Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream 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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Milky Yellow Pro is praised for its smoothness, low-pitched "thocky" sound, and satisfyingly thick resistance, making it a versatile choice for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing. Additionally, it delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that sets it apart. While the Milky Yellow Pro is known for its budget-friendly appeal and all-purpose use, the Vanilla Ice Cream appeals to those who appreciate a unique tactile experience and distinct sound profile. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, we see that both switches utilize unique materials to provide distinct sound profiles. The Milky Yellow Pro's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound to produce a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing offers a higher-pitched and clacky sound signature. This difference in sound profiles showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, we find that the Milky Yellow Pro and the Vanilla Ice Cream also diverge in their material choices. The Milky Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, similar to its top housing, due to its softer plastic and sound-absorbing qualities. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing offers a smooth and clacky typing experience with exceptional durability and wear resistance. This difference in bottom housing materials highlights how varied materials can contribute to distinct typing sensations and longevity in mechanical switches.
Although the housing materials of the Milky Yellow Pro and Vanilla Ice Cream differ in their composition and sound characteristics, both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience. While the Milky Yellow Pro focuses on creating a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon housing, the Vanilla Ice Cream prioritizes a high-pitched and clacky sound signature with its proprietary blend. Whether it's the top or bottom housing, each material choice impacts the overall sound and feel of the switch, showcasing the importance of housing materials in mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, whether you prefer a duller, rounder sound or a sharper, clacky sound, both switches offer distinct options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is clear that the Milky Yellow Pro is heavier, while the Vanilla Ice Cream is lighter. The actuation force of the Milky Yellow Pro is 50 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream requires only 43 grams to actuate. In terms of bottom out force, the Milky Yellow Pro has a force of 62 grams, compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 48 grams. The medium actuation and bottom out forces of the Milky Yellow Pro might appeal to those looking for a balance between typing comfort and feedback, while the light forces of the Vanilla Ice Cream make it a great choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Milky Yellow Pro has a slightly longer travel distance, making it the more traditional option. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer a different feel when typing, with the longer travel distance providing a more substantial key press, while the shorter distance gives a more abrupt but quicker response. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and 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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 known for its bassy and low-pitched characteristics, giving a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a high-pitched and marbly sound, with clean and sharp resonant qualities. Each switch provides a distinct auditory experience, with the Milky Yellow Pro delivering a thocky sound while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a more resonant and high-pitched tone.
In terms of feel, both the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Vanilla Ice Cream switches are described as buttery. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is noted for its creamy feel, offering a silky sensation that resembles gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. It's important to note that the feel of a switch can be a highly subjective experience, as preferences for textures can vary among users.
Overall, while the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer different sound and feel qualities, both switches excel in providing a satisfying tactile experience for users. Those who prefer a deeper and richer sound profile may lean towards the Milky Yellow Pro, while those who enjoy a more high-pitched and resonant sound may find the Vanilla Ice Cream switch to be more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as well as other factors such as keyboard and keycap choices.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a lower-pitched, thocky sound, then the Milky Yellow Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a high-pitched, marbly sound, then the Vanilla Ice Cream could be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what feels best for you.
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