Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Bsun Cliff
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Bsun Cliff switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Bsun Cliff offers distinct experiences suited to different preferences. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow, a linear switch, is celebrated for its buttery smooth keystrokes and minimal resistance thanks to its innovative CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stems. Typists seeking a seamless experience will appreciate its stability and the deep, bassy sound profile it delivers. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff switch brings a tactile dimension to typing, featuring a medium tactility that provides a satisfying bump along with a crisp sound signature, ideal for those who appreciate auditory and physical feedback with each keystroke. While the CAP V2 Milky Yellow caters to users looking for a fluid and quiet typing experience, the Bsun Cliff appeals to individuals who enjoy a more engaging and dynamic feel as they type. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch and the Bsun Cliff, a noticeable difference appears in the materials used for their top housings. The CAP V2 features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer texture, allowing it to absorb sound and create a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. This harder plastic not only results in a sharper and more resonant sound, but its translucency also enhances its appeal when used with RGB lighting. Consequently, while the CAP V2 provides a warmer tone, the Cliff facilitates a brighter, clearer auditory feedback, giving typists distinct experiences based on their choice of switch.
On the other hand, both the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Bsun Cliff share the same bottom housing material: nylon. This similarity means that both switches will produce a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out, as nylon absorbs sound better than harder plastics. The impact of the bottom housing is significant since it contributes to the overall feel and sound when the key is fully pressed. Thus, regardless of the contrasting top housing materials, users will enjoy a similar bottom-out experience when using these two switches, characterized by the muted and rounded sounds associated with nylon.
In summary, while the top housing materials create different acoustic profiles for the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and Bsun Cliff, their shared nylon bottom housings ensure that both switches maintain a consistent bottom-out sound. The differing materials contribute unique auditory experiences—deeper tones with the CAP V2 and sharper notes with the Cliff—yet, the nylon bases harmonize the overall sound experience, resulting in some similarity in typing feedback. This contrast highlights how the interplay between top and bottom housing materials shapes the sound and feel of mechanical switches, affirming that both switches, despite their differences, can produce enjoyable results for various preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, distinct differences emerge in their characteristics. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff has a notably lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Cliff switch is better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, enhancing comfort and reducing fatigue. Conversely, the heavier forces of the CAP V2 provide more feedback, appealing to users who appreciate a robust typing experience. Therefore, for individuals seeking a lighter switch, the Bsun Cliff is the preferred choice, while the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow caters to those who favor a firmer push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, it is clear that the CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cliff features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The difference suggests that the Milky Yellow switch will provide a more pronounced tactile experience, which may cater to those who prefer a typical depth for more deliberate key presses. On the other hand, the Cliff's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, if you favor a deeper feel while typing, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow would be the better choice, whereas the Bsun Cliff may be more suitable for those who prioritize responsiveness and speed in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Cliff has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cliff for $2.19.
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 Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is characterized by a bassy profile. This means that during key presses, the Milky Yellow creates a deeper, richer sound, reminiscent of low frequencies commonly associated with bass tones. In contrast, the sound signature of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is described as crisp, which suggests a more clear and sharp auditory experience. This difference in sound profiles indicates that if you're looking for a more pronounced depth in your typing experience, the Milky Yellow may suit your preferences well, while those who appreciate clarity in sound might gravitate towards the Cliff.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow offers a buttery experience. This term implies that the keystrokes are not only smooth but also provide a sense of fluidity and consistency throughout the typing process. Conversely, the Bsun Cliff switch provides an invigorating tactile feedback, marked by a moderate to firm actuation force. This creates a snappy and reactive feel, which can be engaging and satisfying for typists who enjoy a greater level of feedback. While both switches cater to different typing preferences—smoothness versus tactility—they can both deliver a pleasurable typing experience depending on individual taste.
In summary, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Bsun Cliff tactile switches present distinctly different qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the CAP V2 Milky Yellow excels in providing a bassy sound and buttery smoothness, the Cliff switch offers crisp audio feedback and invigorating tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize a richer sound and smooth keystrokes or prefer clarity and a more pronounced tactile response. Both switches can deliver an enjoyable experience; it just comes down to what qualities matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you’re looking for a smooth, buttery typing experience that delivers a rich, bassy sound, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is a great choice, particularly if you enjoy gaming or long typing sessions where fluid keystrokes are essential. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams can provide the tactile feedback many typists crave without feeling overly taxing on the fingers. Conversely, if you prefer a more tactile and invigorating experience with a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, then the Bsun Cliff switch would be more suitable. The medium tactile feedback and crisp sound signature make it an excellent option for typists who enjoy a pronounced response, which can enhance your overall engagement with the keyboard. Ultimately, consider how you plan to use your keyboard and what type of feedback you find most satisfying to make the best decision.
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