Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Milk Blue stand out as popular choices in their respective categories. The Milky Yellow Pro is a linear switch known for its smoothness and satisfying "thocky" sound, making it ideal for both gaming and typing due to its buttery goodness and thick resistance. On the other hand, the Milk Blue is a clicky switch with a unique tactile feedback, perfect for those who enjoy a distinct auditory and tactile experience while typing. Both switches have their strengths and appeal, with the Milky Yellow Pro excelling in versatility and all-purpose use, while the Milk Blue caters to those looking for a more specialized typing experience. 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
Both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Milk Blue switches use nylon for their bottom housing, allowing for a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound, providing a unique typing experience for users of both switches.
However, the top housing materials of the two switches differ significantly. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon top housing, while the Milk Blue features a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Milk Blue produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the duller and rounder sound of the nylon top housing. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housing materials play a crucial role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing impacts the sound when releasing the key. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the deep and full sound profile provided by the nylon bottom housing of both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Milk Blue switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, the actuation force is the same at 50 grams. However, the Milky Yellow Pro has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Outemu Milk Blue's bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Milky Yellow Pro is slightly heavier than the Outemu Milk Blue, making it more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. This difference in weight can affect the typing feel and overall experience for users. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Milk Blue for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier weight of the Milky Yellow Pro for a more solid and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that you will get a similar typing experience in terms of key travel when using either of these switches. Whether you prefer the linear feel of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro or the clicky tactile feedback of the Outemu Milk Blue, you can rest assured that the travel distance for both switches is the same, providing consistency in your 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 Milk 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 praised for its bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, offering a deep and rich auditory experience during key presses. This switch delivers a satisfying and immersive typing or gaming sound that adds to the overall tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch's sound qualities are not provided, making it difficult to directly compare in this aspect. When it comes to feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is known for its buttery and textured keystroke experience, providing a smooth and effortless sensation with a hint of friction for tactile feedback. The feel of the Milk Blue switch is unknown, making it challenging to assess its feel against the Milky Yellow Pro. Overall, if you're looking for a switch with a deep, bassy sound and buttery smooth keystrokes, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) would be a reliable choice. However, if you desire a clicky switch with unknown sound and feel qualities, the Outemu Milk Blue switch may still deliver similar results depending on your setup and preference.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, you should opt for the Milky Yellow Pro if you are looking for a versatile, budget-friendly switch that offers a smooth typing experience with a satisfyingly thick resistance. This switch is ideal for both gaming and typing, thanks to its low, "thocky" sound and buttery feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a distinct sound profile and tactile feedback, the Outemu Milk Blue might be more up your alley. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
Mentioned in this article
