TTC Brother vs. Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch, you're presented with two top contenders in the mechanical keyboard switch market. The TTC Brother is a clicky switch that stands out for its lightweight nature with a breezy actuation of just 37g, making it easy-to-press and providing a tactile experience that's never burdensome. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow offers a smooth keystroke experience with its innovative CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stems. The Milky Yellows feature enlarged and hollowed-out stem posts for enhanced stability, reducing wobble and providing a refined typing feel. Each switch has its unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences, so choosing between them may come down to personal preference. 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
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This means that when typing on either switch, you can expect a more muted and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. However, the Brother features a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The difference in top housing material will result in a variation in sound when pressing down and releasing a key.
While the nylon bottom housing of both the TTC Brother and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow provides a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile, the difference in top housing materials sets them apart. The polycarbonate top housing of the Brother produces a clear and resonant sound profile, ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in sound characteristics can impact the overall typing experience and preference for users depending on their sound preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Brother and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow will come down to personal preferences in sound profile. If you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant profile, the Brother with its polycarbonate top housing would be the ideal choice. However, if you enjoy a deeper and fuller sound with a rounder profile, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow featuring nylon top housing would be more suitable. Both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their shared nylon bottom housing, but the top housing material plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in the actuation and bottom out forces. The Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it more conducive for longer typing sessions. In contrast, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Brother switch is unknown, while the Milky Yellow switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Brother switch would be the preferred choice, while the Milky Yellow switch would cater to individuals who enjoy a heavier typing experience. In conclusion, the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in determining the typing feel of a switch, catering to different preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Brother offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers who value speed. On the other hand, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow provides a slightly deeper key press due to its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with the Brother offering a shorter travel distance for faster responses and the CAP V2 Milky Yellow providing a slightly longer travel distance for a more tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 TTC Brother clicky switch is known for its crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This satisfyingly audible experience is sure to please enthusiasts who enjoy the clicky switch feel. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch is described as producing a thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound profile that offers a deep and satisfying auditory feedback. While both switches provide distinct sound qualities, the Brother leans towards a crisp and crunchy tone, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow offers a deeper and more resonant sound during key presses.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch stands out for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate the keys, making typing effortless and comfortable. Additionally, its tactile bump strikes a perfect balance, providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel. In contrast, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch is known for its buttery feel, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and uniform. While the Brother offers a gentle resistance and stepped feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow focuses on providing a consistent and effortless typing sensation.
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch excels in providing a tactile experience with a lightweight actuation force and satisfyingly crunchy sound, making it a top favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch boasts a smooth keystroke experience with minimal resistance and enhanced stability. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Regardless of the choice made, users can expect a high-quality typing experience from either switch, each delivering optimal performance in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of typing experience. If you enjoy a light actuation force, crisp and crunchy sound, and a tactile bump with a balance between feedback and subtlety, the TTC Brother clicky switch would be a perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a smooth keystroke with minimal resistance, and enhanced stability to reduce wobble, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch is the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the typing feel and sound profile that best suits your preferences and typing style.
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