Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. KTT Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Cream Yellow 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 KTT Cream Yellow stand out as excellent linear options, each offering a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow is celebrated for its buttery smooth keystrokes and thocky, bassy sound profile, enhanced by an innovative CAP structure that minimizes resistance and stabilizes the key feel. In contrast, the KTT Cream Yellow is renowned for its distinctive clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem that promote resonant audio feedback. While the CAP V2 prioritizes a smooth and stable experience, the Cream Yellow leans into a more tactile and responsive sensation, making it ideal for those who enjoy auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize a silky-smooth experience or a more engaging and lively interaction with your keyboard. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Cream Yellow, significant differences emerge that affect not only the auditory experience but also the tactile feedback of the switches. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow features a top housing made from nylon, which is known for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties. This material interacts with the keypress to absorb sound waves more effectively, resulting in a sound that feels round and cushioned. In contrast, the KTT Cream Yellow boasts a polycarbonate top housing, a material recognized for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, crisper sound profile. This key distinction highlights how the shell materials can vary significantly in their acoustic properties, shaping the experience of the user in distinct ways.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which leads to a unified sound character when considering bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing in both the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and KTT Cream Yellow contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during key presses. Consequently, users will find that while there is a notable difference in the sound produced when pressing and releasing a key due to the top housing materials, the bottom housing provides a consistent and satisfying experience across both switches. This highlights how some aspects of performance remain aligned, even when top housings differ.
Overall, the variance in top housing materials between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and KTT Cream Yellow brings about distinctive auditory qualities that cater to different preferences. Those seeking a softer, more rounded sound experience may prefer the nylon from the CAP V2, while users desiring a brighter, more resonant feedback will likely favor the polycarbonate of the KTT Cream Yellow. Ultimately, the combination of distinct materials results in a nuanced interaction between the switches, where the nylon bottom contributes consistent depth, while the top housing ultimately crafts a unique sound signature that reflects the switch user's personal style and desired feedback dynamics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch to the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, both switches feature the same actuation force of 50 grams, making them equally light in that regard and suitable for extended typing sessions. However, their bottom-out forces differ: the CAP V2 Milky Yellow requires a heavier force of 65 grams to bottom out, while the Cream Yellow has a lighter bottom-out force of 58 grams. This means that while both switches provide a similar initial push to register a keystroke, the Milky Yellow switch offers a more substantial feel when fully pressed, which might appeal to users who prefer a heavier typing experience. Conversely, those who favor lighter switches will find the Cream Yellow to be more accommodating throughout longer sessions. Overall, while the actuation forces are the same, the difference in bottom-out forces highlights the Milky Yellow's greater resistance for a more robust feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it more traditional and suitable for those who appreciate a more substantial depth with each keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Cream Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, aligning with the current trend favoring quicker response times that many gamers seek. Consequently, if you're looking for a switch that provides a more responsive feel, the Cream Yellow would be the better choice, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow offers a more pronounced tactile experience. Thus, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is the longer travel switch, while the KTT Cream Yellow is the shorter option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 switch is characterized by a deep, rich thock that resonates with a bassy, low-pitched tone. When pressed, these switches produce a satisfying sound that resembles a soft thud, creating an auditory experience that many typists find rewarding and characteristic of a high-quality linear switch. In contrast, the KTT Cream Yellow switch delivers a distinctly clacky sound, noted for its crisp, bright auditory feedback. The unique design of the Cream Yellow, including a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem, contributes to its resonant and percussive sound, making it suitable for those who appreciate a more energetic acoustical experience. Depending on your keyboard choice and the keycap material, these sound profiles may vary, but each switch offers a unique auditory enjoyment.
When it comes to feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch provides a notably buttery typing experience, marked by smooth and fluid keystrokes that allow for effortless typing without any interruptions or friction. Users often commend the seamless sensation that this switch offers, facilitating a typing rhythm that feels natural. Meanwhile, the Cream Yellow switch is recognized for its bouncy feel, giving users a distinct spring-like sensation that enhances the overall typing experience. The liveliness of each keypress contributes to an engaging and responsive touch, ideal for those who enjoy a more dynamic interaction with their keyboard. While both switches fall under the linear category, they present different tactile sensations that cater to varying preferences.
Overall, both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and KTT Cream Yellow switches have distinct qualities that will appeal to different users based on their sound and feel preferences. The CAP V2 excels with its deep, thocky sound and smooth keystrokes, while the Cream Yellow stands out for its clacky sound and bouncy feel. If you're leaning towards a smoother experience with a rich auditory feedback, the CAP V2 is your choice. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lively, energetic typing experience with a crisp sound, the Cream Yellow would serve you well. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch comes down to your personal preferences in both sound and feel, as well as the type of typing experience you desire. If you value a smooth, stable keystroke with a deeper, thocky sound, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams provides a tactile presence, making it great for those who appreciate a bit more resistance in their keystrokes, resulting in a more deliberate typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a quick, bouncy feedback and enjoy a more resonant, clacky sound, the KTT Cream Yellow is likely the better fit for you. With its 58-gram actuation force, this switch allows for quick typing and provides a lively, enthusiastic response that can make for a fun and engaging typing experience. Ultimately, your decision will depend on what you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard: the buttery smoothness and rich sound of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow or the bouncy feel and crisp feedback of the KTT Cream Yellow.
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