Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, both mechanical keyboard switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Milky Yellow Pro is praised for its budget-friendly price point, smoothness, and satisfyingly thick resistance, making it ideal for both gaming and typing enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea offers tactile feedback, providing a more pronounced bump during actuation, which can enhance typing accuracy and tactile response. While the Milky Yellow Pro excels in versatility and affordability, the Milk Tea focuses on tactile feedback for a different 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Milk Tea switches differ in their sound profiles. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its soft plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch's Ly top housing offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing. While both materials are nylon bottoms, they contribute to the switches' overall sound profile by creating a deeper and fuller sound when pressed.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound. The impact of the bottom housing is felt more during bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. This similarity in housing material ensures that users can expect a consistent sound profile and typing experience when using either the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) or the Outemu Milk Tea switches.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Milk Tea switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon top housing, the Milk Tea switch provides a brighter sound signature with resonant clacks. Both switches' nylon bottom housings contribute to a consistent typing experience with a deep and full sound. Whether you prefer a duller, rounder sound or resonant clacks, both switches offer quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, we can see that the Milky Yellow Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Milk Tea's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Milky Yellow Pro requires 62 grams, while the Milk Tea's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Milky Yellow Pro switch provides a more consistent and defined typing experience with both a higher actuation and bottom out force. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch may offer a lighter typing feel due to its lower actuation force, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on personal preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it is evident that they provide a consistent experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience with a travel distance that allows for quick and efficient keystrokes. Whether you choose the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro or the Outemu Milk Tea, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and overall typing feel.
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 Tea 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
Overall, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound profile with a thocky feel, offering a deep, rich, and satisfying typing experience favored by budget enthusiasts for its all-purpose utility in gaming and typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch lacks specific information on sound and feel qualities, making it difficult to compare directly. However, it's safe to say that the Milky Yellow Pro's smooth and buttery keystroke experience may outshine the Milk Tea switch in terms of tactile feedback. Both switches are budget-friendly options, but if you're looking for a switch with a distinct sound and feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is a solid choice that is sure to impress.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you are looking for a versatile budget switch that excels in both gaming and typing with a smooth and satisfying resistance, the Milky Yellow Pro is a great choice. Its low, "thocky" sound and buttery feel make it a popular option for budget enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a unique sound and feel, the Milk Tea may be worth considering. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what characteristics are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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