Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular linear options to consider are the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the HC Studio Roselle. The Milky Yellow Pro is praised for its classic budget-friendly design, offering a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a low, "thocky" sound that suits both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, the Roselle stands out for its inherent smoothness and ethereal feel, with a subtle low-pitched sound that adds a unique touch to typing sessions. While both switches share a 'bassy' and 'low-pitched' characteristic, the Milky Yellow Pro is described as 'buttery' and 'textured,' while the Roselle is noted for being 'frictionless' and 'mild.' 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the HC Studio Roselle, it is evident that both switches utilize unique materials to enhance the typing experience. The Milky Yellow Pro features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Roselle incorporates a POM top housing that delivers a pleasing and unique sound, albeit on the deeper and more muted side. Although different in composition, both switches aim to provide a satisfying auditory experience for users.
When it comes to the bottom housings of the Milky Yellow Pro and Roselle switches, similar qualities are observed. Both switches utilize nylon and POM materials, respectively, to create a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon allows for sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, while the POM material in the Roselle switch offers a more muted sound profile that is equally pleasing to the ears. Despite the differences in materials, both bottom housings contribute to enhancing the overall typing experience for users looking for a distinct auditory feedback while typing.
In considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound profile and typing experience, it is important to note that each housing material brings its own unique qualities to the switch. While the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the HC Studio Roselle effectively utilize their respective housing materials to create a distinct typing experience that caters to different preferences and requirements of users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it becomes clear that the Milky Yellow Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Roselle's lighter 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Milky Yellow Pro requires 62 grams while the Roselle needs 52 grams, making the Roselle the lighter option overall. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range, offering a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. The Milky Yellow Pro provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Roselle's lighter forces make it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, giving users the ability to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired weight of key presses.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Roselle has a shorter travel distance compared to the Milky Yellow Pro. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Milky Yellow Pro is more traditional, offering a bit more depth when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Roselle provides a slightly shallower feel, which may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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 and HC Studio Roselle switches exhibit bassy and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. The Milky Yellow Pro is also described as thocky, producing a satisfyingly thick and "thocky" sound, while the Roselle is noted for a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. Both switches offer a similar bass-heavy and mellow tone, providing a pleasant typing experience with depth and richness. Depending on other factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps, users can expect a satisfying sound experience from either switch.
Moving on to feel, the Milky Yellow Pro is known for its buttery and textured feel, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with noticeable friction when pressed. On the other hand, the Roselle switch provides a frictionless and mild typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The Roselle's inherent material blend delivers an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy sensation, ensuring a fluid travel during typing sessions. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Milky Yellow Pro leaning towards a buttery texture, while the Roselle focuses on a more gentle and approachable feel.
Overall, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro and HC Studio Roselle linear switches both excel in providing a pleasant sound and feel experience for users. While the Milky Yellow Pro leans towards a thicker resistance and a more textured feel, the Roselle offers an incredibly smooth and frictionless typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can be a great choice for those looking for a budget linear switch option. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience for users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, consider the following factors: If you value a slightly lighter bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience with a "thocky" sound profile, then the Milky Yellow Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lower pitch sound profile, a frictionless and mild typing experience, and a medium-light bottom out force, then the Roselle switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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