Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring are two popular mechanical keyboard switches with unique characteristics. The Milky Yellow Pro is a linear switch that is loved for its smoothness and satisfyingly thick resistance. It offers a low-pitched, textured sound known as "thocky," making it ideal for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility. It has a lower actuation and bottom-out force, providing a pleasant tactile feedback when typing. Additionally, it features a deep and thocky sound profile. While these general pointers give us an idea of what each switch offers, let's dive deeper into their specific attributes to help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches exhibit notable differences. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, which offers a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a duller and rounder sound during typing. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic. This leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, creating a more clear and resonant sound. Moreover, the polycarbonate material is especially beneficial for switches with clear housing if RGB lighting is utilized.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches again showcase distinct properties. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Conversely, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring integrates a polycarbonate bottom housing, reminiscent of its top housing. This stiffer plastic enables a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the bottom housing complements the clear housing if RGB lighting is employed.
It is worth noting that when a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities offered by each material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. Therefore, although the housing materials differ for the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches, both switches possess unique qualities that contribute to their overall sound profiles and user experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch differ slightly. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's 48 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range, providing a satisfying feedback when typing. When it comes to bottom out force, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is slightly heavier at 62 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. Although these differences may seem slight, they can have an impact on the typing experience. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring for extended typing sessions, while others may enjoy the more substantial feel of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) with its slightly heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but those who prefer a lighter feel should opt for the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, while those who appreciate a bit more resistance may lean towards the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3).
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is the same, at 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience when pressed down, as the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom is equal for both of them. Therefore, whether you choose the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) or the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, you can expect to have a consistent travel distance of 4 mm.
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) Single 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) Single 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) linear switch is best known for its smoothness and "thocky" sound profile. These switches offer a deeper and richer sound during keypresses, characterized by a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. This gives them a low-pitched and satisfying sound that many enthusiasts appreciate. In terms of feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This makes typing effortless and uniform, helping to enhance the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is known for its medium level of tactility and deep, thocky sound profile. Unfortunately, specific information about the sound characteristics of the Shadow switch is unavailable. However, with the mention of a deep and thocky sound profile, it is likely to have similarities with the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) in terms of sound. In terms of feel, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This gives the keys a lively feel with a sense of rebound when pressed.
Considering the available information, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is an excellent choice for those seeking a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched, thocky sound profile. It is versatile and suitable for both gaming and typing purposes. However, if you are looking for a switch with a medium level of tactility and a bouncy feel, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch may be a better option. While the specific sound characteristics of the Shadow switch are unknown, it is likely to provide a similar deep and thocky sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and level of tactility desired.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are a budget enthusiast seeking a versatile switch that excels in both gaming and typing, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is the way to go. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, you can expect a satisfyingly thick resistance that offers a smooth and buttery keystroke experience. The low-pitched and thocky sound profile adds to the overall enjoyment of using these switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is your best bet. With a slightly lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches provide approachable tactility and a bouncy feel when pressed. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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