Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Silent Brown are two popular mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Starting with the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro, it is renowned for its smoothness and buttery goodness. This linear switch provides a low-pitched and textured typing experience, perfect for both gaming and typing tasks. The thick resistance adds a satisfying element to each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for budget enthusiasts. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown offers a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium resistance and a rounded tactile bump. What sets this switch apart is its muted sound profile, allowing for a quieter typing experience. Both switches have their own set of qualities that make them appealing, 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
The housing materials of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Silent Brown switches differ in terms of their composition. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, while the Silent Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. This variation in materials results in different sound profiles. Typing on switches with a nylon top housing, such as the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), produces a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer plastic's ability to absorb sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Brown creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Moreover, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it particularly suitable for switches that incorporate RGB lighting.
While the top housing materials differ, both the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Silent Brown employ a nylon bottom housing. This choice of material in the bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon is known for its softness and sound-absorbing properties. Therefore, in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, both the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Silent Brown will offer similar qualities due to their common use of nylon in the bottom housing.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials of a switch play distinct roles in producing the overall sound profile. When pressing down on a switch, the characteristics of the bottom housing are predominantly felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Meanwhile, the top housing has a more pronounced effect on the sound when releasing a key. Consequently, the choice of housing materials in the top and bottom sections of a switch affects how it sounds during keystrokes and when keys are released.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Milky Yellow Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Brown's 45 grams. This means that the Milky Yellow Pro requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Silent Brown has a heavier force of 63.5 grams compared to the Milky Yellow Pro's 62 grams. This means that the Silent Brown provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger resistance when fully pressing down. In terms of weight, the Milky Yellow Pro can be considered lighter than the Silent Brown due to its lower actuation force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Milky Yellow Pro is a suitable choice. However, for those who enjoy a stronger push feel, the Silent Brown offers a medium-heavy option. Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches differ slightly, both options provide a similar result in terms of their medium actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of comparison, both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances. 4.0 mm is the more traditional distance, offering a standard depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Silent Brown switch is slightly shorter, which can be beneficial for gamers looking for faster response times. However, it is important to note that the difference in travel distances between the two switches is relatively small. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the shorter travel distance providing more responsiveness and the longer travel distance potentially offering a more satisfying depth.
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 Brown 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 Brown for $5.00.
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) switch is known for its "thocky" and low-pitched sound profile. These switches produce a deep and rich tone comparable to a soft "knock" or a deep "thud" when pressed and released. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch offers a muted sound profile. This means that the Silent Brown switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to traditional mechanical keyboards. It minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical switches, providing a more subdued typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's design and the choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, both switches are described as "buttery," indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The Milky Yellow Pro switch is also mentioned to have a satisfyingly thick resistance, adding to its feel. However, the Silent Brown switch is additionally noted to have a mild typing experience. This means that it offers a more gentle typing feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It stands in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. Furthermore, the Silent Brown switch is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Silent Brown switches have different sound profiles, with the Milky Yellow Pro being low-pitched and "thocky," while the Silent Brown offers a muted sound. However, both switches provide a buttery and smooth typing experience. If you enjoy a deeper and richer sound with a satisfyingly thick resistance, the Milky Yellow Pro is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued and quieter sound with a mild and polished typing feel, the Silent Brown switch is an excellent option. Overall, their subjective qualities cater to different preferences, but you can anticipate a similar buttery and smooth typing experience from both switches.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a versatile and budget-friendly switch that excels in both gaming and typing, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is a great choice. With its smooth and buttery keystrokes, this switch offers a satisfying typing experience. It also produces a low-pitched and thocky sound, which adds to the overall tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prioritize a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is the way to go. These switches have a muted sound profile, which makes them quieter than regular switches. They also offer a buttery and polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro and the TTC Silent Brown will depend on your preferences for sound and feel. Consider whether you prefer a deeper and thocky sound, or a quieter and more muted sound, and whether you prefer a textured or polished feel.
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