Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Yunhai each offer distinct advantages that cater to different preferences. The Milky Red Pro is celebrated for delivering a smooth and affordable typing experience, characterized by buttery keystrokes and a satisfying low-pitched “thock” sound, making it an appealing option for those who enjoy a more tactile audio feedback while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai distinguishes itself with its incredibly light actuation force and a deep, rounded sound profile, ideal for typists seeking a gentle and effortless keystroke experience. While both switches embody the linear design, which ensures a consistent key feel without tactile bumps, their unique sound characteristics and actuation forces set them apart. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Yunhai, it becomes evident that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This similarity indicates that both models are designed to deliver a comparable typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent properties of nylon, being a softer plastic, contribute to the overall acoustic performance by absorbing sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, users of both switches can expect a duller and rounder sound when typing, which can create a more satisfying auditory experience.
Furthermore, the impact of the nylon material is particularly pronounced during the typing experience. In both the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Yunhai switches, the nylon's absorbing qualities extend to both the top and bottom housings, meaning the sound produced when keying down and bottoming out will exhibit similar tonal characteristics. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the sound and feel when a key is pressed, this shared nylon composition ensures that both switches will produce comparable bottom-out sounds. The top housing will similarly shape the release sound, reinforcing the overall acoustic consistency between the two models.
In essence, despite potential differences in other areas like internal components or spring characteristics, the materials used for the top and bottom housings in both the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Yunhai lead to a shared auditory experience. The nylon's unique properties forge a common ground that enhances the switches' performance, allowing typists to enjoy a rich sound profile characterized by a pronounced fullness. Thus, if you're looking for a satisfying and consistent sound while typing, either switch is likely to deliver similar results due to their identical housing material composition.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces can be observed. The Milky Red Pro requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, qualifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai has a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as light. This means that for users who prefer a lighter key feel, the Yunhai may be more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the heavier Milky Red Pro. The differences in these forces suggest that while both switches are relatively light, the Yunhai provides an even easier keystroke, potentially making it more suitable for long-term use. Consequently, users will experience a slightly different tactile feel when using each switch, influencing their overall typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, they differ significantly in their measurements. The Milky Red Pro has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it ideal for those who appreciate a traditional depth and a more substantial keystroke experience. In contrast, the Yunhai switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, which caters to gamers or users seeking quicker response times while typing or gaming. The shorter travel distance of the Yunhai might feel more responsive to some users, but for others, it could seem too abrupt. Ultimately, if you prefer a deeper, more grounded keystroke, the Milky Red Pro is the better choice, while the Yunhai serves those who favor speed and responsiveness.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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) switches are celebrated for their rich auditory experience. Characterized by a deep, low-pitched “thock,” these switches deliver a bassy sound profile that closely resembles a soft thud or knock during keypresses. This creates a pleasing acoustic when typing, reminiscent of an elegant thump that punctuates each stroke. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the TTC Yunhai switches are not clearly defined based on available information, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. The overall sound experience will also heavily depend on the specific keyboard and keycap combinations used.
In terms of feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) shines through its buttery smooth keystrokes, which are designed to provide a seamless and uniform typing sensation. This effortless interaction allows typists to glide from key to key without any interruptions, enhancing overall comfort during extended typing sessions. Unfortunately, the tactile feel of the TTC Yunhai switches is not explicitly detailed, which leaves uncertainty regarding their typing experience.
In summary, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches offer a distinctive auditory and tactile experience characterized by deep sounds and buttery smoothness, the TTC Yunhai switches lack described qualities in these areas. If you prefer a typing experience defined by smoothness and satisfying sound, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) may be the more appealing choice at this time, whereas the Yunhai's experience remains unknown and warrants further investigation. If similar performance is ultimately sought, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) stands out as a safe and commendable option.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Yunhai linear switches depends largely on your personal typing preferences and use cases. If you value a smooth typing experience with a slightly higher bottom-out force, the Milky Red Pro is an excellent choice, especially if you appreciate the satisfying thocky sound and buttery feel that these switches provide. They are particularly well-suited for users who spend extensive hours typing and enjoy a richer auditory feedback, making them great for both gaming and work. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation with a more effortless touch, the TTC Yunhai switches would be more fitting for you. Their slightly lower bottom-out force means less effort is needed to register keystrokes, making them ideal for fast typists who enjoy a softer touch and quieter typing experience. In essence, if you’re looking for a smooth and bassy typing experience, go with the Milky Red Pro, whereas if you seek a light, gentle typing feel, the Yunhai is your best bet.
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