Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch to the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it's evident that both offer distinct advantages depending on individual preferences. The Milky Yellow Pro is revered for its budget-friendly nature and versatile performance, offering a smooth and buttery keystroke experience ideal for gaming and typing alike. With its low-pitched "thocky" sound and satisfying resistance, it stands out as a reliable, all-purpose option for enthusiasts on a budget. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch is known for its distinctive clicky feedback, providing audible and tactile feedback with each key press. While the Milky Yellow Pro excels in smoothness and versatility, the Outemu Blue emphasizes a more pronounced and enjoyable typing experience for those who appreciate an audible click. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 Blue, one can see that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This leads to a duller and rounder sound overall. On the other hand, the Blue switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, especially when coupled with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
While both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, they differ in their choice of material for the top housing. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, maintaining a consistent sound profile throughout the switch. The nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, creating a cohesive typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Blue utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which adds a sharper, higher-pitched sound to the overall typing experience. This difference in housing materials results in distinct sound profiles between the two switches, appealing to different preferences in keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of typing on a keyboard. While both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and Outemu Blue switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, their contrasting top housing materials result in unique typing experiences. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) provides a consistent sound profile with its nylon top housing, while the Outemu Blue offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
Both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch have an actuation force of 50 grams, making them equally light in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Outemu Blue switch, which has an unknown bottom out force. This difference in bottom out force may result in a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Overall, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offers a balance between actuation and bottom out forces, making it a versatile option for users who appreciate a medium-weight switch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Blue clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting their travel distance, both switches provide a similar tactile feedback and typing experience as a result of the identical travel distance. This means that whether you choose the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro or the Outemu Blue switch, you can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Ultimately, both switches offer a comparable travel distance, ensuring a consistent feel and performance for the user.
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 Blue 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
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is well-known for its bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, giving users a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch's sound characteristics are unknown, making it difficult to compare the two in terms of auditory feedback. In terms of feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch offers a buttery and textured typing experience, providing a smooth and uniform sensation with a hint of friction. The feel of the Outemu Blue switch is unknown, leaving a gap in comparison in terms of tactile feedback.
Overall, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch stands out for its smoothness, deep sound profile, and all-around suitability for both gaming and typing purposes. The Outemu Blue clicky switch, while lacking information on sound and feel, may offer a different typing experience that could appeal to users looking for a more tactile response. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, but if you enjoy the qualities described in the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), you may find a similar level of satisfaction with the Outemu Blue switch for a different typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch or the Outemu Blue clicky switch, you should opt for the Milky Yellow Pro if you prioritize a smooth and versatile typing experience suitable for both gaming and typing tasks. The Milky Yellow Pro stands out for its buttery feel, low-pitched and thocky sound profile, and medium bottom out force of 62 grams. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch is a solid choice for individuals who prefer a clicky tactile feedback with an undefined bottom out force. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing experience and sound profile, whether it be the smooth and satisfying feel of the Milky Yellow Pro or the audible clickiness of the Outemu Blue switch.
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