Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro. The Milky Yellow Pro is a linear switch that is praised for its smoothness and satisfyingly thick resistance, making it suitable for both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro is a tactile switch that offers a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, providing a balanced typing experience. While the Milky Yellow Pro excels in versatility and budget-friendliness, the Violet Gold Pro offers a tactile feedback and a more refined typing experience. 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
N/A
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, one can see a clear difference in the materials used. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in sound profiles reflects the different characteristics of nylon and polycarbonate, with nylon creating a duller and rounder sound, while polycarbonate offers a more clear and resonant sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro utilize nylon for this component. This means that despite their differences in top housing material, both switches will elicit a similar deep and full sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon plastic. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both switches. However, the top housing material will still play a significant role in dictating the overall sound profile of the switch, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet Gold Pro offering a sharper and crisper sound compared to the duller sound of the nylon top housing in the Milky Yellow Pro.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro will largely come down to personal preference in sound profile. The use of different housing materials in the top housing of each switch creates distinct sound characteristics, with the nylon top housing of the Milky Yellow Pro providing a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet Gold Pro delivers a sharper and more resonant sound. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of the bottom housing material, showcasing the importance of top housing material in determining the overall sound profile and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Milky Yellow Pro requires a slightly heavier touch to register a keypress. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Milky Yellow Pro has a heavier force of 62 grams compared to the unknown bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro. This indicates that while the Violet Gold Pro may have a lighter actuation force, it may require less force to fully press the key all the way down. In terms of overall weight, the Milky Yellow Pro may be considered the heavier option, which could provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the lighter actuation force of the Violet Gold Pro may be preferred by users who type for longer periods of time or engage in extended gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Gamers may prefer the Milky Yellow Pro for its slightly longer travel distance, as it can provide a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro may be preferred by those who find shorter travel distances to be more abrupt. Both switches offer a similar experience, but the Milky Yellow Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Violet Gold Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and key feel.
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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) is known for its bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, offering a deep and rich auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch provides a more neutral sound, with a moderate actuation force requirement for a balanced typing experience. The sound produced by both switches can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard's design, keycaps used, and overall setup.
When it comes to feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is appreciated for its buttery and textured keystroke sensation, offering a smooth and fluid typing experience with a noticeable friction that some users find satisfying. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is described as stepped, providing a two-stage tactile feedback where users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during key presses. The different feel of each switch caters to individual preferences, with the Milky Yellow Pro offering a seamless and uniform typing experience, while the Violet Gold Pro provides a mild tactile sensation for a balanced keypress feel.
Overall, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch excels in providing a budget-friendly option with a deep, thocky sound and a buttery, textured feel, making it a versatile choice for gaming and typing enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a more neutral sound and a stepped tactile feedback, appealing to those seeking a balanced typing experience with a light touch. Depending on personal preference and usage needs, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. With the Milky Yellow Pro focusing on smoothness and richness in sound, and the Violet Gold Pro providing a balanced tactile feel, users can expect satisfying results from either switch option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a versatile, budget-friendly switch that excels in both gaming and typing, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is the way to go. With its smoothness, satisfyingly thick resistance, and low "thocky" sound, it is the perfect choice for all-purpose use. On the other hand, if you prefer a moderate tactile typing experience with a fairly light touch and neutral sound signature, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is the ideal option. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for linear vs tactile switches and the specific characteristics you value in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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