Kailh Box Jade vs. Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow stand out as popular choices for different reasons. The Box Jade offers a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile bumps, perfect for those who appreciate a satisfyingly crunchy typing experience. On the other hand, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches from Gateron provide a smooth and buttery keystroke thanks to their innovative CAP structure, reducing resistance for a seamless typing action. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing. Despite both switches sharing this similarity, the differences in their top housing materials create distinct sound profiles. The Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. In contrast, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow's nylon top housing brings a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a different typing experience.
While both the Box Jade and the CAP V2 Milky Yellow feature nylon for their bottom housing, the differences lie in their top housing materials. The Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant sound profile, especially when using RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow's nylon top housing provides a softer and more absorbent quality, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. These differences highlight how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound of a switch. Whether you prefer the crispness of polycarbonate or the deeper tone of nylon, each housing material offers a unique typing sensation.
In considering the impact of top and bottom housing materials on a switch, it is important to note how each material contributes to the overall sound profile. The bottom housing tends to have a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, while the top housing plays a greater role in the sound when releasing a key. With the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow, the use of different housing materials for the top and bottom creates distinct typing experiences. While both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, the contrasting polycarbonate and nylon top housings result in varied sound profiles, giving users the opportunity to choose based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams. However, the Box Jade has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Box Jade provides a more consistent typing experience throughout, without requiring as much force to fully press the key down compared to the CAP V2 Milky Yellow. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may lean towards the Box Jade, while those who enjoy a more substantial push may opt for the CAP V2 Milky Yellow. Overall, the weight of the actuation and bottom out force plays a significant role in determining the typing experience and comfort level for users.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Box Jade being slightly shorter and the CAP V2 Milky Yellow being slightly longer. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Box Jade, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the longer travel distance of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow. Overall, the travel distance of the switches plays a role in the feel and responsiveness of the keys, and choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50, whereas the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow comes in at $3.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a sharp and crisp typing experience reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch provides a thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound that offers a deep and rich tone during key presses. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box Jade focusing on a crisp clicky sound and the CAP Milky Yellow emphasizing a smoother and more satisfying thud-like sound.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch is noted for its accented and invigorating tactile feedback, providing a medium amount of tactility that is engaging without being overwhelming. On the contrary, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch offers a buttery smooth keystroke experience, ensuring seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. These differences in feel cater to individuals who prefer a more pronounced feedback like with the Box Jade or those who seek a smoother and fluid typing experience like with the CAP Milky Yellow.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch offer contrasting sound and feel experiences. While the Box Jade delivers a high-pitched and crunchy sound with accented and invigorating tactile feedback, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow provides a thocky and bassy sound with a buttery smooth typing feel. It ultimately comes down to personal preference, as both switches offer exceptional qualities that can enhance your typing experience depending on your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy one switch, you may find similar results in terms of sound and feel with the other, but with distinct characteristics to distinguish them.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and crisp tactile bumps, the Kailh Box Jade switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother linear switch with a medium-bottom out force and a more buttery typing experience, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches would be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style. Make sure to consider these factors carefully before making your final choice between the two switches.
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