Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Akko V3 Silver Pro mechanical keyboard switches, it all boils down to personal preference and specific use cases. The Milky Yellow Pro is a classic budget switch known for its smoothness, low "thocky" sound, and thick resistance, making it ideal for both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro switches are tailored for gamers, offering a light actuation force, shortened travel distance, and a pleasing bassy sound with each keystroke. While the Milky Yellow Pro excels as an all-purpose switch, the V3 Silver Pro's focus on gaming-specific features may appeal to those seeking an edge in competitive gameplay. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, we can see a clear distinction between nylon and polycarbonate. The Milky Yellow Pro features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile with its stiffer plastic composition. While the Milky Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a similar sound profile to its top housing, the V3 Silver Pro's nylon bottom housing brings a consistent deep and full sound to its overall switch design.
While both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housings, the Akko V3 Silver Pro stands out with its clear polycarbonate top housing. This distinction not only affects the sound profile of the switch but also plays a role in its aesthetic appeal, especially when paired with RGB lighting. The combination of nylon and polycarbonate allows the V3 Silver Pro to produce a clear and resonant sound when key presses are released, whereas the Milky Yellow Pro maintains a consistent deep and full sound throughout its typing experience. Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences and preferences.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Akko V3 Silver Pro comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic appeal. The nylon housing of the Milky Yellow Pro provides a classic typing experience with deep and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate housing of the V3 Silver Pro offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. Whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound or a more clear and resonant sound, both switches deliver high-quality performance that will enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing materials will depend on your desired sound profile and visual preferences for your keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the V3 Silver Pro with 40 grams, making the former require a bit more force to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Milky Yellow Pro is 62 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro is 45 grams, indicating that the former requires more force to fully press the key down. This makes the V3 Silver Pro a lighter option overall, which may be more comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a bit more resistance. In both cases, the actuation and bottom out forces contribute to the overall feel of the switch, providing users with different options based on their preferences for typing force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Milky Yellow Pro will provide a deeper key press experience compared to the V3 Silver Pro. While the shorter travel distance of the V3 Silver Pro may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, others may find it too abrupt. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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) linear switch is known for its low-pitched and thocky sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience with each key press. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offers a high-pitched sound, delivering a sharp and crisp noise during keystrokes. While the Milky Yellow Pro gives off a bassy and rich tone, the V3 Silver Pro leans towards a more distinct and clear sound. Choosing between the two will ultimately come down to personal preference, whether you prefer a deeper, bass-heavy sound or a sharper, higher-pitched one.
In terms of feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch is praised for its buttery and textured keystroke experience, offering a smooth and fluid sensation while typing. In comparison, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch provides an easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky typing experience. With light actuation force and reduced finger fatigue, the V3 Silver Pro excels in providing a comfortable and responsive typing feel, ideal for long gaming sessions or work tasks. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro offers that classic buttery smoothness that many users appreciate, along with a subtle textured feel for those who enjoy some feedback during typing.
Overall, both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Milky Yellow Pro provides a classic and versatile choice with its smooth, thocky sound and buttery feel, making it a favorite among budget enthusiasts. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro stands out for its gamer-centric design, offering a light actuation force and a range of creamy, feathery, and polished sensations for a comfortable and efficient typing experience. Depending on whether you prioritize sound depth or sharpness, and prefer a smoother or lighter keystroke feel, both switches can deliver satisfying results to meet your specific needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider the bottom out force of each switch. If you prefer a medium resistance with a bottom out force of 62 grams, opt for the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) for a versatile typing and gaming experience. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter actuation force of 45 grams for faster keystrokes ideal for gaming scenarios, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is the better choice. Furthermore, if you enjoy a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is the go-to option. Conversely, if you prefer a high-pitched sound, the V3 Silver Pro is more suitable. When it comes to feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offers a buttery and textured experience, while the V3 Silver Pro provides an easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky sensation. Consider your preferences in terms of resistance, sound, and feel to make the right decision between these two exceptional linear switches for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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