Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Outemu Tom

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, especially between options like the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Tom. The Milky Yellow Pro is revered for its buttery smoothness and low, “thocky” sound, making it a compelling choice for both gaming and typing. With its satisfying resistance and versatility, it's no wonder this linear switch is a favorite among budget-conscious enthusiasts seeking an all-around performer. In contrast, the Outemu Tom switch offers a distinctive tactile experience, providing noticeable feedback with each keystroke that appeals to typists who value the sensation of each press. While the Milky Yellow Pro is celebrated for its seamless, fluid operation, the Tom shines in applications where precision and tactile response matter most. Ultimately, the choice between a linear and a tactile switch hinges on your specific needs and preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) Linear

Outemu Tom Tactile

$2.33

$2.30 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Tom utilize different top housing materials, resulting in distinct audible profiles that cater to varying preferences. The Milky Yellow Pro features a nylon top housing, known for its softer properties which absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Outemu Tom employs polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is crisper and more resonant. This fundamental difference in materials affects how both switches sound during typing: the nylon of the Milky Yellow Pro creates a more muted and rounder auditory experience, while the polycarbonate of the Tom offers clarity and brightness, particularly noticeable when employing RGB lighting, where the translucency of polycarbonate comes into play.

However, both switches share a commonality in their use of nylon for the bottom housing, which contributes similarly to the auditory experience. Nylon is a classic choice for switch bottom housings due to its sound-absorbing qualities, which lead to a deeper and fuller sound profile when the switch bottoms out. Because both switches utilize nylon at the bottom, they share a consistent tactile sensation and auditory experience when pressed, regardless of the contrasting top housing materials. This unity in bottom housing allows users to expect similar traits in terms of depth and warmth in sound upon key activation, evoking a consistent response across both switches.

Ultimately, the interplay between the two different top housing materials capitalizes on their respective strengths, while the similarities in bottom housing provide a degree of continuity in typing experience. When typing on the Milky Yellow Pro, the deeper sounds resonate with its nylon top housing, producing a well-rounded auditory layer, while the Outemu Tom, with its polycarbonate top, emphasizes clarity and crispness, especially with RGB lighting. This means that even though the switches might diverge in top housing sound characteristics, the overall bottom-out experience will remain relatively consistent, allowing users to choose based on their preference for either a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, more resonant one at the key release.

Weight

The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Milky Yellow Pro has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a moderately weighted option suitable for prolonged typing and gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tom switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams; however, its bottom out force is not specified. This suggests that while the Tom may feel a bit firmer when initially pressed, users might not have detailed insights into how it feels when fully depressed. Consequently, for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro would be the better choice, while the Outemu Tom may appeal to users seeking a more substantial key press but lacks complete clarity on its bottom out pressure. Therefore, if you're looking for a well-defined tactile response paired with a medium actuation force, the Milky Yellow Pro stands out as the more balanced option.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it's clear that they differ significantly. The Milky Yellow Pro has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a traditional option favored by those who appreciate a more substantial key press. In contrast, the Outemu Tom features a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, catering to users who prioritize quicker response times, such as gamers. This shorter distance can feel more abrupt, which may not appeal to everyone. Thus, if you're looking for a more responsive switch, the Outemu Tom would be the better choice, while the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro provides a deeper and more satisfying key engagement.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched, thocky profile that delivers a deep and satisfying auditory feedback. The "thock" sound it produces resembles a soft thud, which can contribute to an immersive typing and gaming experience. The bassy tone of this switch provides a richness that many users find appealing, especially in a home or gaming setup. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch does not have specific sound characteristics described, making it difficult to compare its auditory profile directly with the Milky Yellow Pro. Thus, without defined attributes for the Tom, the Gateron switch stands out distinctly in this category.

In terms of feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offers a buttery smooth typing experience, characterized by its seamless keystrokes. Users appreciate the effortless transition between key presses, which contributes to a fluid typing sensation. Additionally, while the description notes a "textured" quality, it does not imply a significant scratchiness, suggesting an overall pleasant experience without much friction. Conversely, the Outemu Tom's tactile feel remains unspecified, leaving it uncertain how it stacks up against the satisfactions offered by the Milky Yellow Pro. The difference in the tactile feedback could be noticeable, but without additional details, one cannot draw a direct comparison.

In conclusion, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch clearly excels in sound and feel, delivering a rich auditory experience and buttery smooth keystrokes that appeal to both gamers and typists alike. The Outemu Tom, lacking defined characteristics, leaves potential users debating its performance. For enthusiasts looking to feel and hear a distinct satisfaction in their keystrokes, the Milky Yellow Pro is a formidable choice, while the Outemu Tom’s performance remains an enigma yet to be explored.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a versatile switch that offers a smooth, buttery keystroke experience along with a satisfying thocky sound, the Milky Yellow Pro is an excellent choice. Its medium 62 gram bottom-out force strikes a balance that is ideal for both typing and gaming, making it a popular option for budget-conscious enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback in your key presses and prefer switches that provide a noticeable bump, the Outemu Tom could be worth exploring, despite lacking detailed specifications. Ultimately, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is likely to serve you better for a wide range of activities and is widely regarded as an all-round performer, whereas the Outemu Tom may appeal to those drawn to tactile switches who want to experiment with the tactile experience. Your choice should reflect whether you prioritize smoothness and sound or tactile feedback in your keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) Linear

$2.33

$2.30 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Tom Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more