Kailh Box White vs. Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box White and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow offer distinct experiences for different preferences. The Box White switch is perfect for those who appreciate maximum audio feedback with a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and accented tactility. In contrast, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch from Gateron provides a smooth typing experience with innovative aerodynamic stem design and enhanced stability. While the Box White is categorized as 'Resonant', 'High-pitched', 'Crunchy', and 'Polished', the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is classified as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Bassy', and 'Low-pitched'. These general characteristics can help guide your decision, 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
Yes
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow, it is clear that they both have unique characteristics that contribute to their sound profiles. The Box White's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffness and translucency, making it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. In contrast, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder profile. While both materials offer different sound qualities, users can expect satisfying auditory experiences from both switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Box White and the CAP V2 Milky Yellow use nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer plastic of nylon helps absorb sound, creating a more muted and balanced sound when compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material means that users can anticipate a consistent sound experience when typing on either switch. Despite having different top housing materials, the switches share a common ground in delivering a fuller sound profile through their bottom housings, adding to the overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box White and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow ultimately comes down to personal preference for sound profile. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Box White produces a clearer and more resonant sound, whereas the softer nylon top housing of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Both switches showcase the impact of housing materials on sound profiles, with the key difference lying in the distinct characteristics each material brings to the table. Whether looking for a sharper sound with the Box White or a rounder sound with the CAP V2 Milky Yellow, users can expect high-quality performance from either switch.
Weight
The Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch both have a similar actuation force of 50 grams, making them light to the touch. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box White requires 60 grams, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow needs 65 grams, making the latter slightly heavier. The lighter actuation force of both switches makes them ideal for those who prefer to type for extended periods without much finger fatigue. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Box White switch offers a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance, ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow switch provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more deliberate key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76, 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 White clicky switch is praised for its resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch offers a thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound that provides a deep and satisfying auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles catering to different preferences, with the Box White delivering a crisp and sharp clicky sound and the Milky Yellow offering a smooth and deep thud-like sound. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is subjective and can be influenced by various factors such as keyboard construction and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White switch is characterized by its polished finish, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is described as buttery, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke with a uniform typing sensation. The Box White emphasizes tactile feedback and a refined typing experience, while the Milky Yellow emphasizes smoothness and fluidity in keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for tactile feedback versus smooth keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Box White provides a resonant and crunchy sound with a polished typing feel, while the Milky Yellow offers a thocky and buttery sound with a smooth keystroke experience. Whether you prefer the crisp click of the Box White or the deep thud of the Milky Yellow, both switches promise to enhance your typing experience based on your individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for maximum audio feedback and a tactile typing experience, the Kailh Box White clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. The "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and pronounced tactile response make typing on these switches a satisfying experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke action and a more stable typing feel, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch would be more suited to your preferences. The innovative CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stems of the Milky Yellow switches ensure minimal resistance and enhanced stability, providing a buttery and uniform typing sensation. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches would come down to whether you prioritize clicky feedback and tactile response or smooth keystrokes and stability in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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