Pro and Yoel switches offer distinct sound profiles, it is important to note that the impact of these materials on the typing experience can be felt differently depending on whether they are used in the top or bottom housing. The bottom housing tends to have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Despite their differences, both switches provide a unique typing experience based on the combination of materials used in their housing, showing that the choice of housing material plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile and feel of a mechanical switch.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces differ slightly. The Milky Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Yoel's 53 grams, making it more sensitive to keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Milky Red Pro requires 52 grams while the Yoel needs 60 grams, indicating that the Yoel is heavier overall in this aspect. Both switches fall into the medium-light and medium categories respectively, offering a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences, users may opt for the Milky Red Pro for a lighter typing experience conducive to longer sessions, or choose the Yoel for a more substantial and tactile feel during typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired level of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is evident that the Milky Red Pro has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Yoel's 3.2 mm. The Milky Red Pro offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Yoel provides a shallower experience. Gamers may opt for the Yoel for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Milky Red Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance 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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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 sound profile, offering a deep and satisfying tone with a low-pitched resonance during key presses. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is characterized by a clacky and high-pitched sound, providing a bright and crisp auditory experience with a resonant quality when keys reach their bottom-out point. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Milky Red Pro leaning more towards a bass-heavy, mellow tone while the Yoel delivers a sharper, more percussive sound. The choice between the two would ultimately depend on personal preferences for sound characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless, effortless, and uniform. In comparison, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is known for providing a creamy, polished, and silky typing sensation, with a smooth and buttery feel that enhances the overall typing experience. Both switches prioritize smoothness and ease of typing, with slight variations in the specific feel they offer. Ultimately, the decision between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of the tactile experience desired.
In conclusion, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Milky Red Pro provides a bassy and thocky sound with a buttery feel, while the Yoel delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a creamy, polished, and silky feel. Both switches excel in providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience, with the differences lying in the specific sound and feel characteristics each switch offers. Depending on whether one prefers a deeper, bass-heavy sound or a brighter, crisper sound, and a smoother, buttery feel or a polished, silky feel, the choice between the two switches will ultimately be a matter of personal preference.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the PH Studio Yoel linear switches, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you value a smooth and affordable typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, opt for the Milky Red Pro (KS-3). This switch is known for its buttery keystrokes and low-pitched "thock" sound, making it perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly higher bottom out force and a bright, clacky sound profile, the Yoel may be the better choice for you. With a chewy typing experience and a resonant sound upon bottoming out, the Yoel offers a unique typing sensation that is both satisfying and pronounced. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize smoothness and affordability or a more tactile and resonant typing experience.
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