Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Huano Strawberry Latte stand out as two excellent linear options, each catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is a beloved choice among budget enthusiasts, renowned for its smooth actuation and a pleasingly "thocky" sound that complements both gaming and typing. With its satisfyingly thick resistance and low-pitched feedback, it’s an all-purpose switch that strikes a perfect balance for everyday use. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a distinct experience, utilizing cutting-edge mold technology to deliver a super smooth key press. Its balanced sound profile finds a middle ground—neither too quiet nor overly resonant—making it an intriguing option for users seeking a refined auditory experience. Each switch brings its unique qualities to the table, appealing to different styles and needs. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Huano Strawberry Latte, it is essential to look at how each component contributes to the overall typing experience. The Milky Yellow Pro utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its softer texture. This material absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a typing experience that produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. The sound signature created by this nylon construction is characterized by a duller and rounder quality, which many typists find pleasing. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte features a top housing made from polyketone (POK) and a bottom housing made from nylon. The POK material contributes to a different sound profile that is touted for a smoother and clackier feel while maintaining the softer qualities of nylon in the bottom.
The contrasting materials in the top housings between these two switches highlight some notable differences in performance. The POK top housing of the Strawberry Latte features a higher coefficient of friction compared to the nylon top housing of the Milky Yellow Pro, making it smoother overall. POK is also considerably more durable, offering enormous wear and shock resistance benefits that outstrip nylon significantly. While the Milky Yellow Pro thrives on its characteristic deeper sound, the Strawberry Latte’s POK housing adds a unique texture and responsiveness that enhances its clackiness, offering a brighter acoustic profile. This variation is essential for enthusiasts aiming for a particular switch behavior in their keyboard setups.
However, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to shared qualities in that area. The utilization of nylon, a classic material in mechanical switch design, ensures that both switches benefit from the noise-dampening and cushioning characteristics that help foster a comfortable typing experience. Because the bottom housing material has a more pronounced effect on the bottom-out sound and feel, both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro and Huano Strawberry Latte provide a robust and satisfying keypress despite their different top housing materials. This means that users can expect a decent level of consistency in sound and tactile feedback between the two switches, resulting in similar performance aspects even with their varied top configurations.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Milky Yellow Pro requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, marking it as a medium-weight switch that is more rigid and offers a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch, especially beneficial for longer typing sessions or gaming. This lighter feel can reduce fatigue and enhance comfort over time. As a result, users looking for ease during extended use may lean towards the Strawberry Latte, while those who prefer more resistance in their keystrokes might find the Milky Yellow Pro more satisfying. Ultimately, the two switches cater to different preferences, with the Strawberry Latte being the lighter option and the Milky Yellow Pro offering a heavier, more tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Milky Yellow Pro has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Strawberry Latte has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Milky Yellow Pro offers a more pronounced keypress, appealing to users who prefer a deeper feel for a more hearty typing experience. On the other hand, the shorter 3.6 mm distance of the Strawberry Latte caters to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, making it more suitable for fast-paced activities. As such, while both switches are linear, the Milky Yellow Pro allows for a longer and potentially more deliberate key press, whereas the Strawberry Latte provides a swifter, yet potentially more abrupt, typing 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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 characterized by its low, thocky profile, offering a deeper and richer auditory experience during key presses. This switch produces a pleasing bassy tone, giving it a low-pitched resonance that many users find satisfying and immersive, especially in a typing or gaming environment. On the contrary, the sound profile of the Huano Strawberry Latte is less defined in comparison; while it is noted to have a balanced auditory presence that avoids extreme either end of the spectrum—being neither too quiet nor overly resonant—specific descriptors are lacking. Nonetheless, both switches excel in facilitating a pleasant auditory experience by contributing to an engaging keyboard atmosphere.
In terms of feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) stands out with its buttery smoothness, providing a seamless and fluid keystroke experience that many typists and gamers appreciate. The switch's textured feel is on the subtle side, ensuring that users enjoy a balanced typing sensation without jarring friction. The Huano Strawberry Latte's tactile experience remains to be fully evaluated, as its feel characteristics have not been specified. Therefore, while the Milky Yellow Pro offers a well-defined sensation that combines ease of use with a hint of texture, the Strawberry Latte's feel remains an area of curiosity.
In conclusion, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch showcases an impressive combination of sound and feel with its deep, thocky auditory signature and buttery smooth keystroke experience. Meanwhile, while information about the Huano Strawberry Latte's sound and feel is less comprehensive, it is recognized for having a balanced sound profile. Both switches cater to different user preferences, and those looking for a more immersive auditory and tactile typing experience may gravitate towards the Milky Yellow Pro, while the Strawberry Latte appears to hold potential for a good, well-rounded performance. Ultimately, users may gravitate towards one based on their specific desires for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, your choice between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and how you plan to use your keyboard. If you’re looking for a versatile switch that provides a satisfying thocky sound and a smooth typing experience with a medium actuation force of 62 grams, the Milky Yellow Pro is an excellent option for both gaming and typing. Its richer and deeper sound profile, along with its buttery feel, makes it a solid choice for those seeking an all-around switch that doesn't compromise on performance. On the other hand, if you prefer lighter keystrokes with a bottom out force of just 45 grams, the Strawberry Latte might be more suited to your style. Offering a smooth typing experience with a balanced sound profile, it can be ideal for long typing sessions where reduced fatigue is a priority. Therefore, evaluate your typing habits and preferences; whether you opt for the Milky Yellow for its robust feel and sound, or the Strawberry Latte for its lightweight and smooth operation, both switches have their unique strengths that cater to different user needs.
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