Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Everglide Sakura Pink. The Milky Yellow Pro is known for its smoothness and satisfyingly thick resistance, making it a versatile choice for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches boast a feather-light actuation force, perfect for delicate typists, and provide a smooth and effortless typing experience. The Sakura Pinks also offer a delightful poppy sound, adding a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics of each switch so you can make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches differ significantly, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and more sound-absorbent. This softer plastic creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing, producing a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Sakura Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper and crisper sound. The polycarbonate material enhances the higher-pitched tones, giving it a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for switches that utilize RGB lighting.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the differences between the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Sakura Pink switches mirror those found in the top housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) contributes to the switch's deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer and more sound-absorbing material. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Sakura Pink switch generates a sharper and crisper sound due to the stiffer nature of the plastic. Aesthetically speaking, the clear nature of polycarbonate in the bottom housing also aligns with its use in the top housing to enhance the visual appeal of the switch, particularly when coupled with RGB lighting.
While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches, the impact of each material on the overall sound profile remains consistent. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced when the key is bottomed out, contributing to the tactile feel and audible response. On the other hand, the top housing material dominates the sound when the key is released, influencing the tonality and resonance. Additionally, both switches prioritize the sound experience by leveraging the unique characteristics of their respective housing materials to create distinctive sound profiles, even though they differ from one another.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, we can see distinct differences. The actuation force of the Milky Yellow Pro is 50 grams, while the Sakura Pink requires a lighter force of 35 grams to trigger a keystroke. This implies that the Sakura Pink switch is more sensitive and requires less effort for typing or gaming.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Milky Yellow Pro requires 62 grams of force to fully press down the switch, indicating a slightly heavier typing experience. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is lighter than the Milky Yellow Pro. This means that the Sakura Pink switch allows for a softer and less physically demanding bottoming out sensation.
Considering weight, the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Sakura Pink switch make it an appealing choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro offers a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, which could be favored by individuals who prefer a stronger push and a more substantial typing experience.
In summary, while the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches differ in their actuation and bottom out forces, they cater to different preferences. The Sakura Pink switch is lighter in both aspects, providing a more sensitive and softer typing experience. The Milky Yellow Pro, on the other hand, offers a slightly heavier force, which may suit those who desire a stronger and more substantial keystroke.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm of travel. Both switches provide a similar tactile feedback and typing experience due to their equal travel distance. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of key press depth and overall feel when using either of these switches.
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 Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is known for its low-pitched and thocky sound. These switches produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. The bassy sound profile provides a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches are described as muted. They produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches offer different sound profiles, with the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the Sakura Pink offers a softer and more subdued sound reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both switches are described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offers a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. It falls in the buttery category without any noticeable texture or friction when pressed. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches offer a creamy typing experience. This is likely due to lubricant applied in the switch at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on these switches feels silky smooth, with a gliding sensation as your fingers effortlessly melt into each keystroke. Additionally, the Sakura Pink switches are also described as easy-to-press, offering a light actuation force and gentle resistance. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches provide a smooth and low-impact typing feel, but the Sakura Pink switches offer an extra level of creaminess and ease of pressing.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and Everglide Sakura Pink switches offer a buttery and smooth typing experience, they differ in sound and some subtle differences in feel. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a bass-heavy and thocky sound, providing a deep and satisfying tone. Meanwhile, the Sakura Pink switches produce a muted sound, offering a softer and quieter experience. In terms of feel, both switches are buttery, but the Sakura Pink switches have the additional creaminess and ease of pressing, making them ideal for delicate typists. Depending on your preferences, you can choose either switch for a smooth typing experience, but keep in mind the differences in sound and the extra creaminess offered by the Sakura Pink switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a classic budget switch with a satisfyingly thick resistance, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) would be a great choice. This switch excels in both gaming and typing, making it versatile for various purposes. Its low, "thocky" sound adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a feather-light actuation force and a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Everglide Sakura Pink is the way to go. These switches have a gliding feel and produce a delightful, poppy sound that adds a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions. Additionally, the Sakura Pink switches are muted, offering a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. Overall, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a medium resistance and a deeper, bassier sound (Milky Yellow Pro) or a light actuation force, a smooth and buttery feel, and a quieter sound (Sakura Pink).
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