Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Vintage Citrus 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 HMX Vintage Citrus both offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences and needs. The Milky Yellow Pro is celebrated for its smooth and buttery typing experience, characterized by a low, thocky sound that provides a satisfying auditory feedback. With a thicker resistance, it performs exceptionally well for both gaming and typing, positioning itself as a versatile and budget-friendly option for many enthusiasts. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus is engineered specifically for gamers, featuring an incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm to facilitate rapid-fire inputs. This switch distinguishes itself with a bright, clacky sound profile and an exceptionally smooth push feel, making it an attractive choice for fast-paced gaming situations. While both switches share a linear design, their distinct sound profiles and performance characteristics appeal to different user preferences. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Vintage Citrus exhibit a striking resemblance, as both utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housing components. This shared material choice attributes similar acoustic properties to both switches. Given that nylon is acknowledged as a classic switch housing material, it contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. As nylon is a softer plastic, it effectively absorbs sound impact, leading to a relatively muted and rounded acoustic experience, which is a hallmark of both switches.
Despite the structural similarities present in both the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and Vintage Citrus switches, any potential differences in their feel and sound are likely to emerge from other components, such as the spring or stem, rather than the housing materials. The shared nylon construction indicates that both switches will offer comparable sound characteristics, particularly during key release and bottom-out scenarios. This consistency arises because the nylon's sound-absorbing qualities will ensure that both switches present a similar auditory feedback profile, thus leading to a comparable typing experience for users.
In terms of performance, the consistent use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings means that the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and HMX Vintage Citrus may yield similar tactile feedback and sound signatures. However, if any distinctions exist in their overall typing sensation, they would stem from the intrinsic design of the switch, including factors such as its spring tension or the overall weighting protocol. Nonetheless, given the same housing materials, users can expect a fulfilling typing experience characterized by a fuller, deeper sound profile, reminiscent of the qualities that define both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we find notable differences in both metrics. The Milky Yellow Pro boasts an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Vintage Citrus is lighter, with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Vintage Citrus is the better choice, as it requires slightly less force to actuate and bottom out. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro offers a heavier feel, which could appeal to those who desire a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the differences in force may affect long typing sessions or extended gaming; the Vintage Citrus may reduce finger fatigue, while the Milky Yellow Pro provides a firmer key press.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches, a notable difference emerges. The Milky Yellow Pro features a traditional travel distance of 4 mm, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced actuation with a hearty depth. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus offers a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, appealing to gamers or users seeking quick response times and a more immediate action. This difference highlights the Milky Yellow Pro as the longer switch, while the Vintage Citrus is the shorter option. Both switches cater to different preferences: if you favor speed and responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus would be the better choice, whereas if you value a deeper, more gradual pressing experience, the Milky Yellow Pro would suit you best.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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) produces a low-pitched, bassy tone that is notably thocky. This rich and deep sound profile creates an immersive auditory experience during both typing and gaming sessions, resulting in a satisfying "thud" with each keypress. The Milky Yellow Pro's acoustic characteristics make it a popular choice among budget enthusiasts who appreciate a more profound and resonant sound. In contrast, while the specific sound profile of the Vintage Citrus switch isn't detailed, it is implied to be engineered for gaming, suggesting a possible lighter and more pronounced auditory experience geared towards rapid key presses. Ultimately, the sound quality may vary based on the keyboard’s materials, but users will likely notice distinctive tonal differences between the two switches.
In terms of feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is celebrated for its buttery smoothness, providing a seamless keystroke experience that many users find highly enjoyable. This smooth operation allows for effortless typing, making it an excellent choice for both productivity and leisurely use. Additionally, while the description hints at the potential for a textured feel, this switch primarily leans toward a friction-free experience. The Vintage Citrus switch, however, does not have specific descriptors available regarding its tactile feedback. Given its design focus on rapid actuation, one could anticipate a smooth push feel as well, although the exact details remain unknown.
In conclusion, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offers a thocky sound and buttery smoothness, making it a reliable option for budget-conscious enthusiasts and versatile for various applications. Although the HMX Vintage Citrus is tailored for speed with a potentially bright and clacky sound, the specifics of its auditory and tactile characteristics aren't detailed. Users seeking similar results in terms of sound and feel can consider their intended use, as both switches cater to distinct preferences—one focusing on a rich auditory experience and smooth typing, while the other prioritizes rapid actuation for gaming scenarios. Ultimately, your choice will depend on which attributes resonate more with your typing style and gaming needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and use cases. If you value a well-rounded experience in both gaming and typing, the Milky Yellow Pro is an excellent option, as it offers a satisfying thocky sound, smooth buttery feel, and a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams that strikes a nice balance between resistance and responsiveness. You might find these switches ideal for various tasks, especially if you enjoy a deeper, more bassy sound during key presses. Conversely, if you're primarily focused on gaming and require a switch that facilitates rapid-fire inputs, the Vintage Citrus could be your go-to. With a lighter actuation force of 53 grams and an exceptionally low actuation point of just 1mm, this switch is tailored for quick actions, boasting a bright and clacky sound profile that enhances the gaming experience. Thus, weigh your options carefully: opt for the Milky Yellow Pro for versatile performance or the Vintage Citrus for speed and gaming proficiency.
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