Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience. The Milky Yellow Pro is praised for its smoothness, buttery feel, and satisfyingly thick resistance, making it a versatile option for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out for its unique internal design that offers a seamless glide and a captivating "Q-texture" sensation, resulting in a smooth and engaging typing experience. Both switches have their own set of characteristics and benefits, but ultimately, the choice between them will depend on individual preferences and typing styles. 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
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Venus both feature top housing materials that contribute to a unique sound profile. The Nylon top housing of the Milky Yellow Pro creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the POM top housing of the Venus produces a deeper but relatively more muted sound. Both materials provide a softer touch compared to harder plastics, resulting in a more pleasant typing experience overall. While the sound profiles may differ slightly between the two switches, users can expect a similar level of typing satisfaction from the Nylon and POM top housings.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Milky Yellow Pro utilizes Nylon, while the Venus features polycarbonate. The Nylon bottom housing of the Milky Yellow Pro contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing counterpart. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Venus creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate lends itself to a more clear and resonant sound, which can be particularly beneficial for switches designed for RGB lighting due to its translucency. Overall, the bottom housing materials of the two switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
When using switches with different top and bottom housing materials, it's important to consider how these materials impact the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material will have a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material will affect the sound when releasing a key. This distinction allows users to customize their typing experience based on their preferences for sound and tactile feedback. Whether using the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro or the TTC Venus, the combination of top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the overall feel and sound of each switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch are quite similar in terms of medium actuation forces. The Milky Yellow Pro has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Venus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. This makes the Venus slightly lighter in both aspects compared to the Milky Yellow Pro. The weight difference may cater to different preferences as some may prefer the lighter feel of the Venus for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier push of the Milky Yellow Pro for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium actuation force, with the Venus being slightly lighter than the Milky Yellow Pro.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option when compared to the TTC Venus linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. While both switches fall within the realm of traditional travel distances, with 4.0mm being the most common, the Venus offers a slightly shorter travel distance for those looking for a faster response time. Players who prefer a more abrupt feel may lean towards the Milky Yellow Pro with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 known for its bassy and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deep and rich sound profile with a satisfying "thocky" tone during key presses. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch offers a more muted and subdued sound, with a low-pitched profile that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches share the quality of producing a thocky sound, giving a deep and satisfying auditory experience. While the Milky Yellow Pro leans towards a richer sound, the Venus emphasizes a quieter and more refined sound signature.
When it comes to feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch is renowned for its buttery smooth keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Venus switch, on the other hand, offers a unique combination of gummy and frictionless characteristics, giving a typing experience akin to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear while maintaining a smooth and effortless travel. Both switches share the attribute of providing a buttery feel, ensuring a fluid and uniform typing experience. While the Milky Yellow Pro focuses on a textured feel, the Venus showcases a polished and mild typing experience, offering a gentler approach while ensuring smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and TTC Venus linear switches each possess distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Milky Yellow Pro excels in delivering a rich and bass-heavy sound with a textured and buttery feel, making it a versatile option for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out with its muted sound profile and gummy, frictionless feel, offering a unique typing experience that combines smoothness with engaging resistance. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing feel, but rest assured that both switches provide a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Venus linear switches, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a medium bottom out force and enjoy a classic budget switch that excels in both gaming and typing with a thocky sound, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and seek a unique switch with a matte sensation, Q-texture, and smooth, engaging keystrokes, then the TTC Venus linear switch would be the perfect choice for you. Both switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual preferences and priorities when it comes to your mechanical keyboard experience.
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