Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Onion may both be linear switches, but they offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Milky Yellow Pro is known for its smoothness and satisfyingly thick resistance, making it suitable for both gaming and typing. It has a low, "thocky" sound and a textured feel, making it a go-to choice for budget enthusiasts. On the other hand, the WS Onion stands out with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, resulting in a buttery smooth keystroke feel. It offers a crisp and responsive feel along with a neutral sound profile. Both switches provide a buttery feel, but the WS Onion leans more towards a polished and refined 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Onion differ in terms of their top housing materials. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound while typing. Conversely, the WS Onion features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that allows for a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, both the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the WS Onion employ nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. It absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in this aspect, both switches offer similar results due to their shared use of nylon bottom housing.
When comparing the overall impact of the housing materials, it is important to note that the bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. Thus, the choice between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Onion can be based on personal preference for the desired sound experience during typing and key release.
Weight
When considering the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. The actuation force of the Milky Yellow Pro is 50 grams, while the exact actuation force of the WS Onion is unavailable. However, both switches fall within the medium range of actuation force.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Milky Yellow Pro has a force of 62 grams, which is slightly lighter compared to the WS Onion's bottom out force of 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Milky Yellow Pro would be a suitable choice, as its actuation and bottom out forces are both relatively light. This can be advantageous for typing over extended periods of time, such as for work or long gaming sessions.
On the contrary, the WS Onion provides a slightly heavier typing feel due to its higher bottom out force. This may be appealing to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke and desire a stronger push sensation.
Overall, while the actuation force of the two switches may be similar with the Milky Yellow Pro being slightly lighter, the differentiation becomes more apparent when considering the bottom out forces. The WS Onion is slightly heavier in this aspect, catering to those who desire a slightly stronger typing experience. However, for those seeking lighter switches, both options would still provide comparable results, albeit with some variation in the force required for bottoming out.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will feel a consistent 4 mm of travel distance. Both switches provide a similar tactile experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect to get similar results when using either switch.
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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 characteristics. These switches offer a deep and rich sound profile with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The WS Onion, on the other hand, is described as having a neutral sound profile. Neutral switches have a moderate sound profile, suitable for most purposes and environments. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. It is also worth mentioning that both switches provide satisfying auditory experiences, but with different qualities.
When it comes to feel, both the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the WS Onion are described as buttery switches. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. However, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is also mentioned to have a textured feel. Textured switches have noticeable friction when pressed, which is preferred by some users. On the other hand, the WS Onion is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. This can be achieved through the materials used or factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Wuque Studio WS Onion offer desirable qualities for mechanical keyboard switches. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) excels in providing a low-pitched, thocky sound profile with a satisfyingly thick resistance, making it suitable for gaming and typing purposes. Its buttery and textured feel adds to the overall typing experience. Similarly, the WS Onion offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various intents and purposes. Its buttery and polished feel ensures a smooth and refined typing experience. While the switches have slightly different sound and feel characteristics, both provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, either switch can be chosen to achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and needs. If you are looking for a classic budget switch that excels in both gaming and typing, with a low, thocky sound and satisfyingly thick resistance, the Milky Yellow Pro is a great choice. Its medium bottom out force of 62 grams provides a balanced typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a crisp, responsive feel and a neutral sound profile, the WS Onion is a suitable option. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a slightly heavier keystroke feel.
In terms of sound, the Milky Yellow Pro produces a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound, adding depth and richness to your typing experience. The WS Onion, on the other hand, offers a more neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various environments and purposes.
Both switches provide a buttery feel, ensuring a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. However, the WS Onion goes a step further with its polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and even smoother key travel.
Overall, if you prioritize budget-friendly versatility with a thocky sound and satisfying resistance, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch is the one for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a polished finish for an even smoother typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch is worth considering. Ultimately, the choice is yours based on your specific preferences and requirements.
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