Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. The Milky Yellow Pro is known for being a classic budget switch that offers smoothness and a satisfyingly thick resistance. With its low, "thocky" sound, it excels in both gaming and typing, making it a go-to switch for budget enthusiasts. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear is favored by those who desire a smooth, high-pitched typing experience. With a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, these switches allow for maximum RGB lighting customization. The POM stem is lightly lubed, ensuring minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
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
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear differ significantly. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, contributing to a clearer and more resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for housing with RGB lighting.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) employs nylon, while the WS Aurora Clear utilizes UHWMPE. Nylon, being a softer material, generates a deeper and fuller sound profile with its ability to absorb more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Alternatively, the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing is a newer material that offers a very bright sound signature. Typing on switches with UHWMPE bottom housings produces resonant clacks, adding a unique auditory experience.
In switches where the top and bottom housings differ, each housing material brings its own set of qualities to the switch. When you press down on these switches, you will primarily feel the impact of the bottom housing, as it influences the bottom-out sound and feel. The top housing, on the other hand, plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. So, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the WS Aurora Clear may have different housing materials, their impact on sound and feel is divided between the top and bottom of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Milky Yellow Pro has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, while the WS Aurora Clear requires a slightly heavier force of 53 grams. This means that the Milky Yellow Pro will be more responsive and require a lighter touch to initiate a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, both switches have similar forces, with the Milky Yellow Pro at 62 grams and the WS Aurora Clear at 63.5 grams. This means that the typing experience, in terms of the force needed to fully press down a key, will be relatively similar for both switches. Overall, the Milky Yellow Pro can be considered the lighter option, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear provides a slightly heavier push feel, offering a more pronounced and substantial typing experience for those who prefer it.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile experience when pressing down on a key, but the WS Aurora Clear provides a slightly quicker response due to its shorter travel distance. This can be particularly beneficial for gamers who rely on fast and precise keystrokes. However, those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when typing may lean towards the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00 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
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switches have some notable differences in terms of sound and feel.
Starting with sound, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is known for its low-pitched, bassy, and thocky sound profile. These switches offer a deeper and richer tone, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The low-pitched sound adds a mellow and bass-heavy feel to the typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switches produce a high-pitched sound when pressed, offering a sharp and crisp sound profile. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches would be a better choice. However, it's important to note that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, both switches are described as having a buttery keystroke experience, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. They offer a smooth and fluid key travel. The WS Aurora Clear switches are additionally described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. These switches fall into a safe and middle-ground zone that would be approachable to most users. The WS Aurora Clear switches also boast a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches, on the other hand, do not have any specific descriptors related to texture or friction.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is known for its low-pitched, bassy sound and a buttery feel, while the WS Aurora Clear switches produce a high-pitched sound and have a mild, polished, and buttery feel. Therefore, if you prefer a deeper and richer sound with a more bass-heavy feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) would be a suitable choice. If you lean towards a sharper and crisper sound accompanied by a more gentle and polished feel, the WS Aurora Clear switches would be a better fit. Overall, both switches provide a smooth and satisfying typing experience, but the specific characteristics of each switch allow for different preferences to be met.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, the decision between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're looking for a classic budget switch with a satisfyingly thick resistance and a low, "thocky" sound, the Milky Yellow Pro is the way to go. Known for its smoothness and buttery goodness, this switch excels in both gaming and typing, making it a versatile all-purpose switch.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, high-pitched typing experience and maximum RGB lighting customization, the WS Aurora Clear is an excellent choice. With its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, this switch allows for vibrant lighting effects. Its lightly lubed POM stem ensures minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke.
When it comes to sound, the Milky Yellow Pro delivers a deep and rich "thocky" sound, thanks to its bassy and low-pitched characteristics. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear offers a sharp and crisp high-pitched sound, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more vibrant and crisp typing experience.
In terms of feel, both switches are described as "buttery," providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. However, the WS Aurora Clear is also described as "mild" and "polished," offering a more gentle typing experience with reduced friction and a sleek finish.
Consider your personal sound and feel preferences when making the final decision between these two switches. Whether you prioritize a classic budget switch with a low, "thocky" sound or a switch that offers a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB customization, both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear have their own unique features to offer.
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