Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from. Two popular choices among enthusiasts are the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), a linear switch, and the Cherry MX Brown, a tactile switch. The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is known for its smoothness and buttery goodness, providing a satisfyingly thick resistance. It excels in both gaming and typing, making it a versatile and all-purpose switch. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown offers a more subtle typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. It provides a relatively light typing experience, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize a quieter switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Cherry MX Brown switches share similar housing materials, as both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This means that both switches will provide a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, thanks to the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon. The relatively softer nature of nylon compared to harder plastics creates a duller and rounder sound, resulting in a more satisfying typing experience. Whether it's the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) or the Cherry MX Brown, users can expect a similar sound profile and tactile feedback due to the shared nylon housing materials.
While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Cherry MX Brown are composed of the same nylon material, it's important to note that the qualities brought by each housing are divided. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when you release a key. Despite this slight difference, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their nylon housings, giving users a deep and full sound profile.
In terms of housing materials, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Cherry MX Brown switches are nearly identical. Using nylon for both their top and bottom housings, these switches showcase the classic choice of switch housing material. The use of nylon provides a pleasing deeper and fuller sound profile while typing, as the softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Consequently, both switches produce a rounder and duller sound, creating a more enjoyable typing experience. Therefore, whether you opt for the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) or the Cherry MX Brown, you can expect a similar outcome in terms of the housing materials' impact on 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 Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The Milky Yellow Pro requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the MX Brown requires a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches fall into the medium category in terms of actuation force.
In terms of bottom out force, the Milky Yellow Pro has a slightly higher force of 62 grams, indicating a more substantial typing experience when fully pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the MX Brown has a lower bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly lighter in comparison.
Weight plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience, as individuals may have varying preferences. Some users may prefer a lighter actuation force, as it allows them to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. This lighter weight is often desired for keyboards used in work environments or during extended gaming sessions.
However, there are also those who prefer a stronger push feel, as it provides a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, a heavier actuation force may be preferred. Although the MX Brown has a slightly lighter actuation force compared to the Milky Yellow Pro, both switches can still provide a similar typing experience due to their medium force range.
In summary, while the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, both switches fall within the medium category. This means that they can provide a similar typing experience, with the Milky Yellow Pro offering a slightly heavier feel when fully pressing down on the keys.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience the same distance traveled from top to bottom. As a result, the tactile feedback and typing experience provided by both switches will be similar, ensuring consistent performance regardless of the preference between the two options.
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 Brown 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, both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Cherry MX Brown switches have similar qualities. They are described as bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. Additionally, they are both characterized as low-pitched, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, you can expect similar results in terms of sound from both switches.
Moving on to feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is often described as buttery, which implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the MX Brown switches are described as textured, meaning they have noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer a subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. Therefore, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offers a smoother feel compared to the MX Brown switches.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch have distinct qualities. The Milky Yellow Pro excels in providing a low, "thocky" sound and a satisfyingly thick resistance, making it suitable for both gaming and typing. It is a budget-friendly switch that offers smoothness and buttery goodness, making it a popular choice among budget enthusiasts. On the other hand, the MX Brown switches offer a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. While they might not have the same level of smoothness as the Milky Yellow Pro, they are known for their subtlety. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific qualities one desires in their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a classic budget switch with a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is the switch for you. With a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a satisfyingly thick resistance that excels in both gaming and typing. Its low-pitched and thocky sound profile adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown is the switch to consider. With a slightly lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, it provides comfort during long typing sessions. Both switches have a similar textured feel, but the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) stands out with its buttery smooth keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile.
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