Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Sunset Gleam, both linear switches that cater to distinct user preferences. The Milky Yellow Pro is celebrated for its smooth, buttery feel and a low, "thocky" sound, providing a satisfying typing experience that is ideal for both gaming and general use, earning its reputation as a go-to budget-friendly choice for enthusiasts. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, often referred to as the Duck Duck switch, emphasizes a unique blend of materials that results in a subtle top-out and a pleasant clack sound, further enhanced by HMX's renowned factory lube, making it a great option for those seeking a more premium typing experience. While both switches promise an enjoyable linear feel, their distinct sound profiles and responsiveness may influence your decision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Sunset Gleam, a clear distinction emerges between the top housings, which greatly influences the auditory experience of each switch. The Milky Yellow Pro utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer characteristics that produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam showcases a polycarbonate top housing, a material that is stiffer and, consequently, offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This fundamental difference indicates that while the former creates a rounder, more muted auditory experience, the latter produces a crisper and more resonant one, particularly enhanced by its translucency that allows for effective RGB lighting display.
However, when examining the bottom housings, both switches share a commonality. Both the Milky Yellow Pro and the Sunset Gleam utilize nylon in their bottom housings, ensuring that their sound profiles, particularly during the bottom-out phase, will elicit a deeper and fuller auditory effect. Since nylon's properties dominate the tactile response in the bottom portion of the switches, this similarity means that regardless of the top housing, the softer characteristics of nylon will mitigate any sharpness introduced by polycarbonate in the Sunset Gleam's upper section, providing a balance in sound and feel when bottoming out.
Ultimately, these differences and similarities reveal how each switch can cater to varied user preferences. If a typist or gamer prefers a softer, rounder sound experience, the Milky Yellow Pro would be a suitable choice, while those seeking a sharper, more pronounced auditory feedback might favor the Sunset Gleam. Nevertheless, the shared nylon material in both bottom housings ensures that no matter which switch is chosen, a fuller sound will resonate during actuation, providing a consistent tactile experience despite the contrasting acoustics created by their respective top materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch to the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Milky Yellow Pro features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam is lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for those who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. As a result, the Sunset Gleam is better suited for users looking for a softer touch, while the Milky Yellow Pro may appeal to those who appreciate a firmer feedback. Overall, the differences suggest that while both switches serve their purpose effectively, the choice between them ultimately hinges on personal preference for either a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Milky Yellow Pro offers a more traditional depth, which can provide a richer typing experience for users who enjoy that sensation of pressing down. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam's shorter travel distance caters to gamers and users seeking faster response times, making it feel more responsive during rapid key presses. If you prefer a switch with a hearty depth, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro would be the better choice; however, if quick response is your priority, the HMX Sunset Gleam is likely to suit you more effectively. Thus, users will experience different tactile feedback based on their preference for travel distance, with the Milky Yellow Pro being the longer switch and the Sunset Gleam offering a shorter, more rapid engagement.
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 HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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
The auditory profile of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is characterized by a deep, thocky sound that offers a rich and satisfying experience during key presses. This switch produces a bass-heavy, low-pitched tone that resonates with a deep "thud" or gentle "knock," providing an immersive auditory feedback that many users find appealing. Meanwhile, the sound profile of the HMX Sunset Gleam is currently unknown. However, this does not diminish the Milky Yellow's status as an exceptional budget choice, as its sound is often complemented by various keyboard builds and keycap choices that can further enhance the user experience.
When considering the tactile feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) excels with its buttery smoothness, ensuring a seamless keystroke experience that is fluid and consistent across typists' fingers. This makes it a pleasure to type on, whether in gaming or prolonged writing sessions. However, the feel of the HMX Sunset Gleam has not been disclosed. The beautifully textured keystrokes of the Milky Yellow Pro can be favored by some users for the perfect blend of resistance and smoothness, which adds to its overall appeal.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) presents a well-defined auditory and tactile experience with its thocky sound and buttery feel, information about the HMX Sunset Gleam remains limited. Nonetheless, if you opt for the Milky Yellow Pro, you can expect solid performance in both gaming and typing, while the Sunset Gleam's comparative qualities in sound and feel are still awaiting further exploration. If you seek certain characteristics, experimenting with various switch types can lead you to favorable results, but the Milky Yellow Pro remains a reliable budget option for well-rounded functionality.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you're looking for a versatile switch that delivers a satisfying typing experience with a solid thocky sound and a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, the Milky Yellow Pro is an excellent choice. Its buttery smoothness and rich, low-pitched audio make it ideal for both gaming and typing tasks, especially if you enjoy that tactile feedback and deeper sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of only 48 grams, the Sunset Gleam might be more suitable for you. Known for its subtle sound and excellent factory lube, it's perfect if you prioritize a gentle keystroke and an enjoyable clack without excessive resistance. Ultimately, your decision should align with how you plan to use your keyboard—whether for casual typing, intense gaming, or simply enjoying the sound and feel of each switch.
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