Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Crystal Brown 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 Outemu Crystal Brown offer distinct experiences for users. The Milky Yellow Pro is a linear switch known for its smoothness and buttery feel, making it ideal for both gaming and typing purposes. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown is a tactile switch that provides a different tactile feedback for a more responsive typing experience. While the Milky Yellow Pro excels in providing a low-pitched, textured sound with thick resistance, the Crystal Brown offers a tactile bump that enhances typing 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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 Crystal Brown, one key difference lies in their top housing materials. The Milky Yellow Pro features a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition. While the Milky Yellow Pro offers a rounder sound, the Crystal Brown delivers a clearer and more resonant sound, especially beneficial for those who prefer RGB lighting setups.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the Milky Yellow Pro and the Crystal Brown utilize nylon, resulting in a similar typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of the bottom housing, users can expect consistency in sound and feel between these two switches. However, the impact of the housing material on the bottom-out sound and feel may differ slightly between the two switches due to the variations in their top housing materials.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Crystal Brown ultimately boils down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While the Milky Yellow Pro's nylon top and bottom housings provide a deeper sound profile with a softer feel, the Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper sound profile with a clearer resonant tone. Whether you prioritize a more rounded sound or a crisper sound with RGB lighting compatibility, both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, albeit with subtle differences in sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch both fall into the medium range, but the Crystal Brown is slightly lighter than the Milky Yellow Pro. The Milky Yellow Pro has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Crystal Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Milky Yellow Pro provides a bit more resistance, making it slightly heavier than the Crystal Brown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Crystal Brown would be the better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a bit more resistance, the Milky Yellow Pro would be the preferred option. Both switches offer a smooth keystroke experience, providing a satisfying typing experience for users looking for either a lighter or heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, it is evident that both switches offer a consistent typing experience with the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Milky Yellow Pro or the Crystal Brown, you can expect similar results in terms of the keypress feel and overall typing experience. In conclusion, both switches provide a standard travel distance, ensuring a familiar feel for users regardless of their choice.
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 Crystal 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is known for its deep, bassy, low-pitched thocky sound, offering a satisfying auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch lacks specific sound descriptors, making it difficult to compare directly in this aspect.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is praised for its buttery and textured keystroke experience, providing a smooth and seamless typing sensation with a hint of friction for added tactility. As for the Crystal Brown, there is no available information on its tactile feel, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in this regard.
Overall, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch boasts a distinctive sound profile and a luxurious keystroke feel, the lack of specific information on the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch makes it harder to offer a direct comparison. Nonetheless, it's important to consider personal preferences and usage scenarios when choosing between these two switches to ensure a satisfying typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, both switches may yield similar results depending on individual preferences and setup configurations.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch or the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you value a smooth and consistent keystroke with a slightly higher actuation force for both gaming and typing, then the Milky Yellow Pro would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a tactile feedback for a more pronounced typing experience, the Crystal Brown switch may be more suitable for your needs. Remember to consider factors such as sound, feel, and overall typing experience when making your decision, as both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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