Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Neptune stand out as top contenders. The Milky Yellow Pro is favored for its classic budget-friendly design, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that is both ideal for gaming and everyday typing tasks. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune introduces an innovative internal structure that provides a unique texture and resistance, reminiscent of chewy treats like mochi. While the Milky Yellow Pro excels in all-purpose use and emits a satisfyingly low-pitched sound, the Neptune's ultralight design and muted sound signature create a refined typing atmosphere. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
41g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing qualities. In contrast, the TTC Neptune has a POM top housing that produces a unique and pleasing sound with a deeper tone and more muted quality. While both materials contribute to a rich sound experience, the nylon housing of the Milky Yellow Pro offers a duller and rounder sound compared to the Neptune's sharper and crisper sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Milky Yellow Pro uses a nylon material that, like its top housing counterpart, enhances the sound profile to be deeper and fuller. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune employs a polycarbonate bottom housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and more resonant sound profile. The polycarbonate material's stiffness contributes to a clearer sound quality, especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Despite their differences, both bottom housings play a crucial role in impacting the overall sound and feel of the switches.
In scenarios where a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's characteristics will influence the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. Although the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro and TTC Neptune utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom parts, they both offer unique and favorable sound profiles that cater to different preferences and typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch to the TTC Neptune linear switch, it is clear that the Neptune is the lighter option. The Milky Yellow Pro has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. In contrast, the Neptune has a lighter actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing. Both switches offer a responsive typing experience, but the Milky Yellow Pro might be more suitable for users who enjoy a slightly heavier keystroke, while the Neptune caters to those who prefer a lighter and smoother typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer than the TTC Neptune linear switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Milky Yellow Pro offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Neptune provides a slightly shorter distance. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Neptune with its shorter travel distance, as it allows for quick and precise keystrokes. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel may opt for the Milky Yellow Pro with its longer travel distance for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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) is known for its bassy, low-pitched, and thocky characteristics, offering a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune is described as having a low-pitched, muted, neutral, subdued, and thocky sound, providing a softer and quieter typing experience. While both switches share thocky qualities, the Milky Yellow Pro leans towards a richer sound with a bass-heavy tone, whereas the Neptune offers a more subtle and refined auditory ambiance. Ultimately, your choice of board and keycaps can influence the sound produced by each switch, but rest assured that both switches deliver pleasing acoustic feedback based on your preferences.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is characterized as buttery and textured, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with noticeable friction when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune is described as buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation with a unique, gummy-like feel when bottoming out. Both switches excel in delivering a smooth and refined typing experience, but the Milky Yellow Pro introduces a subtle texture, while the Neptune offers a distinct gummy sensation that sets it apart in the mechanical switch landscape. Whether you prefer a more textured feel or a frictionless glide, both switches cater to different tactile preferences, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and TTC Neptune linear switches each bring a unique set of subjective qualities to the table. While the Milky Yellow Pro is praised for its smoothness, buttery feel, and rich, thocky sound profile, the TTC Neptune stands out with its innovative structure, harmonious balance between smoothness and springy resistance, and muted, thocky sound signature. Whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both, these switches offer a diverse range of tactile and auditory experiences for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Rest assured, whichever switch you choose, you will achieve a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Neptune linear switches, your decision should be based on your preferences and typing style. If you value a medium bottom out force and a classic budget switch known for its smoothness and versatile performance in both gaming and typing scenarios, then the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a unique combination of a smooth glide and springy resistance, making each keystroke a textured pleasure, then the TTC Neptune linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. Consider the sound and feel descriptions of each switch to further narrow down your decision based on your desired typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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