KS-3-CLEAR

1. Overview

The Gateron Clear (part number KS-3-CLEAR) is the lightest standard linear variant in Gateron's KS-3 MX-clone platform, introduced circa 2014. At 35g actuation force it is notably lighter than Gateron Red (45g) and Cherry MX Red (45g), making it one of the lightest production mechanical switches available. It is part of Gateron's foundational KS-3 housing series — Gateron's original Cherry MX-format keyswitch architecture that underpins a wide range of color/weight variants — and should not be confused with the Cherry MX Clear, which is a heavy tactile switch. Gateron markets updated versions under names such as "Milky Clear" (full milky nylon housing, KS-3X1 platform) and "KS-3X47 Clear" (milky tops / nylon bottom hybrid), but the core KS-3-CLEAR is the original clear-top linear with 35g spring.

2. User Sentiment

Community sentiment is mixed but generally positive for users who specifically want ultra-light actuation. KeebWorks rated the switch 24/50 (48%), noting the reviewer made roughly one typo per five words and found gaming performance poor due to unintended keypresses — though commenters pushed back, arguing these criticisms reflect personal preference rather than product deficiency. Users with RSI concerns or those who prioritize minimal finger fatigue consistently praise the switch, with one community member noting "finger fatigue is non-existent" during extended gaming sessions. The Gateron Clear is regularly cited in budget custom keyboard builds for its low price (~$0.21–$0.36 per switch) and smooth linear feel, widely considered smoother than new-production Cherry MX at the same actuation weight. SwitchOddities notes that Gateron is retroactively renaming the lightest Clear switches to "Pro White" under their updated Pro series naming scheme, which creates some catalog confusion.

3. Real-World Applications

The Gateron Clear is recommended for accessibility-focused builds where users have limited hand strength or require reduced actuation force for medical reasons. Extended typing/data-entry environments and competitive gaming setups targeting the fastest possible keystroke response are cited as primary use cases. It appears in budget OEM boards and is a popular choice in DIY custom keyboard projects for users who want a featherlight linear without paying premium prices. Gateron's own guide positions the Clear as suitable for "rapid typing and gaming" but cautions that the extreme lightness may require an adjustment period.

4. Technical Specifications

• Type: Linear (no tactile bump, no click)
• Actuation Force: 35g (operating force; some sources list 35cN)
• Bottom-Out Force: 45–50g (sources vary: 45g per SwitchOddities silent variant; 50g per keybumps, keeb-finder, SwitchOddities KS-3X47; ~40–45g per mkbguide)
• Pre-Travel (Actuation Distance): 2.0mm
• Total Travel: 4.0mm
• Housing — Top: Polycarbonate (PC, transparent/clear) on standard KS-3-CLEAR and KS-9-format variants; milky nylon on Milky Clear (KS-3X1) variant
• Housing — Bottom: Nylon (white or milky); original KS-3 black-housing versions also exist
• Stem: POM (polyoxymethylene), MX cross-mount compatible, clear or white depending on variant
• Spring: Stainless steel (~15mm)
• Factory Lube: None (unlubed from factory)
• Pin Count: 3-pin (plate mount) and 5-pin (PCB mount) both available; original KS-3 series commonly PCB-mount 5-pin; plate-mount 3-pin variants also sold
• LED Compatibility: 2-pin through-hole DIP LED (the KS-3 series does NOT support SMD-LED, unlike KS-9); single-LED compatible; transparent housing allows backlighting
• Cherry MX Compatibility: Full MX cross-point stem compatibility; housings physically compatible with MX ecosystem keycaps and most hotswap PCBs
• Lifespan: 50 million cycles (standard KS-3 line); The Button Index catalog page lists 80M — this may reflect a newer production revision or catalog error; the 50M figure is consistent across all major third-party retailer and community sources
• Price: ~$0.21–$0.36 per switch retail; bulk 120-pack Amazon ~$36–$39

5. Ordering & Compatibility

The Gateron Clear is widely stocked by major mechanical keyboard retailers including mechanicalkeyboards.com, KBDfans, NovelKeys, Amazon, and AliExpress. The "Milky Clear" variant (full milky nylon housing, KS-3X1 platform) is a distinct SKU available at mechanicalkeyboards.com in both PCB mount (KS-3F10B035NW-X1) and plate mount (KS-3F10B035NN-X1) configurations. The standard transparent-top Clear is also available from pkkeyboards.com in 5-pin PCB mount. All variants are Cherry MX-compatible and will work with MX-format keycap sets, PCB hotswap sockets, and standard plate cutouts. Gateron has transitioned newer iterations of the lightest linear toward the "Pro White" naming under the Pro series, so buyers should verify actuation weight when ordering updated SKUs.

6. Known Issues

The primary documented concern is that the 35g actuation force is too light for many users, leading to accidental keypresses during typing and gaming — a risk flagged in multiple independent reviews. The KS-3 series has more stem wobble than the upgraded KS-9 mold, which can affect typing consistency and sound signature for users who care about acoustics. There is also naming confusion between the Gateron Clear (light linear) and the Cherry MX Clear (heavy tactile), which occasionally misleads buyers. The lifespan discrepancy (50M per community/retailer sources vs. 80M per The Button Index catalog page) is an unresolved data-quality issue that should be verified against Gateron's official spec sheet; the 50M figure is strongly supported by multiple independent sources.