Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between various options, each offering a unique typing experience. Among the most popular choices are the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, both of which are linear switches boasting exceptional smoothness. The Milky Yellow Pro is celebrated for its budget-friendly appeal and all-around performance, characterized by its low, thocky sound and satisfying resistance that excels in both gaming and typing scenarios, making it a favorite among budget-conscious gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie stands out as a medium-weight all-POM switch that strikes a balance between quality and affordability, providing a similarly thocky sound profile while enhancing the tactile experience with its exceptional smoothness. While the Milky Yellow Pro is perfect for those prioritizing a classic, buttery feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a slightly heftier typing experience for users looking for something a little different. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, the materials used for their housings play a significant role in shaping their overall sound and tactile experience. The Milky Yellow Pro features nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for delivering a deep, full sound profile. Nylon’s softer nature allows it to absorb vibrations more effectively than harder plastics, contributing to a sound that is characterized as duller and rounder. This housing choice ensures consistency throughout the switch, as both the pressing and releasing actions will yield a similarly rich auditory experience.
In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches utilize POM for both the top and bottom housings. POM, or polyoxymethylene, is recognized for producing a pleasing and muted sound profile, leaning towards a deeper tone as well. Like nylon, POM's inherent characteristics allow it to provide a distinct auditory feedback, though the nature of the sound is slightly different; this difference can make use and experience uniquely appealing to different users. While POM does not absorb sound in quite the same way as nylon, it still offers a satisfying typing experience characterized by smoothness and a sense of quality.
Despite the differences in materials, both switches can deliver similar results when it comes to sound quality. The Milky Yellow Pro, with its nylon components, creates a fuller sound during presses and releases, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a muted but uniquely rich sound with its POM structure. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may depend on personal preference for material feel and sound profile. Users seeking a consistent auditory experience may find nylon appealing, while those who favor a distinct yet soft clamor might gravitate towards the POM design.
Weight
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch exhibit some differences in their actuation forces, which can significantly affect the typing experience. The Milky Yellow Pro has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams. This means that users who favor a lighter touch may prefer the Sea Salt Smoothie for extended typing sessions or gaming. The bottom out force for the Milky Yellow Pro is 62 grams, indicating a medium firmness at the bottom of the keystroke. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, leaving it unclear how it compares in terms of feedback upon reaching the key's lowest point. For those who enjoy a stronger push for a more substantial feel, the Milky Yellow Pro may be the better option. Overall, the Milky Yellow Pro is the heavier switch, while the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its lighter actuation force, may offer more comfort for users seeking a softer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we observe clear differences. The Milky Yellow Pro has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it suitable for those who appreciate a deeper keystroke and a more traditional feel. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, which allows for quicker key presses and potentially faster response times, appealing especially to gamers seeking a more immediate feedback experience. If you prefer responsiveness in your typing or gaming, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be the better choice. However, if you enjoy a more solid and substantial keystroke, the Milky Yellow Pro is preferable due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, whether one prefers a deeper or shallower keystroke can greatly influence their overall typing 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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is characterized by a low-pitched, thocky quality that delivers a rich and satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. This bassy sound produces a deep "thud" that many users find appealing, particularly for those who appreciate a robust audio feedback when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an unspecified sound profile, leaving it open-ended in terms of audible characteristics. However, it can be expected to offer a sound that is pleasant and consistent with the qualities of a quality linear switch, even if specific details are unknown.
When it comes to feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) stands out with its buttery smoothness and textured experience, providing a seamless and enjoyable keystroke, akin to gliding over a surface without hindrance. This combination makes it suitable for both extended typing sessions and fast-paced gaming. The Sea Salt Smoothie’s tactile characteristics are not explicitly defined, which leaves some mystery in comparing its feel. Nevertheless, likely it aims to deliver a smooth typing experience that aligns with its positioning as a high-quality switch.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is well-regarded for its thocky sound and buttery, smooth feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers an air of uncertainty regarding its sound and feel characteristics. Both switches cater to those seeking a pleasing auditory and tactile experience, but the Milky Yellow Pro offers more defined qualities. Newcomers to mechanical keyboards can expect that the Milky Yellow Pro excels in both sound and feel, making it a reliable choice, while the Sea Salt Smoothie remains an option that may still provide satisfactory experiences, albeit with less defined attributes.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you're looking for an all-around switch that performs well in both gaming and typing, the Milky Yellow Pro is a fantastic option. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams provides a satisfying resistance, while its buttery smooth feel and thocky sound profile create an engaging typing experience. This makes it ideal for budget-conscious enthusiasts who desire a switch that doesn't compromise on quality. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that emphasizes exceptional smoothness and potentially unique properties, the Sea Salt Smoothie could be more appealing, especially if you are comfortable with exploring its layered characteristics—though, being unaware of the bottom-out force may require a bit more investigation on your part. Ultimately, both switches hold their own in different aspects, so consider whether the versatility of the Milky Yellow Pro or the intriguing qualities of the Sea Salt Smoothie align better with your keyboard experience objectives.
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