Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out: the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, both linear switches. The Milky Yellow Pro is praised for its smooth and buttery feel, with a satisfyingly thick resistance that makes it ideal for both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro offers a snappy sound signature and a smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp typing experience. While the Milky Yellow Pro is favored for its budget-friendly nature and all-purpose versatility, the V3 Piano Pro stands out for its auditory charm and tactile feedback. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, both switches use nylon for their top and bottom housings. This common material choice results in a similar typing experience for both switches, as nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon helps to absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. Therefore, users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel from both the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the V3 Piano Pro.
However, while both switches share the same housing material, the design and construction of each switch may still impact the overall typing experience. The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Akko V3 Piano Pro may feature different shapes, sizes, and internal components that can influence the way the housing material interacts with the user's typing. Additionally, the placement of the housing material (top vs. bottom) can also affect the sound and feel of the switches when pressed and released. These subtle differences in design can lead to variations in the typing experience between the two switches, despite their shared nylon housing material.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Akko V3 Piano Pro play a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of these mechanical switches. Both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the nylon housing, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. While the typing experience may be similar between the two switches due to their shared material, differences in design and construction can still affect how the housing material influences the overall feel and sound of typing on each switch. Ultimately, users looking for a switch with a deep and round sound profile may find both the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the V3 Piano Pro to be suitable options.
Weight
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch both have medium actuation forces, making them suitable for a wide range of users. However, the Milky Yellow Pro has a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the V3 Piano Pro, making it more suitable for those who prefer a bit more resistance when typing. The V3 Piano Pro, on the other hand, has a lighter bottom out force, which may be preferred by users who like a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but the slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a slightly heavier or lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Milky Yellow Pro will provide a slightly deeper key press compared to the V3 Piano Pro. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the Akko V3 Piano Pro with its shorter travel distance. However, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may find the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired 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 Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is known for its deep and rich bass tones, providing a low-pitched and thocky sound profile that is satisfying to the ears. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offers a crisper and snappier clacky sound, adding a lively and sharp quality to each keystroke. While the Milky Yellow Pro leans towards a deeper and bass-heavy sound, the V3 Piano Pro delivers a cleaner and sharper auditory experience, appealing to users who prefer a more percussive typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, often described as buttery, ensuring a seamless and uniform typing sensation. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro presents a bouncy tactile feedback, giving keys a spring-like and elastic feel that enhances the typing experience. Additionally, the V3 Piano Pro switches may have a creamy and polished texture, further contributing to a smooth and refined typing feel.
Considering all the available information, both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Milky Yellow Pro excels in providing a bassy and thocky sound with a buttery typing feel, the V3 Piano Pro stands out with its crisper clacky sound and bouncy tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both options offer a quality typing experience. If you enjoy a deeper, bass-heavy sound with a smooth keystroke, the Milky Yellow Pro may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper, crisper sound with a bouncier feel, the V3 Piano Pro could be the perfect match for you.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a slightly lighter touch, the V3 Piano Pro with a bottom out force of 55 grams might be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) with 62 grams may be the better option. Additionally, think about the sound and feel you desire in a switch. If you prefer a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound along with a buttery or textured feel, the Milky Yellow Pro is the way to go. Alternatively, if you lean towards a clacky and resonant sound with a bouncy, creamy, polished, or silky feel, the V3 Piano Pro could be more appealing to you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you value the most.
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