Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Cherry MX Black are two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features for different typing preferences. The Milky Yellow Pro is known for its smooth and buttery feel, producing a low-pitched and textured sound that is both satisfying and immersive. This switch is highly versatile, excelling in both gaming and typing scenarios, which makes it a go-to choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts. On the other hand, Cherry MX Black switches have been further perfected by Cherry with their Hyperglide tooling, resulting in a classic yet textured smoothness that typing enthusiasts will appreciate. These switches offer a deep sound profile that adds depth to the typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Cherry MX Black switches utilize nylon as their housing material. This commonality means that they share several characteristics in terms of sound profile and feel. As nylon is a softer plastic, it has the ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. Consequently, both switches produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more muffled and rounder sound during typing.
However, one should note that the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro and the Cherry MX Black switches may still have some differences in terms of their switch housing. If there are variations in the top and bottom housing materials, the qualities brought by each housing will be distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key.
Despite these potential differences, the overarching qualities of nylon as a switch housing material still remain consistent. Both switches will provide a similar typing experience due to the inherent properties of nylon. The softened plastic absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound profile that is known to be characteristic of this material. Therefore, regardless of the specific switch, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound when typing on nylon-housed switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it becomes evident that they offer different weight options for users. The Milky Yellow Pro has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls into the medium category. In contrast, the MX Black switch is heavier, with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, categorizing it as heavy.
For those seeking a lighter typing experience, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro switch would be a suitable choice as its lower actuation force allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This makes it ideal for individuals who bring their keyboard to work or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch is designed for users who prefer a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience. Its heavier forces require slightly more effort, appealing to individuals who appreciate a pronounced tactile feedback when typing.
It is worth mentioning that even though the Milky Yellow Pro switch is lighter than the MX Black switch, both switches can still deliver satisfying results in their respective weight categories. Each switch serves different typing preferences and offers a unique typing experience for users. Whether opting for a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force, individuals can choose the switch that best aligns with their personal preferences and desired typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, both switches provide similar results, ensuring a consistent typing experience.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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) offers a unique combination of qualities. These switches are best described as bassy, low-pitched, and thocky. The deep and rich sound profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones, adds a satisfying element to every key press. The lower frequency range contributes to a more mellow tone. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switches also have a low-pitched sound profile. While the sound is not specifically described, it is safe to assume that these switches offer a similar bass-heavy and mellow tone. Overall, both switches provide a pleasing auditory experience, with the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) emphasizing a deeper, thocky sound.
In terms of feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) provides a buttery and seamless keystroke experience. These key switches are incredibly smooth and fluid in their operation, offering a uniform typing sensation. Additionally, there is no mention of any noticeable friction or texture. On the contrary, the MX Black switches have a textured feel. This implies the presence of noticeable friction when pressing the keys. While some users prefer this subtle texture, others may prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. Moreover, the MX Black switches are also described as stiff, requiring more force to actuate and/or bottom-out compared to other switches. This can be a factor to consider if you prefer a more resistant typing feel.
Taking all available information into account, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Cherry MX Black switches offer distinct qualities. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is known for its smoothness, low-pitched and thocky sound, and buttery feel. It is a budget-friendly switch that excels in both gaming and typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switches, with their new Hyperglide tooling, offer a classic textured smoothness and low-pitched sound profile. While the exact sound profile and typing feel of the MX Black switches are not fully described, it can be assumed that they offer similar qualities to the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) but with a slight emphasis on texture and increased stiffness. Ultimately, both switches are suitable for various use cases, and the choice between them depends on personal preference regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a classic budget switch that excels in both gaming and typing, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is the perfect choice for you. With its smoothness, low "thocky" sound, and satisfying resistance, it offers a buttery goodness that is highly sought after by budget enthusiasts. Additionally, its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams provides a comfortable typing experience without requiring excessive force.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more textured and stiff switch, the Cherry MX Black linear switch with its heavy bottom-out force of 80 grams might be more to your liking. Known for their iconic status and deep sound profile, these switches offer a familiar typing experience with the added benefit of Cherry's Hyperglide tooling.
Ultimately, your decision between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Cherry MX Black will depend on your personal preferences. If you value smoothness, lower bottom-out force, and an all-purpose switch, the Milky Yellow Pro is the way to go. However, if you prefer a textured and stiff switch with a heavier bottom-out force, the MX Black is a solid choice. Consider the sound and feel characteristics described to determine which switch aligns best with your desired typing experience.
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