Dareu Master vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Master and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) are two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences. The Master switch from Dareu offers a medium weight with a classic clacky sound signature, making it a preferred choice for users who appreciate a polished and mild typing experience. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro switches from Gateron are known for their smooth and affordable performance, providing a buttery smooth keystroke with a low-pitched "thock" sound. While both switches excel in their own ways, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific typing needs. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Master and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), we see that the Master utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) uses nylon for both components. Both POM and nylon are praised for creating a deeper and more muted sound profile, but nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound due to its softer nature. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile for switches utilizing nylon housing, compared to the unique sound produced by POM housing.
The difference in housing materials between the Dareu Master and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) extends to the impact on the typing experience. The qualities of the POM bottom housing of the Master contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the nylon bottom housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) enhances the deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Master and the nylon top housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) play a role in the sound produced when releasing a key, with POM known for its pleasing and unique sound and nylon creating a duller sound.
While the Dareu Master and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) have different housing materials for their switches, both deliver a unique and pleasing sound profile to enhance the typing experience. Whether it is the POM housing of the Master providing a relatively more muted sound or the nylon housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) absorbing more sound for a rounder sound profile, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from either switch. The impact of the housing material on the sound when typing and releasing a key highlights the attention to detail in the design of each switch to cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Master linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Dareu Master is unavailable, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has a bottom out force of 52 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that the Gateron switch will provide a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Dareu switch when bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Dareu Master may be the better option, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may lean towards the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3). Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Dareu Master linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Master switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Milky Red Pro switch may provide a more satisfying depth to keystrokes for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 Dareu Master linear switch is known for its classic clacky sound signature, which produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offers a deep and rich sound profile, often described as bassy and thocky, with a low-pitched tone. While both switches provide satisfying auditory feedback, the Master switch leans towards a brighter and more percussive sound, while the Milky Red Pro switch offers a smoother, bass-heavy tone.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Master linear switch offers a medium weight and exceptional smoothness in operation, providing a mild and polished typing experience. This switch strikes a good balance between being gentle yet refined, offering a safe middle-ground for most users. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is renowned for its buttery smooth keystrokes, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience, but the Master switch may feel slightly more tactile and refined, while the Milky Red Pro switch focuses on delivering a uniform and fluid keystroke.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a classic clacky sound and a polished, mild typing feel, the Dareu Master switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a deep, bassy sound profile and a buttery smooth typing experience, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch would be a great option. Both switches offer quality performance in their respective sound and feel categories, so choosing between them ultimately comes down to your personal preference for sound and typing sensation.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Master linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a switch with no bottom out force and a classic clacky sound signature, along with exceptional smoothness in operation, then the Dareu Master switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, a smooth and buttery typing experience accompanied by a low-pitched "thock" sound, then the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you desire.
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