Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Brown mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they each offer unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Milky Yellow Pro is a linear switch known for its smoothness, buttery feel, and satisfyingly thick resistance, making it ideal for both gaming and typing enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is a tactile switch that offers a gentle bump during actuation, providing a tactile feedback that some users prefer for typing tasks. While the Milky Yellow Pro excels in being a versatile, budget-friendly option with a 'thocky' sound, the Outemu Brown provides a different typing experience with its tactile 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
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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 Brown switches, one can see a stark contrast in their material composition. The Milky Yellow Pro features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Brown switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile with its stiffer plastic composition. While both materials offer unique acoustic qualities, the difference in sound character between the nylon and polycarbonate housings is evident.
When examining the bottom housing of the two switches, similarities arise in their utilization of nylon material. Both the Milky Yellow Pro and the Brown switches feature a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile reminiscent of the nylon top housing. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound quality. Despite having different top housings, the switches share a common denominator in their choice of nylon material for the bottom housing, showcasing a similar acoustic experience for users when it comes to bottom-out sound and feel.
It is worth noting that the distribution of sound qualities between the top and bottom housing can significantly impact the overall typing experience. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the tactile feedback upon key press. In contrast, the top housing's impact on the sound when releasing a key is more pronounced, highlighting the importance of material composition in achieving desired sound profiles for mechanical switches. While the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro's nylon top and bottom housing offer a consistent sound profile, the split between the nylon and polycarbonate materials in the Outemu Brown switch creates a distinct combination of sound characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, we find that the Milky Yellow Pro has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, while the Brown requires slightly more at 53 grams. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro has a lower bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the Brown's 65 grams, making the Brown switch slightly heavier overall. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Milky Yellow Pro, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. Meanwhile, the Outemu Brown may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of both switches, it is evident that they offer a similar tactile experience in terms of keypress feedback. This means that whether you are using the Milky Yellow Pro or the Brown switch, you can expect consistent results in terms of key travel distance. Although both switches offer the same travel distance, their tactile and linear characteristics are what set them apart from each other. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preference based on typing style and desired 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 Brown 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 renowned for its deep, bassy, and thocky sound profile, offering a satisfyingly low-pitched experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch's sound qualities are currently unknown. When it comes to the tactile feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is praised for its buttery and textured keystrokes, providing a smooth and fluid typing experience. In contrast, the tactile feel of the Outemu Brown switch is unspecified at this time.
Overall, based on the available information, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) excels in delivering a deep and rich sound along with a buttery and textured tactile feel, making it a versatile choice for both gaming and typing. While the specific sound and feel characteristics of the Outemu Brown tactile switch remain unknown, it's safe to assume that choosing this switch would likely result in a different typing experience compared to the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro. Ultimately, the decision between these switches would come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you value a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low, thocky sound, the Milky Yellow Pro is an excellent choice for both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and want a tactile feedback in your keystrokes without any sound characteristics mentioned, then the Outemu Brown switch might be the better option for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal typing style and preferences.
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