Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Pine are both linear switches that offer a delightful typing experience. Starting with the Milky Yellow Pro, this switch is revered for its smoothness and satisfyingly thick resistance. With its low, "thocky" sound, it stands out as a versatile option for both gaming and typing. Being a budget favorite, it is no wonder that these switches are highly regarded by enthusiasts. On the other hand, the KTT Pine Linear Switches boast a translucent, forest green appearance and a medium-heavy weight that contributes to its buttery smooth feel. With a polished, factory-lubed finish, these switches aim to minimize friction, resulting in effortless key travel. While both switches share characteristics such as being bassy, buttery, and low-pitched, the Pine offers a creamy texture, unlike the textured nature of the Milky Yellow Pro. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Pine differ in their housing materials. While the Milky Yellow Pro utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, the Pine features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. These materials have distinct effects on the sound profile of the switches. The nylon housing of the Milky Yellow Pro results in a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housing of the Pine produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature, allowing for a clearer and resonant tone.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate housing of the Pine offers an advantage for users planning to use RGB lighting. Its translucency allows for better light diffusion, enhancing the visual experience. Meanwhile, the Milky Yellow Pro's nylon housing does not provide the same level of transparency and may not showcase RGB lighting effects as prominently.
While the top and bottom housings of these switches differ, their effects on the overall typing experience complement each other. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing, whether nylon or polycarbonate, will influence the bottom-out sound and feel. However, when releasing a key, the top housing becomes more prominent in determining the sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches provide an enjoyable typing experience, each with its own unique character.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Pine depends on personal preference and the desired sound profile and aesthetics. Both switches offer distinct qualities based on their housing materials, allowing users to select the one that best suits their typing style and preferences. Whether seeking a deeper and fuller sound with the Milky Yellow Pro's nylon housing or a sharper and crisper sound with the Pine's polycarbonate housing, a satisfying typing experience can be achieved.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. In terms of weight, both switches fall into the medium category, providing a balanced typing experience for most users. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Pine's 45 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Milky Yellow Pro is slightly heavier at 62 grams compared to the Pine's 58 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Pine switch might be the preferred choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or intense gaming sessions where finger fatigue can be minimized. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro provides a slightly stronger push feel with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This can cater to individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience, providing a satisfying tactile feedback when bottoming out the keys.
Overall, while there is a slight difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Pine switches, both switches fall within the medium weight range. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience, with the choice between the two switches ultimately depending on personal preference.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch are the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. So, in terms of travel distance, both switches provide similar results.
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 KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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, both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Pine switches share similar qualities. They are described as bassy and low-pitched, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. The Milky Yellow Pro is further characterized as having a thocky sound, which produces a deep, satisfying "thud" or "knock" when pressed and released. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both switches are described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This implies a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The Pine switch is additionally described as creamy, providing a silky sensation and allowing fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with ease. It's worth mentioning that the creamy feel of a switch can be due to the application of lubricant at the factory or certain materials used in its construction.
Overall, while the subjective qualities of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Pine switches may have slight differences in sound and feel, both switches deliver similar results in terms of a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. Their bassy and low-pitched sound profiles make them suitable for those who prefer a deeper and richer sound, while their buttery and creamy feel ensures effortless and uniform keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a classic budget switch that excels in both gaming and typing, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is a great choice. With its smoothness and satisfyingly thick resistance, it offers a perfect all-purpose switch for budget enthusiasts. The Milky Yellow Pro is known for its low, "thocky" sound, which produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound during key presses. When it comes to feel, this switch provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation, giving you a smooth and uniform experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch that offers an effortless typing experience, the KTT Pine Linear Switch is worth considering. These switches are built for smooth key travel thanks to their polished, factory-lubed finish, minimizing friction. The Pine has a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, which adds depth and richness to your keystrokes. In terms of feel, it also provides a buttery typing experience, offering a seamless and fluid keystroke sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Pine Linear Switch depends on your personal preferences. If you value a switch with a lower bottom out force and a "thocky" sound, the Milky Yellow Pro is a great option. However, if you prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force and a bassy sound, along with a creamy feel, the Pine might be more suitable. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired switch force to make the decision that best suits your needs.
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