Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer their own unique features and advantages. The Milky Yellow Pro is widely recognized as a classic budget switch, providing a satisfyingly smooth and buttery experience. Its low, "thocky" sound and textured resistance make it versatile for both gaming and typing, making it an ideal all-purpose option. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon stands out with its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, resulting in a remarkably smooth and pleasant typing experience. It is known for its low-pitched sound and mild profile, creating a more neutral feel overall. While these general points give an overview of each switch's strengths, it's essential to delve deeper into their specific characteristics to determine which one suits your preferences and requirements best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon differ in their composition, which leads to variations in the sound profiles they produce. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, while the Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon housing of the Milky Yellow Pro absorbs more sound due to its relatively softer plastic, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Sea Salt Lemon creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. However, despite these differences, both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, which again contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile.
The differing top housing materials of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and Sea Salt Lemon significantly impact the sound generated when pressing and releasing the keys. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are felt, as it has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. So, even though the bottom housings of both switches are made of nylon, the distinct characteristics of their top housings affect the overall typing experience. The softer nylon top housing of the Milky Yellow Pro results in a duller and rounder sound upon release, while the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Sea Salt Lemon offers a more clear and resonant sound profile when releasing a key.
While the top and bottom housings differ in material between the two switches, certain qualities are found in both. Nylon is a classic housing material known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. As both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, they both exhibit this desired sound quality. The absorption of sound provided by nylon is a common characteristic shared by both switches, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound depth and fullness when using either the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) or the KTT Sea Salt Lemon.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls into the medium range. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon switch may be the better option as its actuation and bottom out forces are slightly lower than those of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3). This lighter weight can be beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods, such as in a work setting or during long gaming sessions. It allows for less strain on the fingers and can enhance overall comfort during prolonged use.
On the contrary, some users may prefer a stronger actuation and bottom out force for a more substantial typing feel. In such cases, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch would be the better choice, as it requires a slightly heavier force to trigger keystrokes compared to the Sea Salt Lemon switch. This extra resistance can provide a satisfying tactile feedback and a sense of solidity while typing.
Both switches fall within the medium range, with the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) being slightly heavier. Despite the differences in actuation and bottom out forces, both switches provide a reliable and responsive typing experience. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of overall performance, but with a slight variation in the feel and force required for keystrokes between the two switches.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm of travel. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback and will deliver similar results in terms of travel distance. Therefore, whether you choose the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) or the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, you can expect a comparable travel 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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is known for its low, "thocky" sound profile. The switch offers a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. This bass-heavy and mellow tone creates a satisfying and immersive typing experience, making it suitable for both gaming and typing purposes. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is described as having a low-pitched, neutral sound profile. While it also offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone, it lacks the specific "thocky" sound mentioned with the Milky Yellow Pro. However, both switches provide a smooth and fluid typing experience, with the Milky Yellow Pro being described as "buttery" and the Sea Salt Lemon being described as mild and approachable.
In terms of feel, the Milky Yellow Pro offers a seamless and effortless typing sensation. It is described as "buttery," which implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The switch provides a uniform and satisfying tactile feedback. However, the Sea Salt Lemon is described as providing a more gentle typing experience. It falls in a safe middle-ground zone, offering a mild sensation that is approachable to most users. It does not have any noticeable texture or friction, which some users may prefer in their mechanical switches.
Overall, both switches offer their own unique qualities. The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) excels in its low, "thocky" sound profile and provides a buttery smooth typing experience. It is a versatile switch suitable for a wide range of tasks. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offers a bass-heavy and mellow sound with a more gentle typing experience. While it may not have the specific "thocky" sound or the "buttery" feel, it still provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Depending on personal preferences and the desired sound and feel, either switch could be a suitable choice. It's important to consider other factors such as keyboard setup, keycaps, and personal preferences when selecting the appropriate switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is an excellent choice if you are looking for a classic budget switch that combines smoothness with a satisfyingly thick resistance. It is versatile and performs well both in gaming and typing, making it a great all-purpose switch. The Milky Yellow Pro has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, giving it a balanced feel. In terms of sound, it is described as bassy, low-pitched, and thocky, offering a deep and rich sound profile that is highly satisfying during key presses. When it comes to the feel, the Milky Yellow Pro is known for its buttery and textured typing experience, providing a seamless and uniform sensation.
On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is a lovely representation of what a linear switch can be. With its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, these switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience. The Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In terms of sound, it is described as low-pitched and neutral, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, suitable for both beginners and advanced users. In terms of feel, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a mild typing experience, providing a more gentle sensation compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a switch. If you are looking for a budget switch that excels in both gaming and typing, with a medium bottom out force and a deep, rich sound profile, the Milky Yellow Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a slightly lighter bottom out force, paired with a low-pitched and neutral sound, the Sea Salt Lemon is an excellent option. Consider your specific needs and preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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