Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that offer distinct experiences are the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Silent Bluish White. The Milky Yellow Pro is a linear switch known for its smoothness and satisfyingly thick resistance. It offers a low, "thocky" sound and is versatile for both gaming and typing purposes, making it a go-to switch for budget enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White is a tactile switch that provides a medium level of resistance, ensuring a precise and comfortable typing experience. What sets it apart is its quietness, ideal for office or shared living spaces. Both switches have their unique qualities, but 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
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Silent Bluish White, we can see clear differences in their sound profiles. The Milky Yellow Pro features a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White has a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the visual aesthetics.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Milky Yellow Pro and the Silent Bluish White feature nylon. This means that they share similar qualities in terms of the sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. In both switches, this softer bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound when pressing down on the keys. So, despite the differences in their top housing materials, the bottom housing of these switches provides a similar experience.
When it comes to the overall impact on sound and feel, the choice of housing material in the top and bottom can have different effects. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key. As both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, the experience will be quite similar in terms of the deep and full sound while pressing down. However, the top housing, whether it's nylon or polycarbonate, has a greater impact on the sound when you release a key. The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro's nylon top housing will generate a duller and rounder sound upon key release, while the TTC Silent Bluish White's polycarbonate top housing will produce a sharper and crisper sound. Thus, the choice of top housing material can greatly influence the sound experience during key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Milky Yellow Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, compared to the 42 grams required for the Silent Bluish White. This means that the Milky Yellow Pro requires a slightly stronger push to initiate a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Milky Yellow Pro again is slightly heavier with 62 grams, while the Silent Bluish White requires 50 grams to fully press down. This indicates that the Milky Yellow Pro has a more substantial typing experience, as it requires a higher force to bottom out. However, both switches fall within the medium to light range of actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for comfortable typing for extended periods. For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Silent Bluish White would be a better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, if a user desires a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro would be the preferable option.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch have different travel distances. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the more traditional and deeper option. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes it a good choice for gamers who prefer faster response times due to the shorter travel distance. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt or lacking in depth. For those who prefer a more substantial feeling when typing, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) with its longer travel distance would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired 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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $5.15.
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 often described as bassy, low-pitched, and thocky. These switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, with a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness of bass tones. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White switches are known for their muted sound. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. They are designed to minimize noise and are perfect for office or shared living space use.
In terms of feel, both the Milky Yellow Pro and the Silent Bluish White switches are described as buttery. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The Silent Bluish White switches are also described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience. They have qualities that stand in a safe, middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users. Additionally, the Silent Bluish White switches can be considered stepped, meaning they have a two-stage tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This adds a subtle variation to the typing experience, enhancing precision and comfort.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and TTC Silent Bluish White switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Milky Yellow Pro is known for its smoothness, thick resistance, and satisfying thocky sound, making it a versatile option suitable for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switches provide a precise and comfortable typing experience with a medium level of tactility and a muted sound. Both switches have a buttery feel and are well-suited for different use cases, whether it be in a budget enthusiast's setup or in an office or shared living space. While the Milky Yellow Pro offers a deeper sound profile and the Silent Bluish White focuses on quietness, they share similarities in their smoothness, making them both excellent choices for newcomers looking for a pleasant typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a versatile and budget-friendly linear switch that excels in both gaming and typing, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is the ideal choice for you. With a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, it provides a satisfying and thick resistance while maintaining a smooth and buttery typing experience. The low-pitched and thocky sound profile adds to the overall satisfaction of using these switches. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience, especially for office or shared living spaces, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch is the better option. With a light bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer a comfortable and precise typing experience with a medium level of tactility. They are designed to be as quiet as possible, with a muted sound profile that minimizes noise. Additionally, the Silent Bluish Whites have a mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for sound and feel, as well as your specific use case.
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