Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade 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 Silent Yellow Jade stand out as popular choices. The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is a linear switch known for its smoothness, buttery feel, and low, "thocky" sound. Perfect for both gaming and typing, this budget-friendly switch offers a satisfying resistance that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a versatile option. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade provides a quiet, tactile typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump and a unique translucent jade yellow housing. While both switches offer their own strengths and characteristics, determining the best one for you may require a closer look beyond these generalities. So let's dive in a bit deeper to help you make an informed decision on the right switch for your keyboard preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
Both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches use nylon for their top and bottom housing materials, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics commonly used in switch housing materials. The similar housing materials of these switches suggest that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
While both switches share the same nylon housing materials, the specific design and construction of the top and bottom housing components can affect the overall typing experience. The qualities brought by the nylon top housing of each switch influence the sound when keys are released, while the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed. This distinction highlights how subtle differences in housing design can impact the overall typing experience and sound profile of mechanical switches.
Overall, the choice of nylon as the housing material for both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches reflects a preference for a deeper and fuller sound profile among users. The softer nature of nylon allows for better sound absorption compared to harder plastics, resulting in a more pleasing typing experience. While the specific design of the housing components may vary between these switches, the common use of nylon suggests that users can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel when typing on either switch.
Weight
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch have similar actuation forces at 50 grams, making them both light switches. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Milky Yellow Pro requires 62 grams, while the Silent Yellow Jade needs 65 grams, making the Silent Yellow Jade slightly heavier. The actuation force of 50 grams for both switches means that users will get a similar light and responsive typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Milky Yellow Pro might be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Silent Yellow Jade offers a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Silent Yellow Jade the shorter option in terms of travel distance. When comparing the two, the Milky Yellow Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more cushioned feel when typing. However, if you prefer a quicker response time and a more responsive feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade may be the better option with its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and 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 Silent Yellow Jade 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) is known for its deep and rich "thocky" sound profile, characterized by a bass-heavy tone. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade provides a quiet typing experience with a similar "thocky" sound. Both switches offer a satisfying and pleasing sound during key presses, making them suitable for environments where noise may be a concern.
In terms of feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is praised for its smooth and buttery keystroke experience, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. In contrast, the feeling of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is not specified, so it's unknown how it compares in terms of smoothness and texture. However, being a tactile switch, it may offer a more pronounced tactile bump compared to the linear Milky Yellow Pro.
Considering the information available, both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer a "thocky" sound profile, making them suitable for users who enjoy a deeper and richer tone during typing. While the Milky Yellow Pro is praised for its buttery and smooth feel, the feel of the Silent Yellow Jade is unspecified, so it's unclear how it compares in terms of texture and smoothness. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers seeking quality mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a smooth, buttery typing experience with a low-pitched and thocky sound, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you're looking for a slightly heavier bottom out force and a tactile typing experience with a unique jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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