Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Silent Red are two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer different advantages depending on your preferences. The Milky Yellow Pro is known for its smoothness, satisfyingly thick resistance, and low, "thocky" sound. This switch excels in both gaming and typing, making it a versatile choice for all-purpose use. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is designed to provide a seamless and quiet typing experience, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces. With a muted sound profile and a smooth, consistent feel, this switch offers maximum comfort during extended typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs and preferences.
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
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Red switches differ in their composition and qualities. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, while the Silent Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in materials leads to distinct sound characteristics when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Silent Red switches employ nylon material. This choice of material again contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound vibrations. Whether you press down on the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) or the Silent Red, you will experience the impact and resulting sound of the nylon bottom housing. The bottom-out sound and feel are influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing material.
Although the top and bottom housings differ between these switches, both still yield a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness and sound-absorbing properties of nylon. However, the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing adds a contrasting element of sharpness and clarity, particularly when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the desired sound characteristics and the preference for RGB lighting, as the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) does not offer the translucent properties of polycarbonate.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Milky Yellow Pro has an actuation force of 50 grams, slightly higher than the Silent Red's 45 grams. This means that a slightly stronger push is required to trigger a keystroke on the Milky Yellow Pro compared to the Silent Red. This may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience.
In terms of bottom out force, the Milky Yellow Pro has a force of 62 grams, while the Silent Red has a slightly higher force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Silent Red requires a slightly heavier push to fully bottom out.
In summary, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force, making it slightly heavier to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches have similar bottom out forces, with the Silent Red being slightly heavier. Therefore, while the overall weight may be comparable between the two switches, those who prefer a lighter feel may lean towards the Silent Red, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may opt for the Milky Yellow Pro.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Red. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Gateron switch is more traditional, while the 3.7mm travel distance of the TTC switch is slightly shallower. However, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance, making them both suitable for those who prefer faster response times. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance for quicker key presses. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys may find the longer travel distance of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for responsiveness and key 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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound. These characteristics create a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when the keys are pressed and released. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch offers a muted sound profile. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, making it ideal for use in office or shared living spaces. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and Silent Red switches offer a buttery typing experience. This means that they provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform sensation when typing. The Silent Red switch is also described as mild, as it offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, the Silent Red switch is polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in sleek key travel and reduced friction. Both switches prioritize a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing session.
Considering the available information, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and TTC Silent Red switches offer different subjective qualities. The Milky Yellow Pro is known for its bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound, making it suitable for those who appreciate a deeper and richer sound profile. It provides a buttery and textured feel, ensuring a smooth and uniform typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch delivers a muted sound, making it ideal for quiet environments. It offers a buttery and gentle feel with a polished finish, providing a comfortable typing experience. However, it's important to remember that individual preferences may vary, and the overall experience can also be influenced by factors such as keycap choice and keyboard construction. Ultimately, both switches offer enjoyable and suitable options for different preferences and settings.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're 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 the ideal choice. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, you can expect a satisfyingly thick resistance and a low, "thocky" sound. These switches offer a deep and rich sound profile, reminiscent of bass tones, and provide a smooth and fluid typing experience, often described as buttery. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet and seamless typing experience, especially in office or shared living spaces, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the perfect option. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches deliver a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The Silent Reds also offer a smooth and effortless typing sensation, often described as buttery and polished. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your specific preferences and requirements.
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