Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Haimu Viola Tricolor are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features for different preferences. The Milky Yellow Pro is a linear switch known for its smoothness and buttery goodness. It provides a satisfyingly thick resistance and emits a low, "thocky" sound, making it great for both gaming and typing. This budget switch is highly versatile and popular among budget enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch that prides itself on delivering a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing experience. It strikes a perfect balance between providing pronounced tactility and avoiding being overly tactile. With its accented sensation and invigorating low pitch, this switch offers a unique and satisfying typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Haimu Viola Tricolor differ in terms of the sound profile they create. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound and results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This makes typing on the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches produce a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor features a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This results in a crisper sound profile, making the Viola Tricolor switches suitable for those who prefer a more clear and resonant sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both switches have nylon bottom housings which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on both switches. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that the sound profile when bottoming out is consistent between the two switches.
It is worth noting that the impact of the housing materials is split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. However, when letting go of a key, the sound is more affected by the top housing. Therefore, while the top and bottom housings differ between the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Viola Tricolor, their corresponding impacts on sound and feel are similar.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Haimu Viola Tricolor housing materials depends on personal sound preferences. The nylon housing of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offers a deeper and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate housing of the Viola Tricolor provides a sharper and more resonant sound. Whether one prefers a duller and fuller sound or a crisper and higher-pitched sound, both switches offer unique characteristics to enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a relatively light touch for typing or gaming. In contrast, the exact actuation force of the Viola Tricolor is currently unknown. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) requires 62 grams to fully press the key, whereas the Viola Tricolor has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy in comparison.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch like the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) for extended periods of typing or gaming, allowing for reduced fatigue. On the other hand, those who desire a more substantial typing experience may opt for a switch with a heavier force. In this case, the Viola Tricolor with its medium-heavy bottom out force could be an appealing choice. It is important to note that without knowledge of the Viola Tricolor's actuation force, it is unclear how it would compare to the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) in terms of lightness or heaviness. However, based on the bottom out force, one can expect a similar overall sensation with both switches falling in the medium to medium-heavy range.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8mm. The Milky Yellow Pro falls within the range of the traditional travel distance, offering a standard depth to the keystrokes. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor offers a slightly shallower travel distance, which may appeal to gamers who prioritize faster response times. Choosing the Milky Yellow Pro would provide a more responsive typing experience, while the Viola Tricolor would offer a slightly more abrupt feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preferences and whether one prefers a traditional depth or a slightly shallower 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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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, both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches share similar qualities. They are both described as bassy and low-pitched switches, offering a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is further characterized as having a "thocky" sound, producing a satisfying deep and soft "knock" or "thud" when the key is pressed and released. The Viola Tricolor, on the other hand, delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to the typing experience. Overall, both switches provide a pleasant and immersive auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard board and keycaps chosen by the user.
In terms of feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is best described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This switch provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is characterized as accented, providing a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It offers a prominent amount of feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. This gives the user an invigorating typing sensation. While the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) focuses on smoothness and uniformity, the Viola Tricolor strikes a balance between tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
Considering the available information, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer distinct qualities. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is known for its smoothness, buttery feel, and low, thocky sound. It is an all-rounder linear switch that excels in both gaming and typing scenarios, making it ideal for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor provides a satisfying tactile feedback without being overly tactile. It offers an invigorating typing sensation with a thuddy and punchy sound profile. Both switches have their unique advantages, so the choice ultimately depends on the user's preference for linear switches with a smooth feel or tactile switches with a medium amount of feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a classic budget switch that excels in both gaming and typing, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is the perfect choice for you. With its smoothness, "thocky" sound, and satisfying resistance, it provides a versatile and all-purpose typing experience. On the other hand, if you want a switch that adds a touch of character to your typing with a pronounced tactility, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is an excellent option. It offers a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user and delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile. Both switches have similar sound characteristics, being described as bassy and low-pitched. However, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is known for its buttery and textured feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing experience, while the Viola Tricolor is described as accented and invigorating, offering a prominent amount of tactility and creating an immersive typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and the typing experience you desire.
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