Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Wine Red are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, offering different experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Milky Yellow Pro is known for its classic budget switch status, delivering a smooth and buttery typing and gaming experience. With its low, "thocky" sound and satisfyingly thick resistance, it excels in all-round usage, making it the go-to switch for budget enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Wine Red switches provide an intoxicating experience with a pillowy light type feel and a deep, rich sound profile. While both switches have a bassy and low-pitched sound, the Milky Yellow Pro also offers a textured and thocky typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Wine Red switches have contrasting housing materials both in their top and bottom housings. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Wine Red switch has a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clearer and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice if you plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Similarly, the bottom housings of these switches differ in material as well. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffer plastic creates a more distinct and resonant sound during typing.
It is worth noting that the top and bottom housings of a switch play distinct roles in the overall sound profile. When pressing down on either of these switches, the qualities of the respective bottom housings will be felt, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have more influence on the sound when releasing a key. While their housing materials differ, both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Wine Red switches offer unique sound profiles, catering to individual preferences and typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are notable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Milky Yellow Pro requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Wine Red requires slightly less at 44 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, providing a responsive typing experience without being too heavy.
Moving on to bottom out force, the Milky Yellow Pro requires 62 grams of force to fully press the switch, giving it a slightly heavier feel compared to the Wine Red, which only requires 55 grams. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Milky Yellow Pro may be the preferred choice due to its higher bottom out force. On the other hand, those who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Wine Red switch.
Weight plays an important role in the overall typing experience, as it can affect endurance and comfort. Some individuals prefer lighter switches as they allow for typing for extended periods without causing fatigue. This lighter weight is suitable for keyboards used in work environments or during long gaming sessions. However, there are also users who enjoy a stronger push feel, finding it more satisfying and providing a more substantial typing experience. These individuals may opt for switches with heavier forces.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Milky Yellow Pro and the Wine Red switches differ slightly, both fall within the medium range. The Milky Yellow Pro has a heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing feel, while the Wine Red has a lighter touch in comparison. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and desired weight.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key.
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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
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 KTT Wine Red switches are known for their bassy and low-pitched profiles. The Milky Yellow Pro has an additional descriptor of "thocky," which means it produces a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches are likely to provide a rich and deep sound experience during typing.
When it comes to feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, there is no specific description available for the feel of the KTT Wine Red switch. However, it's worth mentioning that some users prefer a textured or scratchy feel, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. Therefore, it would be beneficial to try out the Wine Red switch personally to determine its feel.
Based on the available information, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch is a classic budget switch that offers a smooth and buttery feel, as well as a low and thocky sound profile. It is suitable for both gaming and typing purposes, making it a versatile choice. The KTT Wine Red switch, on the other hand, is described as having a pillowy light type feel, and it provides a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. While there is limited information about the feel of the Wine Red switch, it can still be a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter and softer typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences in terms of sound and feel. To ensure a clear understanding of how they will perform, it is recommended to try out both switches on a keyboard setup with preferred keycaps and determine which one best suits individual preferences.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is a reliable choice for those seeking a budget-friendly yet versatile option. With a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Known for its smoothness and "thocky" sound, this switch excels in both gaming and typing scenarios, making it suitable for all-purpose use. Its deep and rich sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range, adds a certain bassy quality to your keystrokes. Coupled with its buttery and textured feel, the Milky Yellow Pro offers a seamless and effortless typing experience.
On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch presents a pillowy light type feel and a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. With a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a slightly lighter touch compared to the Milky Yellow Pro. While not explicitly described in terms of feel, the Wine Red switch is likely to offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, similar to the buttery sensation of the Milky Yellow Pro. The Wine Red's sound profile aligns with the Milky Yellow Pro, carrying bassy and low-pitched attributes that contribute to a mellow and melodious typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the KTT Wine Red linear switch depends on your personal preference and typing style. If you value a versatile and budget-friendly switch with a medium bottom out force, smoothness, and a satisfyingly deep sound, the Milky Yellow Pro is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a slightly lighter touch with the same deep and rich sound profile, along with a pillowy light type feel, the Wine Red switch may better suit your typing needs. Consider the sound and feel preferences to determine which switch aligns best with your desired mechanical keyboard experience.
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