Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Strawberry are both linear switches that offer a smooth typing and gaming experience. The Milky Yellow Pro is well-regarded for its classic budget-friendly nature, providing a satisfyingly thick resistance and a low, "thocky" sound. It is an all-round switch that excels in both gaming and typing scenarios, making it a popular choice among budget enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch offers a smooth actuation and comfortable feel, with its attractive pink and clear housing adding a visually appealing touch. It is known for its reliable performance and offers a frictionless and silky typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Strawberry differ in their choice of housing materials. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon top housing, while the Strawberry features a polycarbonate top housing. These materials create distinct sound profiles when typing on the switches. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. Therefore, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) will deliver a duller and rounder sound, while the Strawberry will provide a more clear and resonant sound.
Likewise, the bottom housings of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Strawberry also differ in material. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) adopts a nylon bottom housing, while the Strawberry utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Much like the top housings, the bottom housings contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch. With nylon, the bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out the keys. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound when bottoming out. Therefore, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) will offer a duller and rounder bottom-out sound, while the Strawberry will provide a more sharp and pronounced bottom-out sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice of top housing material is crucial, especially if RGB lighting is being used. The polycarbonate top housing of the Strawberry is clear, allowing the RGB lighting to shine through more effectively. This transparency enhances the overall visual experience and makes the lighting effects more vibrant. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is not transparent, meaning the RGB lighting may be less visible or not as vibrant. However, if RGB lighting is not a priority, both switches will still perform similarly in terms of their housing materials, offering their distinct sound profiles based on the materials used in their respective top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are some clear similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Milky Yellow Pro requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Strawberry requires 43 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a medium level of resistance in this regard. Therefore, if one is looking for a lighter actuation force, the Strawberry would be the slightly lighter option. However, if both switches offer the same bottom out force, users can expect similar results in terms of the overall force required for typing or gaming. The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider, as a lighter switch allows for longer typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for switches with heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches will provide a similar experience as the travel distance is equal for both.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 per 10 switches.
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 offers a deep and rich bass tone during key presses. It has a low-pitched sound profile that can be described as "thocky," producing a satisfyingly deep and soft "knock" when the keys are pressed and released. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is also low-pitched, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches offer a similar sound experience with their low frequencies, making them suitable for those who prefer a deeper and richer sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch is known for its buttery and textured typing experience. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Strawberry switch, on the other hand, offers a frictionless and silky typing experience. It minimizes resistance or friction when pressing the keys, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing feel. Both switches prioritize smoothness and ease of typing, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
Taking into account the available information, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Strawberry switches share some similarities in terms of sound and feel. They both have a low-pitched sound profile, with the Milky Yellow Pro leaning towards a deeper and more "thocky" tone. In terms of feel, both switches offer a buttery and smooth typing experience, although the Strawberry switch emphasizes a more frictionless and silky feel. Ultimately, both switches are suitable for gaming and typing purposes, providing budget enthusiasts and keyboard enthusiasts with satisfying options. It's important to consider individual preferences, as sound and feel can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a reliable, all-purpose switch with a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) would be an excellent choice. With a medium 62-gram bottom out force, it strikes a balance between comfortable actuation and satisfying resistance. The Milky Yellow Pro is loved by budget enthusiasts for its low, "thocky" sound and smooth key presses, making it suitable for both gaming and typing needs. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, the KTT Strawberry would be a great option. The Strawberry switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience, ensuring effortless and smooth key travel. With its attractive pink and clear housings, the Strawberry switch provides reliable performance and comfortable feel. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
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