Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream are both linear switches, designed to provide a smooth typing and gaming experience. The Milky Yellow Pro is known for its budget-friendly price point and versatile performance. With its low, "thocky" sound and satisfyingly thick resistance, it excels in both gaming and typing, making it an ideal all-purpose switch. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream offers a heftier typing experience, with a deeper sound profile that adds a touch of depth to your keystrokes. While both switches share characteristics such as being buttery, low-pitched, and textured, the Cream also adds a resonant and invigorating feel to your typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The main difference between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream lies in their housing materials. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, while the NovelKeys Cream features a POM top and bottom housing. The nylon housing of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This produces a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the POM housing of the NovelKeys Cream creates a unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper end, while also being relatively more muted.
While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, they both contain similarities when it comes to their housing materials. Both the nylon housing of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the POM housing of the NovelKeys Cream contribute to a deeper sound profile. However, the Nylon housing of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the POM housing of the NovelKeys Cream creates a relatively more muted sound. Therefore, despite these differences, both switches offer a deeper tonality to enhance the overall typing experience.
In terms of their impact on the typing experience, the housing materials of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the NovelKeys Cream play a significant role. When using the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), the bottom housing, made of nylon, influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Given its softer plastic, it provides a deeper and fuller sound when the keys are pressed down. Conversely, the top housing, regardless of the material, has a greater impact on the sound when releasing the key. Similarly, in the NovelKeys Cream, the POM bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, resulting in a deep and pleasing typing experience, while the top housing adds its own touch to the sound released upon key release. Overall, the choice of housing material greatly influences the overall sound and feel of the switch during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Milky Yellow Pro has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, while the NovelKeys Cream requires slightly more at 55 grams. This means that the Milky Yellow Pro may provide a slightly faster and more sensitive key response. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Milky Yellow Pro has a force of 62 grams, whereas the NovelKeys Cream is heavier at 70 grams. This indicates that the NovelKeys Cream offers a more substantial and tactile typing experience, requiring a stronger push to fully engage the key.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Milky Yellow Pro with its lower actuation force and bottom out force may be the ideal choice. It allows for prolonged typing sessions without causing much fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more forceful and satisfying keystroke may opt for the NovelKeys Cream, as its higher actuation force and bottom out force provide a more solid and pronounced tactile feedback. Both options are in the medium to medium-heavy range, but the Milky Yellow Pro leans towards the lighter side, whereas the NovelKeys Cream is slightly heavier. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference and what kind of typing experience one desires.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same feeling and travel distance. Therefore, both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance your fingers will need to press down on the keys.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
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) switch is best described as bassy, low-pitched, and thocky. With a deeper and richer sound profile resembling the depth and richness of bass tones, these switches offer a satisfyingly low frequency range. The NovelKeys Cream switch, on the other hand, has a low-pitched and resonant sound profile. While still bass-heavy and mellow, the Cream switch provides a clean and sharp auditory experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both switches are described as buttery and textured. A buttery switch offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Both the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Cream switch embody this quality. Additionally, textured switches have noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer a subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. Both switches provide this texture, ensuring a range of user preferences are catered to.
In conclusion, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches have distinct sound and feel qualities. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offers a bassy and thocky sound, while the Cream switch provides a low-pitched and resonant sound. Both switches deliver a buttery and textured feel, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. It is important to consider individual preferences and the overall setup of the keyboard when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a classic budget switch that offers smoothness and a satisfyingly thick resistance, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is the one for you. With its low, "thocky" sound and all-purpose functionality, it's a popular choice among budget enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prefer a heftier linear typing experience with a fairly deep sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is worth considering. It offers a lower-pitched sound and an immersive auditory experience, making it ideal for those who want a clean and sharp typing sensation. Both switches provide a buttery feel, ensuring a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream depends on your personal preferences in terms of sound and typing feel.
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