Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, both linear switches. The Milky Yellow Pro is known for its smooth and buttery feel, with a low, "thocky" sound that appeals to both gamers and typists. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver offers lightning-fast actuation thanks to its short travel distance, along with a thocky sound and feather-light touch. While the Milky Yellow Pro excels as a classic budget switch, the Smoothie Silver offers a unique POM construction. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, we can see that both switches use different materials for their top housing - nylon for the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and POM for the Smoothie Silver. While both materials are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, whereas POM creates a relatively more muted and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side. This difference in sound profile can affect the overall typing experience for users, as the material of the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Smoothie Silver use nylon. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, as its softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, which can impact the overall sound and feel of the switch when bottoming out. With both switches using the same material for the bottom housing, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when pressing down on the keys.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches such as the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Gateron Smoothie Silver can greatly impact the sound and feel of typing. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, the difference in top housing materials - nylon for the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and POM for the Smoothie Silver - results in a variation in sound profiles. Users may prefer the duller and rounder sound of nylon in the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) or the more muted and pleasing sound of POM in the Smoothie Silver, depending on their personal preferences for typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch reveals some key differences. The Milky Yellow Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Smoothie Silver's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Milky Yellow Pro is also heavier at 62 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Smoothie Silver is unknown. This means that the Milky Yellow Pro provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with both the actuation and bottom out forces being higher compared to the Smoothie Silver. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Smoothie Silver may be the better option due to its lower actuation force. The actuation force and bottom out of the Milky Yellow Pro is on the medium to heavy side, while the Smoothie Silver offers a lighter typing experience with a lower actuation force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Smoothie Silver the shorter travel distance of the two. The Milky Yellow Pro falls within the realm of traditional travel distances, while the Smoothie Silver is on the shallower end of the spectrum. Gamers may prefer the Smoothie Silver for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Milky Yellow Pro. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 bassy, low-pitched, and thocky nature, offering a deep and rich sound profile with each key press. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch lacks specific descriptors for its sound, making it difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect. Ultimately, the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so both switches can provide satisfactory auditory feedback depending on the setup.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is described as buttery and textured, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Unfortunately, specific information regarding the feel of the Smoothie Silver is not available for comparison. However, given that both switches are linear and from the same manufacturer, it is likely that the Smoothie Silver also delivers a similarly smooth and consistent typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is favored for its classic budget-friendly design, offering a thocky sound and buttery feel that caters to both gaming and typing needs. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is all-POM with a short travel distance and feather-light touch, making it a speedy choice for those seeking rapid actuation. While specific comparisons for sound and feel may be lacking for the Smoothie Silver, the overall reputation of Gateron switches suggests that both options are reliable and high-quality choices based on individual preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths and can provide excellent performance depending on the user's preferences and usage requirements.
Conclusion
In summary, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, you should opt for the Milky Yellow Pro if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that excels in both gaming and typing. The Milky Yellow Pro offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a low, "thocky" sound. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightning-fast actuation and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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