Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The mechanical keyboard market is filled with a myriad of options, making it vital for enthusiasts to carefully consider their desired switch characteristics before making a decision. Two popular options in the market are the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), a linear switch, and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, a tactile switch. The Milky Yellow Pro is renowned for its smoothness and buttery feel, accompanied by a satisfyingly thick resistance that caters to both gaming and typing needs. On the other hand, if you crave a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is a perfect choice. Its two-staged spring ensures a deeply resonating, clacky typing experience. Both switches offer distinctive qualities that appeal to different preferences. However, let's delve deeper into the intricacies of each switch to help you make the best decision for your keyboard setup.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
No
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon has the advantage of being a relatively softer plastic, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile. It produces a higher-pitched sound that is more clear and resonant. If aesthetics are a priority, polycarbonate is the go-to choice due to its translucency, allowing for the use of RGB lighting.
Similarly, the housing materials for the bottom housing of these switches also differ. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) employs a nylon bottom housing, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. As with the top housing, nylon's softer nature translates into a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Polycarbonate, being stiffer, produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Its clarity and resonance make it an ideal choice for users seeking a more pronounced and defined typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal, especially when paired with RGB lighting effects.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the combination of different housing materials for the top and bottom of the switch provides a unique blend of sound profiles. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, contributing to the overall impact when keys are pressed down. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when keys are released. Therefore, individuals considering either the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) or the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring can expect to experience a mix of qualities from both housing materials, resulting in a balanced and dynamic typing experience.
Weight
When it comes to the actuation force and bottom out force, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer similar results. The Milky Yellow Pro has a slightly lighter actuation force, requiring 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, compared to the Shadow Double Spring's 55 grams. However, both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation force.
In terms of bottom out force, the difference between the two switches is minimal, with the Milky Yellow Pro requiring 62 grams and the Shadow Double Spring requiring 63 grams. These forces indicate a medium level of resistance when pressing the keys all the way down.
Considering weight as a factor, those looking for a lighter typing experience may find the Milky Yellow Pro more suitable, as its lighter actuation force allows for longer periods of typing without causing fatigue. This makes it ideal for tasks such as typing at work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial and pronounced typing experience may lean towards the Shadow Double Spring, which offers a slightly heavier actuation force for a stronger push feel.
Ultimately, both switches provide a medium actuation force and bottom out force, ensuring a balanced and comfortable typing experience. While the Milky Yellow Pro offers a slightly lighter actuation force, the difference is not significant enough to drastically alter the overall typing feel. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier force, both switches are capable of delivering satisfying results.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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) switch is known for its low, "thocky" sound. It offers a deep and rich sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range resembling bass tones. When pressed and released, these switches produce a satisfyingly deep and soft "knock" sound. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as clacky and high-pitched. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp, bright, and percussive tone. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch is often described as buttery. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. It does not have any noticeable friction when pressed, offering a uniform feel throughout. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is known for its sharp tactility. It has a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. Additionally, these switches are snappy and bouncy, providing a super responsive and spring-like feedback sensation.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch is an excellent choice for those looking for a budget-friendly linear switch. It offers a low-pitched and thocky sound, making it suitable for both gaming and typing purposes. The smooth and buttery feel ensures a comfortable typing experience without any noticeable friction. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is more suitable for those who prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility. It produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, while the sharp tactility and bouncy, snappy feel enhance the typing experience.
It is worth mentioning that individual preferences can vary, and the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, based on the provided information, both switches offer distinct subjective qualities that cater to different preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have their own unique features and qualities that make them suitable for different preferences and use cases. The Milky Yellow Pro is a versatile and budget-friendly linear switch that offers smoothness, a "thocky" sound, and satisfying resistance. This makes it an excellent choice for both gaming and typing purposes, and it has become a go-to switch for budget enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Shadow Double Spring switch is known for its medium-high level of tactility, deep resonating thocks, and snappy feel. It is perfect for those seeking a tactile switch and the distinctive feedback that it provides.
In terms of sound, the Milky Yellow Pro switch has a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, while the Shadow Double Spring switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound. If you prefer a deeper and richer sound with a bass-heavy tone, the Milky Yellow Pro switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound, the Shadow Double Spring switch would be more suitable.
In terms of feel, the Milky Yellow Pro switch is described as buttery and textured, offering a smooth and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Shadow Double Spring switch is described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, providing a strong and distinctive tactile feedback. If you prefer a seamless and uniform typing experience, the Milky Yellow Pro switch would be a good option. However, if you enjoy a high feedback intensity and a tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress, the Shadow Double Spring switch would be a better fit.
Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch will depend on your personal preferences and the type of experience you are looking for in a keyboard switch. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and intended usage (typing or gaming) to make an informed decision.
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