Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Bsun Olive offer distinct typing experiences. The Milky Yellow Pro is a linear switch known for its smoothness and low-pitched "thocky" sound, making it a versatile option for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive is a tactile switch that features a deep, resonant sound and pronounced tactile feedback for a satisfying typing experience. While the Milky Yellow Pro excels in all-purpose use, the Olive stands out for its invigorating feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Bsun Olive both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Milky Yellow Pro's nylon top housing provides a deep and full sound, thanks to its softness that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Olive's POM top housing offers a pleasing and muted sound profile that leans towards the deeper end. While both switches have distinct sound characteristics, they each provide a satisfying typing experience with their top housing materials.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Bsun Olive continue to offer differences in sound profiles. The Milky Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, similar to its top housing. Conversely, the Olive's POM bottom housing creates a more muted and deep sound profile, offering a different typing experience compared to the Milky Yellow Pro. These differences in bottom housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of the switches when typing.
Overall, while the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Bsun Olive have differences in their housing materials, they both offer unique and satisfying typing experiences. The nylon and POM housing materials in each switch provide distinct sound profiles, with the Milky Yellow Pro leaning towards a deeper and fuller sound while the Olive offers a more muted and pleasing sound. Whether it's the top or bottom housing, the material used can significantly impact the overall typing feel and sound of the switch, giving users a variety of options to choose from based on their preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch show some differences worth noting. The Milky Yellow Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Olive's 45 grams, making it slightly heavier. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Olive requires 65 grams, which is heavier than the Milky Yellow Pro's 62 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a balance between a light touch for extended typing sessions and a more solid feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Overall, the Milky Yellow Pro may feel slightly lighter due to its lower actuation force, while the Olive offers a slightly heavier typing experience with its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Bsun Olive has a shorter travel distance compared to the Milky Yellow Pro. The Milky Yellow Pro falls into the more traditional range of travel distances, while the Olive offers a shallower feel. Gamers may prefer the Olive switch for its faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, while others may prefer the Milky Yellow Pro for its deeper travel distance and more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of desired responsiveness and key 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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 characterized by its deep, bassy, and low-pitched tones, resulting in a satisfying thocky sound during key presses. On the other hand, the BSUN Olive switch offers a resonant and deep sound profile due to its unique design and all-POM housing materials. The Milky Yellow Pro leans towards a smoother and more mellow sound profile, while the Olive provides a distinct and rich auditory experience that stands out.
In terms of feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch is known for its buttery and textured typing sensation, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with some noticeable friction. In contrast, the BSUN Olive switch provides an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback with a prominent tactile bump, creating a snappy and reactive typing feel. The Olive switch falls into the category of accented switches, offering a balance between tactility and smoothness, while the Milky Yellow Pro caters to those who prefer a more uniform typing sensation.
Overall, while both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, they cater to different preferences. The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch excels in its smoothness and all-purpose usability, with a focus on a satisfying thocky sound and buttery feel. On the other hand, the BSUN Olive tactile switch stands out for its deep and resonant sound profile, coupled with a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback during typing. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct experiences that are sure to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when selecting between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a smooth and consistent typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Milky Yellow Pro is an excellent choice for all-purpose use in both gaming and typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a noticeable feedback and a deeper, resonant sound, the Olive switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force may be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the type of tactile feedback and sound profile you prefer.
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