Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both offer unique features worth considering. The Milky Yellow Pro stands out for its smooth and buttery feel, low "thocky" sound, and versatile performance, making it an excellent choice for gaming and typing alike. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine switches are praised for their resonant and clacky notes, as well as a superior factory lube job that enhances the overall typing experience. While the Milky Yellow Pro is known for its budget-friendly appeal and all-purpose performance, the Strawberry Wine switches offer a more specialized and premium feel. 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
52g
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
Y3
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), we see that both switches utilize nylon for their top housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. While both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound, the Strawberry Wine's POM top housing provides a unique, muted sound that leans towards the deeper side. This difference in sound profile sets the Strawberry Wine apart from the Milky Yellow Pro in terms of auditory experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Milky Yellow Pro and the Strawberry Wine utilize nylon for this component. The nylon bottom housing of these switches also contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile that nylon is known for. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures that both switches offer a similar tactile feel and sound when bottoming out keys. Overall, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches solidifies their shared goal of providing a satisfying typing experience with a rounder and duller sound profile.
When considering how the top and bottom housing materials impact the overall performance of a switch, it becomes clear that the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine share similar qualities and attributes. The split between the top and bottom housing allows for a nuanced typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. While the Strawberry Wine's POM top housing may offer a slightly different sound profile compared to the Milky Yellow Pro's nylon top housing, both switches ultimately provide a satisfying typing experience with their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing.
Weight
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch. The Milky Yellow Pro has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is lighter. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Strawberry Wine switch, which allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Milky Yellow Pro switch with its slightly heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two options. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Milky Yellow Pro being more standard while the Strawberry Wine offers a slightly shallower feel. Gamers may appreciate the quicker response time of the shorter travel distance of the Strawberry Wine, while those who prefer a more pronounced key press may lean towards the Milky Yellow Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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 best known for its bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, offering a deep and satisfying auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is characterized by a clacky, resonant, and high-pitched sound, providing a sharp and crisp tone with each keystroke. Ultimately, the Milky Yellow Pro will deliver a deeper and richer sound, while the Strawberry Wine will offer a sharper and brighter sound, catering to different preferences.
Moving on to the feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch is praised for its buttery and textured feel, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is effortless and uniform. In comparison, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel that minimizes resistance during key presses and releases. While both switches offer a smooth typing experience, the Milky Yellow Pro may provide a slightly more textured sensation compared to the silky smoothness of the Strawberry Wine.
In conclusion, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Milky Yellow Pro excels in providing a bassy and buttery sound with a textured feel, making it a versatile option for gaming and typing. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine stands out with its clacky and resonant sound profile, paired with a silky smooth typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a deeper, more textured sound and feel or a sharper, smoother sensation, both switches offer unique qualities that can elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches, consider your preferences and needs. If you are looking for a versatile switch that excels in both gaming and typing with a medium bottom out force and a smooth, satisfying feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, and enjoy a resonant and clacky sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) may be the ideal switch for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so carefully consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
