Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. HMX Cloud - 63.5g
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow is praised for its smooth keystrokes and stability due to its innovative CAP structure, making it a great choice for those who value a buttery and thocky typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g provides a clacky sound profile and a heavier actuation force for a bright and lively typing feel, appealing to enthusiasts looking for a bouncy and creamy switch. 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
56g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g utilize nylon housing materials for both their top and bottom housings. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound when typing, as it is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when compared to switches with harder housing materials.
While both switches share the same nylon housing materials, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g may differ in terms of their overall design and construction. This could impact factors such as switch stability, actuation force, and tactile feedback. The nylon top housing, for example, may have a greater impact on the sound profile when releasing a key, while the bottom housing may influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. As such, subtle differences in the design of each switch may lead to variations in typing experience, despite the shared housing materials.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g offer similar sound profiles and typing experiences due to their shared nylon housing materials. However, differences in overall switch design and construction may lead to slight variations in typing feel and performance. Ultimately, both switches provide a deep and full sound profile characteristic of nylon housing, making them both solid choices for users seeking a quieter and more tactile typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch which has an actuation force of 56 grams, making the CAP V2 Milky Yellow slightly easier to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow requires a heavier force of 65 grams compared to the Cloud - 63.5g which bottoms out at 63.5 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow, while those who prefer a slightly heavier feel may opt for the HMX Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between these two switches may result in slightly different typing experiences but overall, users can expect similar results in terms of performance and feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch is 4 mm, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both of these switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Milky Yellow being slightly longer. Gamers may lean towards the Cloud - 63.5g for its quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Milky Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of the desired depth and responsiveness of the keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g for $2.99.
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 offers a thocky and bassy typing experience with a low-pitched tone, providing a deep and satisfying sound with each key press. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, giving a sharp and snappy typing experience that is bright and percussive. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the deep and rich sound of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow or the crisp and sharp sound of the Cloud - 63.5g.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless, effortless, and uniform. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a bouncy and creamy typing sensation, with a spring-like feedback that gives a lively feel with each key press. Users can expect a silky and smooth typing experience on the Cloud - 63.5g, while enjoying a consistent and fluid typing experience on the CAP V2 Milky Yellow.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch provides a deep and bassy sound profile with a smooth and buttery typing experience, perfect for users who prefer a consistent and satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch offers a bright and clacky sound with a bouncy and creamy typing sensation, catering to those who enjoy a sharp and lively typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience, allowing users to customize their keyboard according to their preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound profile with a buttery typing experience, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky, high-pitched sound with a bouncy or creamy typing feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g might be more suitable for your tastes. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
