Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When navigating the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can profoundly influence your typing and gaming experience. On one hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) stands out as a quintessential budget switch that delivers a harmonious blend of smoothness and “thocky” resonance. Known for its satisfyingly thick resistance, it proves highly versatile, making it suitable for both gamers and writers alike. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea switches offer an impeccably smooth typing feel coupled with a neutral sound signature, appealing to those who prefer a more understated auditory experience. While the Milky Yellow Pro is celebrated for its rich, bassy texture, the Orange Sea is lauded for its refined simplicity. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and use cases; 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
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Haimu Orange Sea, a distinct contrast arises between their top housings. The Milky Yellow Pro utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material known for producing a deeper and more full-bodied sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This quality helps to absorb some sound, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea employs a polycarbonate top housing, which, being a stiffer material, generates a sharper and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances its appeal, especially for those interested in RGB lighting, as the clear housing allows for better light diffusion. Thus, the key difference lies in the auditory characteristics produced by these two materials, influencing the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, both the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Haimu Orange Sea feature nylon as their bottom housing material. This shared characteristic results in a similar sound profile for both switches when typing, as nylon's soft nature is inherently responsible for creating a deeper and fuller sound while absorbing vibrations. Therefore, while their top housings diverge in terms of sound and aesthetic implications, the nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent auditory experience upon bottoming out for both switches. In essence, users will notice a harmonious blend of deeper sounds from the bottom housing in both switches, uniting them through this shared material.
Ultimately, the difference in the top housings means that users will experience a dynamic typing sensation that varies depending on the switch chosen. The polycarbonate top of the Haimu Orange Sea complements its rapid and clear auditory feedback, making it suitable for those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke sound and are likely to enjoy vibrant RGB lighting. Conversely, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offers a more muted sound from its nylon top housing, favoring a tactile and softer typing experience. Yet, both options provide a fulfilling experience due to their nylon bottom housings, which maintain that satisfying depth of sound upon keypress.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Milky Yellow Pro has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea is lighter, with an actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This lower force allows for easier keystrokes, making it an ideal choice for long typing sessions or gaming, where less resistance can reduce finger fatigue. Overall, the Milky Yellow Pro provides a firmer feel, while the Orange Sea offers a lower resistance option, catering to different preferences in typing dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, it is clear that the Milky Yellow Pro, with a travel distance of 4 mm, offers a more traditional and deeper feel. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who prefer quicker key presses, such as gamers who value responsiveness and speed. The difference in travel distances means that users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience might gravitate towards the Milky Yellow Pro, while those seeking a snappier action may opt for the Orange Sea. Overall, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro provides the longer travel distance, making it suitable for those who enjoy a fuller key press, whereas the Haimu Orange Sea serves those looking for faster response times with its shorter distance.
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 Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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) delivers a low, thocky profile that is characterized by a bassy tone and a low pitch. This sound contributes to a satisfying auditory experience during both gaming and typing, as it resembles a deep, resonant "thud" with every key press. The combination of a rich sound profile and a degree of depth makes these switches particularly enjoyable for users who appreciate a fuller auditory feedback. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches do not have a specified sound profile detailed in the available information, leaving us without any clear guidance on their auditory characteristics.
Regarding feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is known for its buttery smoothness, providing a fluid keystroke that enhances the typing experience. This switch is designed to offer a seamless sensation with minimal friction, allowing for swift and effortless typing, which is particularly valued by many users. Additionally, while it may have some texture, it generally moves towards a smoother experience as opposed to a more tactile one. On the other hand, the tactile qualities of the Haimu Orange Sea switches remain unspecified, leaving it unclear how they may compare in terms of typing feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) stands out with its rich, low-pitched sound and buttery smooth typing feel, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users looking for an all-rounder switch. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea's auditory and tactile qualities are not detailed, creating uncertainty for newcomers considering which switch might best suit their preferences. However, if you're drawn to a satisfying sound and smooth keystroke, the Milky Yellow Pro would likely provide a more predictable experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Haimu Orange Sea switches, consider the type of experience you’re looking for. If you prefer a more robust, tactile feel with a satisfying thocky sound, the Milky Yellow Pro is your best choice. With its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, it strikes a balance that is ideal for both gaming and typing, delivering a smooth yet substantial resistance that can enhance your overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter, more effortless keystroke with a neutral sound profile, the Haimu Orange Sea may be more suitable for your needs. With a bottom-out force of 45 grams, these switches provide a smooth typing experience that is less taxing on your fingers, making it a great option for those who type for extended periods or prefer a quicker key press. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value the tactile feedback and sound of the Milky Yellow Pro or the lightness and smoothness of the Orange Sea.
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