Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Mint. The Milky Yellow Pro is renowned for its smoothness and buttery goodness, delivering a low, "thocky" sound and a satisfyingly thick resistance. It excels in both gaming and typing, making it a versatile all-purpose switch, which is why budget enthusiasts often turn to it. On the other hand, the Mint offers a satisfyingly smooth typing experience, thanks to its long pole stem that produces a poppy thockiness. With a light and fleeting type feel, it provides a unique sensory experience. These switches may seem similar at a glance, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Mint have different materials used for their top housing. The Milky Yellow Pro features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Mint utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a clearer and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the Mint's clear polycarbonate top housing is particularly useful for showcasing RGB lighting.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches rely on nylon material. As with the top housing, nylon brings about a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a dull and round sound. Therefore, both the Milky Yellow Pro and the Mint will exhibit similar sound profiles in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more prominent, providing a consistent typing experience between the two switches.
In summary, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Mint differ in their top housing materials, with nylon and polycarbonate being used, respectively. This leads to variations in sound profiles, where the Milky Yellow Pro offers a deeper and fuller sound while the Mint provides a sharper and more resonant sound. However, since both switches share a nylon bottom housing, they will exhibit similar qualities in terms of bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, we can see that they both fall within the medium range. The actuation force of the Milky Yellow Pro is slightly heavier at 50 grams, whereas the Mint has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Similarly, when considering the bottom out force, the Milky Yellow Pro requires a force of 62 grams, whereas the Mint has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mint switch would be the better option as it has lower actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Milky Yellow Pro. This lighter weight allows for longer periods of typing without causing finger fatigue, making it suitable for extended use during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, for individuals who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing feel, the Milky Yellow Pro with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces may be more appealing. It provides a stronger push feel, which can enhance the typing experience and provide a satisfying tactile feedback.
In conclusion, while both switches fall within the medium range, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces compared to the KTT Mint. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences, with the Milky Yellow Pro offering a stronger push feel and the Mint providing a lighter typing experience for longer periods.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience a consistent 4 mm travel distance. Both switches provide a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance, ensuring a consistent and comfortable key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
The KTT Mint comes in at $2.91 per 10 switches.
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 Yellow Pro (KS-3) is characterized by a deep and rich bassy sound profile. The low-pitched thocky sound it produces during key presses gives a satisfying and mellow tone. On the other hand, the KTT Mint is known for its low-pitched sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone similar to the Milky Yellow Pro. Although the Mint is also described as having a neutral sound profile, meaning it has a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile suitable for various purposes. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Milky Yellow Pro provides a buttery and textured typing experience. The buttery feel implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, creating a seamless and effortless typing sensation. However, it is important to note that some users may perceive a subtle texture with these switches. On the other hand, the KTT Mint offers a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable for most users. It is described as having a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. Both switches provide a pleasant typing experience, with the Milky Yellow Pro being more textured and the Mint being more polished.
Overall, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Mint switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches produce a low-pitched sound with the Milky Yellow Pro having a more bassy and thocky tone. In terms of feel, the Milky Yellow Pro provides a buttery and slightly textured experience, while the Mint offers a mild and polished typing feel. Both switches are suitable for various purposes, making them versatile options for newcomers. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a classic budget switch that offers both smoothness and a satisfying typing experience, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is the way to go. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. These switches are versatile and excel in both gaming and typing scenarios, making them suitable for all-purpose usage. The Milky Yellow Pro is known for its low, "thocky" sound that offers a deep and rich auditory experience. Additionally, it provides a buttery and effortless typing feel, ensuring a seamless and uniform typing sensation.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, the KTT Mint linear switch is an excellent choice. These switches offer a satisfyingly smooth keystroke with a poppy thockiness, thanks to their long pole stem. The Mint switches have a low-pitched sound profile, delivering a bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses. In terms of feel, the Mint switches provide a mild and approachable typing experience that suits a wide range of users. They also have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Mint linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a classic budget switch with a versatile performance and a deep, thocky sound, go for the Milky Yellow Pro. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a poppy thockiness and a polished feel, the Mint switches are a great option. Both switches offer their unique benefits, so it's important to consider the sound, feel, and bottom out force that align with your typing preferences. Happy typing!
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