Gateron Ink Red vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer a smooth typing experience ideal for gamers and typists alike. The Ink Red stands out for its lower actuation force, making it perfect for those with a lighter typing style. With a satisfyingly smooth feel, crispy sound profile, and effortless typing capabilities, the Ink Red switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Silky', 'Chirpy', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is praised for its budget-friendly nature and smooth keystrokes that evoke a buttery smoothness with a pleasing, low-pitched "thock" sound. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Bassy', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched', this switch offers a different typing experience compared to the Ink Red. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The primary difference between the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) lies in the sound profile they produce. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings create a thin and higher-pitched, clacky sound, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3)'s nylon housings produce a deeper and fuller sound that is described as duller and rounder. This means that the Ink Red switches will provide a more sharp and pointed auditory experience, while the Milky Red Pro switches will offer a softer and more absorbing sound.
Additionally, the housing materials of the two switches also affect the feel of typing on them. The Nylon top and bottom housings of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches give them a softer and more cushioned bottom-out feel compared to the sharper bottom-out feel of the Ink Red switches with their proprietary INK blend housings. This difference in typing feel can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users who prefer a specific type of tactile feedback and keypress sensation.
Despite their differences, both switches share the commonality of utilizing high-quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience. While the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend housings may offer a more pointed and clacky sound profile compared to the Milky Red Pro (KS-3)'s nylon housings that produce a deeper and fuller sound, both switches are designed to deliver a premium typing experience with their unique housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel when typing.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch both have a medium actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Ink Red is heavier at 60 grams compared to the Milky Red Pro's 52 grams, making the Milky Red Pro the lighter option. This means that while both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force, the Ink Red will offer a slightly more substantial feel when fully pressed down. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Milky Red Pro may be the better choice. In contrast, those who enjoy a more solid and weighted push when typing may lean towards the Ink Red for a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of key press depth. Users can expect to feel a consistent level of tactile feedback and actuation point with both switches due to their identical travel distances. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches makes them equally suitable for individuals looking for a smooth and linear typing experience. Overall, whether you choose the Gateron Ink Red or the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), you can expect to achieve comparable results in terms of key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a crispy and clacky sound profile, making each keystroke satisfyingly audible. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offers a low-pitched "thock" sound that is deep and rich, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, with the Ink Red being more neutral and chirpy while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a bassy and thocky sound. The choice between the two will depend on personal preference for sound profile, whether you prefer a crisper or more bass-heavy tone during typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is known for its silky and mild typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth and gentle keystroke that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is described as buttery, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation that is smooth and fluid. Both switches offer smooth typing experiences, with the Ink Red being polished and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offering a buttery feel. The choice between the two will depend on whether you prefer a more polished and refined typing feel or a buttery and seamless typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Red provides a crispy, clacky sound with a silky and mild typing experience, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a deep, bassy thock sound with a buttery and smooth typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches are well-regarded for their smoothness and satisfying typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switches, consider your typing style and preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter actuation force and a crisp, clacky sound profile, the Gateron Ink Red would be a great choice for you. It offers a smooth typing experience with a neutral or chirpy sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, buttery typing experience with a low-pitched thocky sound profile, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer a quality typing experience, so it comes down to personal preference when deciding between the two.
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