Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Dareu Sky V3 are popular options to consider. The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is known for its smoothness and buttery feel, making it a versatile choice for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 is praised for its neutral sound and medium-light weight, appealing to users with diverse typing preferences. While the Milky Yellow Pro is described as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', and 'Thocky', the Sky V3 is characterized as 'Neutral', 'Subdued', and 'Mild'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, catering to different needs and preferences. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Dareu Sky V3, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that typing on either of these switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the relatively softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. However, in the case of the top housing, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) features nylon while the Sky V3 incorporates polycarbonate. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Sky V3 creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in contrast to the duller and rounder sound produced by nylon in the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3).
On a functional level, the nylon bottom housing of both the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Dareu Sky V3 contributes to a similar typing experience, providing a softness that enhances sound absorption and contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the difference arises in their top housing materials. While the Nylon top housing of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, the polycarbonate top housing of the Sky V3 results in a sharper and crisper sound, making it suitable for users who prefer a more resonant sound experience. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and typing feel of a switch.
In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Dareu Sky V3 will ultimately come down to personal preference regarding sound profile and typing experience. While both switches share nylon bottom housings that provide a fuller sound profile, their top housings, whether nylon or polycarbonate, offer distinct sound characteristics. Users looking for a deeper and fuller sound may prefer the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) with its nylon top housing, while those seeking a sharper and crisper sound may lean towards the Dareu Sky V3 with its polycarbonate top housing. Ultimately, the difference in top housing material plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile and feel of the switches.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, we can see some differences. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Dareu Sky V3's 40 grams. This means that the Milky Yellow Pro will require a bit more force to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Milky Yellow Pro has a slightly higher force of 62 grams, while the Dareu Sky V3's bottom out force is unknown. This indicates that the Milky Yellow Pro will provide a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their force requirements, catering to different preferences. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Sky V3 for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier forces of the Milky Yellow Pro for a more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. In comparison, neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, as they have identical travel distances. This similarity in travel distance means that users can expect consistent tactile feedback and keypresses when using either of these linear switches for their mechanical keyboards.
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 Dareu Sky V3 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V3 for $4.76.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is renowned for its deep and bass-heavy sound profile, with a satisfyingly low-pitched and thocky sound upon each key press. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is known for its more subdued and neutral sound, offering a dampened and moderate sound profile suitable for various typing preferences. While both switches deliver pleasant sound experiences, the Milky Yellow Pro's emphasis on bass and thockiness may appeal more to those seeking a satisfyingly deep and rich tone.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is characterized by its buttery and smooth keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offers a mild typing experience, presenting a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. While both switches deliver comfortable typing experiences, the Milky Yellow Pro's buttery and textured feel may be preferred by those seeking a smoother and more fluid typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Milky Yellow Pro excels in providing a deep, bass-heavy sound and a buttery, textured feel, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts seeking a classic budget switch. On the other hand, the Sky V3 showcases a more neutral and subdued sound profile along with a mild typing experience, catering to a wider range of typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and can deliver a satisfying typing experience depending on individual preferences and usage scenarios.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering which switch to choose between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Dareu Sky V3, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that excels in both gaming and typing with a satisfyingly thick resistance and low, "thocky" sound, then the Milky Yellow Pro would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound signature, medium-light weight, and widespread acclaim for comfort and precision, then the Dareu Sky V3 would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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