Okay, so I’ve been messing around with mechanical keyboards for a while now, and I finally got around to comparing these two super popular switches: the Gateron Milky Yellow Pros and the Gateron Reds. I’ve heard so much hype about both, so I figured, why not put them head-to-head and see what the fuss is all about?
Getting Started
First things first, I grabbed my trusty hot-swappable keyboard. This thing is a lifesaver because I don’t have to solder anything – just pop the old switches out and plug the new ones in. Makes experimenting super easy.
I started with a batch of Milky Yellow Pros. I’d already lubed them up a while back (Krytox 205g0, if you’re curious – makes them feel so smooth), so they were ready to go. I popped them into the keyboard, making sure they were seated properly. Then, I did the same with a set of stock Gateron Reds. I wanted to compare the lubed Yellows to the unlubed Reds to get a feel for their out-of-the-box differences.
Typing Test Time!
Alright, the fun part! I spent a good chunk of time just typing away on both switches. Random sentences, paragraphs, even some gaming (mostly typing in chat, let’s be real). Here’s what I noticed:
- Milky Yellow Pros (Lubed): These felt noticeably smoother than the Reds, no surprise there. The lube really makes a difference. They have a slightly deeper sound, too, which I personally enjoy. It’s not a super loud “thock,” but it’s definitely more pleasant than the Reds.
- Gateron Reds (Stock): These were… okay. They’re linear, so no tactile bump, just like the Yellows. But they felt a bit scratchier, and the sound was higher-pitched and a little more… pingy? I don’t know, it just wasn’t as satisfying.
The Weight Difference
One of the big things I was curious about was the difference in spring weight. The Yellows are supposed to be a bit heavier than the Reds. Honestly, it wasn’t a huge difference, but I could definitely feel it. The Yellows required just a tad more force to press down. It wasn’t enough to make my fingers tired or anything, but it was noticeable. I could see myself to perfer the Yellow’s weight.
Gaming and General Use
For gaming, both switches were fine. Since they’re both linear, there’s no tactile bump to get in the way of rapid key presses. I didn’t notice a significant difference in performance between the two. It really came down to personal preference.
For general typing, I definitely preferred the Milky Yellow Pros. The smoothness and the slightly heavier spring just felt better to me. The Reds weren’t bad, but they just didn’t feel as… premium, I guess?
Final Thoughts
So, after all that messing around, which one do I prefer? Honestly, it’s the Milky Yellow Pros. The combination of smoothness (thanks, lube!), pleasant sound, and slightly heavier spring weight just makes them more enjoyable to type on.
The Gateron Reds are still a decent option, especially if you’re on a budget. But if you’re willing to spend a little extra time (and maybe a few extra bucks on some lube), the Milky Yellow Pros are definitely worth it, in my very humble, keyboard-obsessed opinion.