Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offer distinct advantages, catering to different needs and preferences. The Milky Yellow Pro is widely celebrated as an all-rounder linear switch, noted for its smooth, buttery feel and "thocky" sound profile that strikes a balance between auditory feedback and tactile responsiveness, making it an ideal choice for both gaming and typing. Budget-conscious enthusiasts gravitate towards this switch for its combination of affordability and performance, providing a rich typing experience without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g prioritizes a serene typing environment, boasting a whisper-quiet operation akin to raindrops against glass. With a balanced 53g actuation force, these switches are perfect for those who appreciate a lighter, yet satisfying keystroke, making them an excellent option for typists in shared spaces or quieter settings. Both switches cater to unique user preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) Linear

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$2.33

$2.30 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, one notable similarity lies in the materials used for their top housing, as both switches feature nylon. This commonality results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, attributed to nylon's softness. The material's ability to absorb sound minimizes higher-pitched tones, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. Both switches will thus share a consistent sound characteristic from the top housing, ensuring that users can expect a comparable acoustic performance when typing, regardless of the specific switch model.

However, a significant contrast exists in the materials used for their bottom housings. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) employs nylon similar to its top housing, which maintains a cohesive sound profile across the entire switch. This consistency amplifies the muffled, softer sound that nylon produces, particularly influencing the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, known for its rigidity and capacity to deliver a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference can lead to a more pronounced auditory experience with the Silent Sakura, especially when bottoming out, which contributes to the overall feel and sound when typing.

In summary, while the top housings of both switches utilize nylon to produce a deeper sound profile, the Milky Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing results in a more uniform acoustic experience, as opposed to the sharper sound from the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Sakura. This diversification in material for the bottom housing highlights differing tactile and auditory elements between the two switches. Users looking for a more muted and cohesive sound might prefer the Milky Yellow Pro, while those who appreciate a clearer and more resonant auditory experience might gravitate toward the Silent Sakura. Ultimately, choices will depend on individual preference for sound dynamics and feel when typing.

Weight

Comparing the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch reveals notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Milky Yellow Pro has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Silent Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the HMX Silent Sakura is overall lighter, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions and gaming marathons, as it requires less effort to actuate. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro, being heavier with its bottom out force, offers a more substantial typing feel, preferred by those who enjoy a firmer tactile response. Thus, if you favor a lighter touch for extended use, the HMX Silent Sakura would be the better choice, while the Milky Yellow Pro caters to those who appreciate a heavier, more tactile experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch both share the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar experience when pressing down on the keys. This equivalent distance allows for a comparable feel in terms of key actuation and responsiveness, making both switches well-suited for keyboard enthusiasts who prefer a linear switch profile. Since they both feature the same travel distance, users will likely achieve similar results in typing performance and gaming scenarios, regardless of which switch they choose.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When evaluating the sound characteristics of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch, it offers a distinct auditory profile that can be described as thocky and low-pitched. This switch produces a deeper, bassy sound that resonates with each key press, akin to a satisfying "thud" or soft "knock." This rich sound is ideal for those who appreciate a more immersive auditory feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch is engineered for a whisper-quiet experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops. Although specific sound descriptors for the Silent Sakura are not provided, the emphasis on silent operation suggests a preference for a more subdued auditory experience, likely appealing to typists who want to minimize noise without sacrificing the tactile experience.

Focusing on the feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is celebrated for its buttery and textured keystrokes. The buttery aspect translates to a smooth and seamless typing experience, allowing for effortless key presses without any noticeable friction. However, the textured quality introduces a subtle resistance that some users may find preferred, adding a layer of tactile feedback. Conversely, the feel of the Silent Sakura - 53g switch remains unspecified; thus, we cannot compare tactile characteristics directly. The lack of detailed descriptions may imply a focus strictly on providing a balanced and quiet keystroke, catering to individuals who prioritize noise reduction over tactile feedback.

In summary, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch present two distinct philosophies in switch design: one celebrates an engaging, thocky auditory experience paired with a buttery feel, while the other prioritizes whisper-quiet operation. Both options cater to different preferences and typing environments; the Milky Yellow Pro excels in versatility for those who appreciate sound and tactile response, whereas the Silent Sakura appeals to those who necessitate silence in their keystrokes. Depending on your priorities in sound and tactile feedback, you might find a switch that suits your needs perfectly, whether you lean toward the immersive experience of the Milky Yellow Pro or the calmness of the Silent Sakura.

Conclusion

To summarize, when choosing between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, your decision should hinge on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you value a versatile, smooth, and satisfying typing experience with a rich, thocky sound profile, the Milky Yellow Pro is an excellent choice. Its 62g bottom-out force provides a balanced resistance suitable for both gaming and typing, making it a reliable all-rounder, especially for those new to mechanical keyboards or looking for budget-friendly options. On the other hand, if you seek a quieter, more subdued typing experience that also caters to a lighter feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g would be more appropriate. With its whisper-quiet operation and a bottom-out force of 53g, these switches excel for typists who prioritize a soft touch and minimal disturbances in shared spaces or during late-night typing sessions. Ultimately, your selection should reflect your typing style, sound preferences, and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) Linear

$2.33

$2.30 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more