Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 28g
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g both stand out as appealing options for those who prefer linear switches, yet they cater to different typing preferences and styles. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow is celebrated for its buttery smooth keystrokes and pronounced thocky and bassy sound profile, thanks in part to its innovative CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stems, which minimize resistance and enhance stability. This makes it an ideal choice for users who prioritize a refined typing feel and a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Chiikawa - 28g features a notably lighter actuation force, resulting in a quick and responsive typing experience accompanied by a bright, high-pitched sound. This switch may appeal to those who prefer an energetic feel and a more playful audio signature as they type. 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
28g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
34g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3X
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches both employ distinct materials for their top housings, which profoundly influences their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The CAP V2 features a nylon top housing, known for its softness and ability to absorb sound. This results in a deeper, fuller sound that is characteristically duller and rounder than that of switches made with harder plastics. In contrast, the Chiikawa switches utilize a polycarbonate top housing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, more resonant sound profile, offering a crisper auditory feedback during typing. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows RGB lighting to shine through more effectively, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts looking to enhance their keyboard aesthetics.
While the top housings differ significantly, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which adds another layer of comparison. The use of nylon in the bottom housing for both the CAP V2 and the Chiikawa results in a similar deeper sound profile, as nylon's softer material absorbs sound waves and produces a rounder auditory experience. This means that when typing, regardless of the contrasting top housing materials, users will experience a consistency in bottoming-out sounds from both switches due to the commonality of the nylon material used in the lower part. This integration of nylon in the bottom housing across both switches suggests that users seeking a fuller sound profile during key presses will find similarities in their hands, even amidst the top housing material differences.
Ultimately, the interaction between the distinct top housings and the shared nylon bottom housing creates a blend of auditory experiences. Users of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow will appreciate the deep, softer top end provided by nylon, while Bsun Chiikawa switch users will enjoy the sharper, brighter tones from polycarbonate. However, when it comes to the bottoming-out experience, both switches will likely give similar results due to their identical nylon lower housings. This combination showcases how varying materials can lead to diverse sound profiles and tactile feedback while still maintaining certain commonalities that cater to user preferences for certain typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch with a 50-gram actuation force and a 65-gram bottom out force to the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch, which features a notably lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, significant differences emerge. The CAP V2 is the heavier of the two, offering a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback during gaming or extensive typing sessions. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is considerably lighter, making it an excellent option for users who prioritize less finger fatigue during prolonged use. This lighter force can enhance comfort for work environments or extended gaming marathons. As the actuation force and bottom out force of the switches differ, users may find that their typing experiences vary widely, with the CAP V2 offering more resistance whereas the Chiikawa promotes a smoother, more effortless keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch, we find that the CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Chiikawa - 28g measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This means that the Gateron switch offers a more substantial depth, which can be preferable for users who enjoy a more pronounced press and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Chiikawa switch may appeal to gamers or those who prioritize rapid response times. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference; if you value a deeper feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is the ideal choice, but if you lean towards quicker actuation and responsiveness, the Chiikawa - 28g could be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Chiikawa - 28g for $3.29.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch is characterized by deep, rich tonal qualities often described as thocky, bassy, and low-pitched. This means that when activated, users experience a satisfying deep "thud" which many find enjoyable and appealing. It adds a pleasant acoustic dimension to typing that can enhance the overall experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch does not have a defined sound profile mentioned, leaving its sound characteristics unknown. However, it is worth noting that the sound produced by a switch is highly influenced by the board it’s used on and the type of keycaps attached, so users may be able to customize their experience accordingly.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow is known for its buttery smoothness, thanks to its innovative CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stem. This design translates to a seamless and fluid keypress, giving typists a very refined and comfortable experience. Conversely, the feel of the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is also not elaborated upon, leaving this aspect a mystery for potential users. Given the nature of linear switches, both switches may offer a similarly smooth action, but the lack of specific descriptors for the Chiikawa means that prospective users cannot compare the nuances in typing feel between the two directly.
Overall, while the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow line switch offers a rich auditory experience and a notably smooth typing feel, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch presents an unknown, potentially lighter, and more responsive option. Both switches share the fundamental characteristics of linear design, suggesting that they might offer smooth keystrokes. However, the distinct sound profile of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow adds depth to its appeal, while the Chiikawa’s unknown qualities leave room for exploration and personal preference. Choosing between them should consider both auditory and tactile preferences, alongside any intended use, as experience could vary significantly based on those factors.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the experience you want from your mechanical keyboard. If you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and enjoy a deeper, richer sound profile, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is an excellent choice. Its innovative design offers smooth keystrokes and minimal resistance, making it ideal for those who type frequently and value stability and a satisfying "thocky" sound. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lightweight switch that provides a quick response and a bright, crisp sound while typing, the Chiikawa - 28g would be more suitable. This switch's very light actuation force allows for rapid key presses, making it optimal for gaming or fast-paced typing scenarios. Ultimately, consider your typing style and the auditory feedback you prefer when making your decision; your ideal switch will enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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