Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence the overall typing and gaming experience. The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) stands out as a versatile budget-friendly option, known for its smooth performance and satisfying tactile feedback characterized by a "thocky" sound and a pleasantly thick resistance, making it ideal for both gaming enthusiasts and typists alike. Its qualities of being bassy, buttery, low-pitched, textured, and thocky make it a reliable all-rounder, appealing particularly to those who appreciate a well-rounded switch without breaking the bank. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switches boast Ly stems that deliver a remarkably smooth typing experience complemented by a distinctive resonant sound profile. While both switches are linear and cater to users who prefer a quieter keystroke without any tactile bump, their unique traits may resonate differently with individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro and the Bsun Tomcat may boil down to personal taste in audio feedback and responsiveness. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Bsun Tomcat showcase contrasting sound profiles primarily due to the materials used in their top housings. The Milky Yellow Pro features a top housing made of nylon which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This results from nylon being a softer plastic, which effectively absorbs sound waves, leading to a sound that is duller and rounder. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat’s top housing is made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that produces crisper and sharper auditory feedback. This difference in material directly influences the typing experience, with the Tomcat offering a more resonant and clear sound, particularly noticeable in the high frequencies.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, leading to a shared experience when it comes to the deeper sound profile produced during key bottoming out. Nylon's soft characteristics again play a crucial role here; it effectively dampens sound and adds weight to the keystroke, contributing to that rounder feel. Consequently, while the top housings differ significantly between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro and the Bsun Tomcat, the use of nylon in both models for the bottom housing aligns their sound profiles in this aspect, enriching the overall tactile experience. Users can expect a similar bottom-out sound and feel during finger contact due to the shared material, despite the distinct sounds created during release.
In conclusion, the differences between the housings of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and Bsun Tomcat lead to diverse auditory experiences while typing. The contrasting materials—nylon for the Milky Yellow Pro's top housing and polycarbonate for the Tomcat's—highlight the unique acoustics that can emerge from identical bottom housing materials. For those who prefer a more resonant sound experience, the Tomcat may be the ideal choice thanks to its polycarbonate top, whereas the Milky Yellow Pro will appeal to those who appreciate a more subdued, rich typing sound. However, because both switches share nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a reasonably comparable experience during the actuation and bottoming out phases of their keystrokes.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch to the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces emphasize their distinct typing experiences. The Milky Yellow Pro requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it noticeably heavier compared to the Tomcat, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams. This difference means that those who prefer a lighter switch might find the Tomcat more comfortable for prolonged use, ideal for extended gaming sessions or long hours of typing. Conversely, the Milky Yellow Pro's heftier push offers a more substantial feel, appealing to users who appreciate a stronger tactile response. Ultimately, while both switches are classified as medium or medium-light, the Tomcat provides a lighter touch, making it easier to press, while the Milky Yellow Pro delivers a more forceful experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Tomcat features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you prefer a more pronounced and deeper feel while typing or gaming, the Milky Yellow Pro would be the better choice, as it provides that hearty depth. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers and users who favor quicker response times, enabling faster keystrokes. Therefore, if responsiveness is your priority, the Tomcat switch would likely suit your needs better. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you value depth or speed in your 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 Bsun Tomcat comes in at $2.99 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) stands out with its thocky profile, characterized by a rich, low-pitched, and bassy quality. This creates a deep and satisfying auditory experience as the keys are pressed, resembling a soft "thud" on release. The combination of these sound qualities makes the Milky Yellow Pro a delightful option for users who appreciate a more robust audio feedback during their typing sessions. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch does not have a defined sound profile detailed, leaving its specific auditory characteristics largely unknown. However, sound is heavily influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so user experience may vary depending on the setup.
In the realm of feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is celebrated for its buttery smoothness, providing a seamless and fluid keystroke experience that many users find pleasurable. This switch combines the ease of typing with a textured sensation, allowing for a satisfying engagement as each key is pressed. Conversely, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Bsun Tomcat switches, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons. However, many enthusiasts seeking new switches will often look for a smooth typing experience, similar to what is offered by the Milky Yellow Pro.
In conclusion, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) presents a well-rounded option for newcomers, showcasing both delightful sound and feel that cater to a wide range of users, particularly as a budget-friendly option. The Tomcat linear switch, while lacking in detailed characteristics, may still serve well depending on personal preferences. Ultimately, if a user values smooth operation and robust sound, the Milky Yellow Pro is the clear choice, but they may also find satisfaction with the Tomcat depending on their specific keyboard and keycap combination.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a classic, budget-friendly switch that offers a deeper, "thocky" sound paired with a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, the Milky Yellow Pro is a fantastic choice for you. Its buttery smoothness and satisfying resistance make it an ideal all-rounder for both gaming and typing, which is particularly useful if you switch between tasks frequently. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 54 grams and prioritize an ultra-smooth typing experience, the Tomcat may be your go-to option. Its unique Ly stems deliver a resonant sound profile that many typists find enjoyable. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not only your tactile and auditory preferences but also your typical keyboard usage, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your needs.
Mentioned in this article
