Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Bsun Taichi both present compelling options for users seeking a linear experience, yet they offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Milky Yellow Pro is celebrated as a quintessential budget-friendly switch, characterized by its smooth and buttery feel, low "thocky" sound, and a satisfyingly thick resistance that suits both gaming and typing activities. This makes it an ideal all-rounder for enthusiasts looking for performance without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switch stands out with its high-pitched bottom-out sound and innovative design, featuring a long-pole stem and extended springs that provide exceptional smoothness and stability, appealing particularly to those who prioritize auditory feedback and nuance in their typing experience. While the Milky Yellow Pro is perfect for budget-conscious users who appreciate a smooth and versatile switch, the Bsun Taichi offers a premium touch for those who seek a unique acoustic profile and refined performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Bsun Taichi, notable differences arise primarily in their top housing compositions. The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro features a nylon top housing, which introduces a distinct sound profile characterized by a deeper and fuller tonality. This is largely attributed to nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb more sound energy, thus creating a subdued and rounded sound when typing. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharper and crisper sound profile. Its rigidity contributes to a clearer and more resonant auditory experience, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer more pronounced keystrokes. This significant divergence in top housing materials affects the sound characteristics of the two switches, with the Milky Yellow Pro providing a more muted feel and the Taichi delivering a brighter sound.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches employ nylon as their material, which leads to a shared foundation in sound experience. With nylon's inherent properties of sound absorption, both switches deliver a deeper and fuller sound while typing, emphasizing a consistent acoustic character. The bottom housing is critical in shaping the bottom-out sound and feel due to the force exerted during keypresses, thus creating a unified experience when these switches are activated. Therefore, despite the differences in their top housings, both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro and the Bsun Taichi maintain similar sound qualities in their impact due to the nylon bottom housing.
Combining these attributes, the Milky Yellow Pro and Bsun Taichi offer unique respondences to user interactions. The impact of the nylon bottom housing serves to unify their auditory experiences, leading to a comforting familiarity for users regardless of their choice. However, the distinction in top housing materials ultimately defines their overall typing sound; one favors depth while the other emphasizes clarity. Users seeking a specific auditory feedback should consider these characteristics carefully, as the combination of materials in each switch influences both the sound and tactile feel distinctly.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Milky Yellow Pro features an actuation force of 50 grams, making it a medium-weight switch suitable for those who appreciate a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Taichi switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, which may appeal to users looking for less resistance during typing or gaming sessions, thereby allowing for longer durations of use without fatigue. However, while the Milky Yellow Pro has a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a firmer feel when pressing the switch all the way down, the bottom out force for the Taichi switch remains unknown, leaving uncertainty regarding its overall resistance at full depression. Consequently, those who prefer a lighter typing experience might gravitate toward the Taichi switch, while users seeking a more substantial feel should consider the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The Milky Yellow Pro features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional choice for mechanical switches, offering a deeper press that some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly shorter and catering more towards those who favor faster response times, such as gamers. While both switches may appeal to different preferences, the Taichi offers a more responsive touch due to its shorter distance, whereas the Milky Yellow Pro provides a fuller depth of travel that can feel more substantial for users who enjoy that sensation. In this case, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is the longer switch, and the Bsun Taichi is the shorter option.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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) offers a typically low-pitched, thocky character that delivers a satisfying aural experience with each key press. Its bassy sound profile creates a deep and rich tone, enhancing both gaming and typing experiences alike. This makes it popular among enthusiasts for its pleasing auditory feedback. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi's sound characteristics remain unspecified, but it is important to consider that sound can vary based on factors like the keyboard construction and keycap material, which may influence the overall acoustic experience.
Regarding feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) showcases a buttery smoothness that makes it a pleasure to type on. Users enjoy a seamless and fluid keystroke experience, which significantly enhances typing speed and comfort during longer sessions. However, there is also an underlying texture noted in the switch that can provide a subtle tactile feedback. The feel of the Bsun Taichi is also unaddressed, leaving potential users to speculate on its typing sensation, though one can assume different tactile qualities are possible.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is celebrated for its low-pitched, thocky sound and buttery feel, the qualities of the Bsun Taichi remain ambiguous. For those drawn to the smooth and deep auditory experience of the Milky Yellow, it provides a reliable option, especially for budget-minded enthusiasts seeking versatility in their typing and gaming endeavors. Until more information surfaces about the Taichi's sound and feel, it’s difficult to draw a direct comparison, but both switches may still cater to those looking for unique and enjoyable experiences, each in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, consider what you prioritize in your typing and gaming experience. If you value a switch that offers a balanced performance with a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams and a satisfyingly thocky sound, the Milky Yellow Pro is your best bet, especially if you're on a budget or looking for an all-purpose switch that excels in both gaming and typing. Its buttery and smooth keystroke provides an enjoyable experience with each press, making it a great choice for prolonged usage. On the other hand, if you are seeking something unique with a focus on exceptional smoothness and stability, the Bsun Taichi, although its bottom-out force is unknown, promises a distinctive high-pitched sound and enhanced typing dynamics thanks to its long-pole stem and extended springs. This switch could be ideal for those looking to experiment with a different tactile feel while still enjoying linear characteristics. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean towards a proven budget-friendly option like the Milky Yellow Pro or are intrigued by the innovative features of the Taichi switch.
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