Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Silent White mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique advantages depending on your preferences. The Milky Yellow Pro is renowned for its smoothness, buttery feel, and satisfyingly thick resistance, making it ideal for both gaming and typing purposes. On the other hand, the Silent White switch is designed for a quieter typing experience, making it suitable for those who value a noise-free environment. While the Milky Yellow Pro excels in providing a classic budget-friendly option with a distinct sound profile, the Silent White offers a stealthy typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-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 Silent White, one can see a clear distinction in the sound profiles they produce. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Silent White features a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile because of polycarbonate's stiffer properties. This difference in top housing materials ultimately leads to a noticeable variance in sound when typing on the switches.
On the other hand, when looking at the bottom housing materials of these switches, both the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Silent White use nylon bottom housings. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer plastic properties absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite similarities in the bottom housing material, the top housing material still plays a significant role in dictating the overall sound profile of each switch. Therefore, the type of plastic used in the top housing has a more pronounced effect on the sound produced by the switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Silent White directly influences the sound experience when typing. While both switches have nylon bottom housing for a similar sound characteristic, the distinction in their top housing materials leads to contrasting sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Silent White produces a sharper and clearer sound compared to the duller and rounder sound from the nylon top housing of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3). Ultimately, understanding how these housing materials impact the sound can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall within the medium weight category. The Milky Yellow Pro has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Silent White features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This makes the Silent White the lighter option in terms of actuation force, but both switches provide a similar typing experience due to their medium weight characteristics. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference, with lighter switches being favored for longer typing sessions and heavier switches offering a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Milky Yellow Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent White. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Milky Yellow Pro is more traditional, while the 3.3mm travel distance of the Silent White is shallower. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent White for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the longer travel distance of the Milky Yellow Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Silent White 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) offers a deep and rich bassy tone, further enhanced by its low-pitched thocky sound profile. This combination creates a satisfying auditory experience that is both pleasant and immersive. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White switches have a sound profile that remains unknown. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, so individual preferences may play a significant role in the overall sound experience.
Moving on to feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch is lauded for its buttery smooth keystrokes, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The textured feel of these switches adds a layer of tactile feedback that many users find enjoyable. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Silent White switches is unspecified. Again, personal preference will heavily influence the typing experience, as some users may prefer a smoother feel while others may appreciate a bit of texture in their switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch excels in both sound and feel qualities, offering a satisfyingly low-pitched, thocky sound profile and a buttery smooth typing experience. While the Outemu Silent White switches lack specific descriptions of their sound and feel, it's important to consider individual preferences and the overall keyboard setup when choosing between the two. Ultimately, both switches are linear and may yield similar results in terms of functionality, but the unique characteristics of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) make it a standout choice for those seeking a budget-friendly, all-purpose switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, consider the following factors. If you value a smooth and buttery typing experience with a satisfyingly thick resistance and a low, "thocky" sound profile, then the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is the switch for you. It excels in both gaming and typing, making it a versatile choice for all-purpose use, especially for budget-conscious enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prefer a silent typing experience without any specific sound characteristics mentioned for the Outemu Silent White, then this switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and intended usage. Make sure to consider these factors carefully before making your choice.
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