SP-Star Ayara vs. Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches have their own unique features and advantages. The Ayara is praised for its medium heftiness, offering a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow stands out for its innovative CAP structure, ensuring remarkably smooth keystrokes with aerodynamically designed stems for minimal resistance and enhanced stability. While the Ayara is categorized as 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is described as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Bassy', and 'Low-pitched'. 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
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow utilize nylon as the material for their top and bottom switch housings. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches due to nylon's ability to absorb sound effectively. The softer nature of nylon compared to harder plastics creates a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience for users of both switch types.
Despite both switches sharing the same nylon housing material for both the top and bottom, the impact of each housing differs on the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch has a more significant effect on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This distinction highlights the importance of both the top and bottom housing materials in contributing to the overall tactile and auditory feedback of a mechanical keyboard.
In terms of housing materials, the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow provide similar sound profiles and typing experiences due to their shared use of nylon for both top and bottom housings. Although the impact of each housing on the typing experience may differ slightly, the overall result for both switches is a deeper and fuller sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience for users. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of other factors such as actuation force and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences. The Ayara has an actuation force of None grams, making it incredibly light, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow requires 50 grams of force for actuation. The bottom out force of the Ayara is 62 grams, which is medium, whereas the CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Ayara for extended use, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow provides a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. In terms of similarities, both switches provide a medium level of resistance when bottoming out, which means users can expect similar results in that aspect. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switches both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This allows for consistent typing experience between the two switches, as the distance traveled by the key will be uniform. Overall, whether you choose the Ayara or the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Ayara has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ayara for $5.40.
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 SP-Star Ayara linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a clacky and sharp tone, making it suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch provides a thocky and bassy sound that is deep and satisfying. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, so choosing between them would depend on personal preference and the acoustic properties of the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the SP-Star Ayara switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch offers a buttery feel, giving users a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Both switches aim to enhance typing comfort and efficiency, with the Ayara focusing on a polished finish and the CAP V2 Milky Yellow prioritizing a buttery keystroke experience.
Taking all the available information into account, the SP-Star Ayara and Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches each have their unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Ayara offers a meatier typing experience with a clacky sound profile and polished feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow provides smoother keystrokes with a thocky and bassy sound. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would boil down to individual preferences in sound and typing feel, ensuring that both options deliver satisfactory results for newcomers entering the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile, the Ayara switches with their medium bottom out force of 62 grams may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value smooth keystrokes with minimized resistance and enhanced stability thanks to the CAP structure, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches with a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams offer a refined typing feel. Ultimately, your choice may also be influenced by sound preference, with the neutral and high-pitched sound profile of the Ayara contrasting with the thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound options of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow. Additionally, consider the feel of the switches, whether you prefer a polished finish for reduced friction or a buttery smooth and uniform typing sensation. Evaluate these factors to make an informed decision based on your personal typing preferences and priorities.
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