Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your needs, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash offer distinct advantages that cater to different preferences. The Milky Yellow Pro is celebrated for its classic budget-friendly appeal, providing a buttery smooth experience and a satisfying low-pitched "thock" sound that is ideal for both gaming and typing. This linear switch excels in versatility, making it a favorite among budget-conscious enthusiasts who seek both performance and comfort. In contrast, the WS Dash employs advanced Hall Effect technology, which brings a refined clackiness to every keystroke, coupled with a silky-smooth feel that adds a modern twist to the traditional typing experience. This makes it an excellent choice for users looking to elevate their keyboard experience with innovative technology. While both switches offer unique benefits—affordability and versatility versus advanced mechanics and sound quality—each one will resonate with different users based on personal preferences and intended use. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches utilize distinctive materials for their top housings, leading to contrasting sound profiles during use. The Milky Yellow Pro features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer composition. This characteristic allows the switch to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Conversely, the WS Dash employs a polycarbonate top housing that lends itself to a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature tends to amplify high frequencies, making the overall typing experience resonate more clearly, particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups due to its translucency. Thus, while both switches deliver enjoyable sound profiles, they accomplish this through fundamentally different materials.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Milky Yellow Pro and the WS Dash utilize nylon, which influences the sound and feel during key presses. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a fuller sound profile, as it absorbs impact and reduces noise, creating a duller sound when the key is bottomed out. This consistent usage of nylon in both models provides a sense of familiarity, especially for users who value sound dampening in their typing experience. Although the top housings exhibit differing sound profiles, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches produce a similar feel and depth in sound upon key actuation, leading to a softer typing experience overall.
Ultimately, the distinct combination of housing materials in these switches dictates their overall performance, highlighting the intricate relationship between top and bottom housings. The Milky Yellow Pro's nylon top contributes to a subdued sound profile, while the WS Dash's polycarbonate enhances clarity and sharpness in sound. However, both switches harmonize in their use of nylon for the bottom housing, maintaining a consistent auditory feel during the bottom-out phase. Users may find that while the switches offer unique sound characteristics, the commonality in their nylon bottom housing enables a comparably satisfying typing experience, merging the best of both worlds.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, distinct differences emerge. The Milky Yellow Pro requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-force switch. In contrast, the WS Dash boasts an actuation force of just 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as a medium-light switch. This indicates that the WS Dash is lighter, providing a more delicate touch, which can be advantageous for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue might be a concern. Conversely, the Milky Yellow Pro, being heavier, offers a more substantial typing experience that some users prefer for its tactile feedback. Overall, users seeking a lighter feel should gravitate towards the WS Dash, while those who enjoy a firmer push will likely favor the Milky Yellow Pro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the Milky Yellow Pro features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Dash comes in shorter at 3.5 mm. The longer travel distance of the KS-3 provides a more traditional feel, which some users may find appealing for a deeper, more substantial keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Dash, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers and users seeking quicker response times and a snappier feel, albeit with a potentially abrupt sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences: opt for the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro for a more pronounced keystroke or the WS Dash for faster actuation.
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 Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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) presents a deeper sound profile characterized by its bassy and low-pitched qualities, producing a thocky noise that resonates with a satisfying depth upon each keystroke. This sound is often appreciated by users who enjoy the rich and mellow tones of a well-crafted mechanical switch. Unfortunately, there is no specific sound description provided for the WS Dash, which limits the ability to draw a direct comparison. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by each switch will ultimately be influenced by factors like keyboard construction and keycap choice.
When it comes to feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offers a notably buttery experience, allowing for a smooth and fluid keystroke that many users find exceptionally pleasant. It also features a textured quality, which can provide a subtle tactile feedback that some enthusiasts prefer. On the other hand, there is no information available about the feel of the WS Dash switches, leaving this aspect open to speculation. The absence of description means it's difficult to say whether the WS Dash provides a similarly smooth or textured experience, which can be a key consideration for users when selecting a switch.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) showcases a rich thocky sound and a buttery smooth feel, the Wuque Studio WS Dash lacks detailed sound and feel descriptions, making it challenging to provide a direct comparison. The Milky Yellow Pro is a solid choice for users seeking a reliable and satisfying typing experience, especially for those on a budget. With the WS Dash, unknown qualities invite curiosity, suggesting that the experience could vary widely. Ultimately, personal preference will play a crucial role in deciding which switch best meets individual typing or gaming needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use case. If you’re seeking a smooth and satisfying all-rounder that can handle both gaming and typing while providing a deeper "thocky" sound, the Milky Yellow Pro is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams makes it feel sturdy and reliable, while its buttery keystroke enhances your overall typing experience. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter feel with a notable clacky sound and a more refined touch, you may find the WS Dash switch appealing. With a bottom-out force of only 55 grams, it caters to those who enjoy a softer landing each time they press a key. Additionally, its unique hall effect design offers a distinct typing experience that can enhance gaming and could be particularly interesting if you're looking for something innovative. Therefore, think about what you value most in a switch—be it sound, feel, or performance—and let that guide your final decision.
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