Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Black mechanical keyboard switches, both of which are linear switches, there are significant differences to consider. The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is praised for its smoothness, buttery feel, and satisfyingly thick resistance, making it a popular choice for both gaming and typing purposes. On the other hand, the Outemu Black switch doesn't have as distinct characteristics but is known for its reliability and durability. While the Milky Yellow Pro offers a budget-friendly option with a unique sound profile, the Outemu Black may appeal to those looking for a more straightforward and reliable switch. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Black, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This common material choice results in a similar typing experience for both switches, as nylon's softer nature absorbs sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, when it comes to the top housing, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, while the Outemu Black utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Outemu Black creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, contrasting with the duller and rounder sound produced by nylon in the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3).
One key difference between the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Black is in the material used for the top housing. The nylon top housing of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) results in a softer and more absorbent sound experience, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Black provides a clearer and more resonant typing sound. Additionally, the aesthetic aspect of the switches differs, with the transparent nature of polycarbonate in the Outemu Black allowing for RGB lighting effects, which may be appealing to some users. Despite these differences, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of typing on a keyboard. While the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Black both incorporate nylon for their bottom housing, the differentiation lies in the top housing material. The nylon top housing of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) provides a softer sound experience, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Black delivers a crisper and higher-pitched sound. Understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, it is evident that the Milky Yellow Pro has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Black's heavier actuation force of 65 grams. Similarly, the Milky Yellow Pro also has a lighter bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Black switch has a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams. This means that the Milky Yellow Pro offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Outemu Black provides a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Milky Yellow Pro being the lighter option and the Outemu Black being the heavier one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same 4mm of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. As a result, users can expect similar typing experiences in terms of the travel distance when using either of these switches. Therefore, there is no significant difference in travel distance between the two switches, making them equally suitable for those looking for consistency in their typing experience.
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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 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) linear switch is known for its deep and rich bass tones, giving off a satisfyingly low-pitched and thocky sound with each key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Black linear switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is praised for its buttery and smooth keystroke experience, providing users with a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Textured switches are also mentioned, which might indicate a bit of friction for tactile feedback. Unfortunately, details about the feel of the Outemu Black linear switch are not available, making it challenging to make a direct comparison in this area. Both switches might offer similar results due to their linear nature, but subtle differences in feel could still exist.
In summary, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch stands out for its budget-friendly yet high-quality performance, offering a satisfyingly deep and smooth sound along with a buttery keystroke feel. While the specific sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Black switch remain unknown, it's likely that both switches can deliver a comparable linear switch experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference and budget considerations.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Black linear switches, you should consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel that best suit your preferences. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a smooth, buttery typing experience with a low, thocky sound, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and have specific requirements for sound and feel, the Outemu Black switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your keyboard setup. Make sure to consider all factors before making your decision to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
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