Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) with the Gateron Mountain Top mechanical keyboard switches, we see two distinct options catering to different preferences. The Milky Yellow Pro is praised for its classic budget-friendly linear switch design, offering smoothness and a satisfyingly thick resistance that excels in both gaming and typing scenarios. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switches are tailored for office environments, providing a quiet yet tactile typing experience ideal for professional settings. While the Milky Yellow Pro boasts a 'bassy' and 'thocky' feel, the Mountain Top switches offer a 'bouncy' and 'subtle' typing experience. Each switch serves a specific purpose, appealing to different user preferences. 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
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 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 double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Gateron Mountain Top utilize nylon as the material for their top and bottom housings. This classic switch housing material is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both switches offer a duller and rounder sound experience compared to switches made from other materials such as polycarbonate or POM.
Despite both switches sharing the same material for their housing, there may still be subtle differences in the typing experience between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Gateron Mountain Top. The bottom housing of a switch typically has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. These nuanced differences could potentially result in a slightly varied tactile feedback and acoustics between the two switches, even though they share the same nylon material for their housings.
Ultimately, while the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Gateron Mountain Top both offer a similar sound profile and typing experience due to their shared nylon housing material, individual preferences may still come into play. Some users may prefer the sound profile produced by one switch over the other based on the specific nuances influenced by the top and bottom housing designs. Therefore, despite the similarities in material, there may still be enough subtle variations to cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound.
Weight
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Milky Yellow Pro requires 62 grams, while the Mountain Top only needs 50 grams. This makes the Mountain Top switch lighter overall in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience and want to reduce the risk of fatigue during long typing sessions or gaming marathons, the Mountain Top switch might be the better choice. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro switch may appeal to users who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback while typing. Both switches provide a smooth linear feel, but the slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces offer users the option to choose a switch that best fits their personal preference for typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Mountain Top switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Milky Yellow Pro. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Milky Yellow Pro is more traditional, while the 3.4mm of the Mountain Top is shallower. Gamers may prefer the Mountain Top switch for its faster response times due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial press may opt for the Milky Yellow Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
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 Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is characterized by a deep and rich bassy tone, with a low-pitched thocky sound that provides a satisfying auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, which is more subdued and suitable for quiet office environments. While the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offers a more pronounced and bass-heavy sound, the Mountain Top provides a more gentle and unobtrusive typing experience, making it ideal for professional settings where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum.
In terms of feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch is known for its buttery and smooth keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, with a mild and subtle resistance that enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue. While the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch emphasizes a textured and friction-free typing experience, the Mountain Top switch focuses on a more responsive and low-impact typing feel, perfect for prolonged typing sessions in office environments.
Overall, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch excels in providing a deep, thocky sound profile and a buttery smooth keystroke experience, making it a versatile option for both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a neutral sound profile and a bouncy, easy-to-press feel, catering specifically to quiet office environments where discreet typing is essential. Depending on your personal preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the switches, you can achieve similar levels of satisfaction with either option, as they each excel in different aspects of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider your priorities in terms of typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a medium bottom out force, opt for the Milky Yellow Pro. On the other hand, if you require a light actuation force and prioritize a quiet typing experience suitable for professional settings, the Mountain Top would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and environments, so make sure to select the one that aligns best with your needs.
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