Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Gateron Weightlessness

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often weigh the benefits of various options to find the perfect match for their typing and gaming needs. The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), a linear switch, shines as a budget-friendly favorite, celebrated for its smooth operation and satisfying "thocky" sound. With its low resistance and buttery feel, it's a fantastic choice for both casual typists and hardcore gamers looking for that all-around performance. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switch presents a more tactile experience, providing subtle feedback with each keystroke that many users find enhances their typing enjoyment. While the Weightlessness switches feature a balanced sound profile that complements their tactile characteristics, they might not deliver the same level of smoothness preferred by some gamers. Ultimately, your preference for a linear versus a tactile switch will guide your decision, but let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) Linear

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$2.33

$2.30 per 10

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Gateron Weightlessness switches both utilize nylon as their housing material, both top and bottom. This commonality contributes significantly to the auditory and tactile experience of users when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing vibrations more than harder plastics would. Therefore, both switches are likely to provide a similar auditory experience, marked by a duller and rounder sound, which many typists and gamers find desirable. The consistent use of nylon in both switches assures a certain level of sound quality and tactile feedback that can enhance the overall typing experience.

Further examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals that, like their top counterparts, they both employ nylon material, thus maintaining the same characteristics across the board. Since the bottom housing predominantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, users can expect this aspect to be equally satisfying in both the Milky Yellow Pro and Weightlessness. The softer nylon will ensure that the impact sound is not harsh, fostering a smoother bottoming out experience. Therefore, irrespective of the preferences between the two switch types, the consistent use of nylon gives an assurance of similar bottoming properties that contribute to a satisfying keystroke.

When considering how the top and bottom housings impact overall performance, one will find that the unique qualities of each switch blend together through their shared nylon material, leading to a cohesive typing experience. Although switches that differ in other aspects may yield varied sound characteristics or tactile sensations, in the case of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro and Weightlessness, the properties conferred by their nylon construction serve to unify their performance. Since both switches respond similarly upon key presses due to the common material, users can expect a comparable sound profile whether they choose one switch over the other, effectively making their decision more a matter of personal preference than performance disparity.

Weight

The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch exhibit similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share an actuation force of 50 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke, potentially offering comparable typing feel and ease for users. However, the bottom out force for the Milky Yellow Pro is 62 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when pressing all the way down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch is not specified, leaving an unknown factor that could significantly influence the typing experience. As it stands, the Milky Yellow Pro is the heavier switch in terms of bottoming out, while both switches can be similarly easy to actuate due to their equal actuation forces. Users looking for a lighter experience during extended typing sessions may lean towards the Weightlessness switch, although the lack of data on its bottom out force makes it difficult to definitively assess its overall weight feel in usage.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we see a notable difference. The Milky Yellow Pro features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a traditional choice that offers a more substantial, deeper feel for those who enjoy a hearty depth while typing. On the other hand, the Weightlessness switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, appealing to users who prioritize responsiveness and quicker key actuation, such as gamers. The longer travel distance of the Milky Yellow Pro allows for a more pronounced tactile feedback, whereas the Weightlessness provides a more abrupt feel that can enhance speed but may lack the depth some users prefer. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether one favors a traditional, more substantial feel or a snappier response associated with a shorter travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) stands out with its distinctively bassy, low-pitched, and thocky characteristics. This linear switch delivers a deeper, richer auditory experience during key presses, making the act of typing not only functional but also enjoyable. The thocky sound profile adds a satisfying depth, reminiscent of a soft "thud" or "knock," which can enhance the overall ambiance of a typing environment. In contrast, the sound attributes of the Weightlessness tactile switch remain unspecified, leaving its acoustic qualities a mystery. However, users seeking a pronounced tactile experience may find that the muted auditory feedback of tactile switches serves to complement their typing style.

In terms of feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is characterized by its buttery smoothness, offering a seamless and effortless keystroke experience that many users crave. The textured sensations are notably subtle, enhancing the typing experience without introducing any unwanted scratchiness. Unfortunately, specific tactile feedback qualities of the Weightlessness switch are not elaborated upon, making it difficult to directly compare the two in this regard. However, those interested in tactile switches typically seek a balanced resistance that can provide a distinctive sensation upon key actuation.

Overall, while the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) excels in delivering a satisfying sound and a buttery feel, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch remains an enigma in both auditory and tactile attributes. If you're drawn to the qualities of the Milky Yellow Pro, you are likely to enjoy its sound and feel for gaming and typing alike. Should the Weightlessness switch offer a suitable tactile experience once its characteristics are better understood, it might still appeal to users who prefer a bit of tactility combined with a balanced sound profile. In either case, both switches can provide satisfying results, albeit with different auditory experiences and tactile sensations.

Conclusion

To wrap up, choosing between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Gateron Weightlessness switch comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you’re looking for an all-around performer that excels in both gaming and typing, the Milky Yellow Pro is an excellent choice, thanks to its medium actuation force, satisfying thocky sound, and buttery feel. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy a rich auditory experience while typing, as well as gamers who benefit from its smooth and responsive nature. On the other hand, if you are someone who prefers subtle tactile feedback without overwhelming resistance, and you appreciate a balanced sound profile, the Weightlessness switch might be more aligned with your desires. Though the bottom-out force is uncertain with this switch, its tactile characteristics provide a unique sensation that can enhance your typing experience without being distracting. Ultimately, assess what you value more in your keystrokes—smoothness and depth versus tactile nuance—and choose accordingly for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) Linear

$2.33

$2.30 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more