Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Red Panda offer distinct experiences. The Milky Yellow Pro is a budget-friendly linear switch that impresses with its smoothness and thick resistance, resulting in a satisfying typing and gaming experience. Renowned for its low, "thocky" sound and buttery goodness, this switch proves to be an excellent all-purpose option for budget enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Red Panda provides a unique tactile experience with a light-medium amount of tactility. Typing on these switches offers a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. While both switches provide their own set of advantages, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Red Panda have different materials used for their top housing. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Red Panda has a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. It leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the Red Panda's clear polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts.
Moving to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon as the material. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of the bottom housing, both switches offer similar qualities and provide a satisfying and immersive sound experience.
When considering the impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch, the qualities of the bottom and top housing materials play distinct roles. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Red Panda have different top and bottom housing materials, these distinctions divide the qualities between the two actions of pressing down and releasing, resulting in unique typing experiences for each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, we find that they have similar actuation forces of 50 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both switches. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Milky Yellow Pro is slightly heavier with a force of 62 grams, while the Red Panda has a bottom out force of 60 grams. Despite this slight difference, both switches fall within the medium range for bottom out force.
Considerations of weight are important when selecting a switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Milky Yellow Pro to be more suitable, as it allows for longer periods of typing without causing fatigue. This makes it ideal for office use or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a stronger and more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Red Panda, as it has a slightly heavier bottom out force. This provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, which can be satisfying for certain users.
In summary, while the actuation forces of these switches are the same at 50 grams, the Milky Yellow Pro has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the Red Panda's 60 grams. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired level of key force feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is clear that the Milky Yellow Pro has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Red Panda has a slightly shorter distance of 3.3 mm. The Milky Yellow Pro's travel distance is considered more traditional, providing a more familiar experience for users. On the other hand, the Red Panda offers a shallower travel distance, which is often favored by gamers seeking faster response times. Choosing the shorter travel distance option can enhance the overall responsiveness of the switch. However, for those who prefer a more substantial keypress, the longer travel distance of the Milky Yellow Pro may be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing or gaming 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 Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is known for its low-pitched and thocky sound. These switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The sound produced by these switches can be characterized as a satisfyingly thick "thud" or "knock" when the keys are pressed and released. The Red Panda switches also have a thocky sound, which means they produce a deep and rich sound when pressed. However, the specific sound characteristics of the Red Panda switches are not provided in the information.
When it comes to feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches are described as buttery and textured. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Some users prefer switches with noticeable friction, referred to as textured or scratchy switches, while others prefer a smoother typing experience. The Red Panda switches are described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The qualities of the Red Panda switches are in a safe middle-ground zone, making them approachable and suitable for most users.
Overall, both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switches and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switches have their own unique subjective qualities. The Milky Yellow Pro switches excel in smoothness with a low-pitched and thocky sound, making them suitable for both gaming and typing. The Red Panda switches offer a light-medium amount of tactility with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, providing a different typing experience. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option with a classic feel, the Milky Yellow Pro switches will be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder tactile experience, the Red Panda switches can offer a comfortable typing sensation. However, it's important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a classic budget switch with a smooth and buttery keystroke experience, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is an excellent choice. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, it provides satisfying resistance for both gaming and typing. These Milky Yellows are versatile and well-suited for all purposes, making them a go-to option for budget enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a light-medium amount of tactility and a deeper, thocky sound, the Outemu Red Panda switch is worth considering. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, this switch offers a gentle typing experience and a clackier top-out sound. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel. Whether you prioritize the smoothness and low-pitched thock of the Milky Yellow Pro or the light tactility and bassy thock of the Red Panda, both switches have their unique advantages.
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