Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The CAP Milky Yellows from Gateron are praised for their smooth keystrokes thanks to the innovative CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stems. On the other hand, the Akko Cream Yellow Pro V3 switches are budget-friendly and provide a satisfying combination of poppy, clacky sound and smoothness right out of the box. While the Gateron switch is known for its stability and refined typing feel, the Akko switch offers a vibrant auditory experience and creamy tactile feel. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, the main difference lies in the top housing material. The Milky Yellow features a nylon top housing, which provides a softer and more absorbent surface, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate material allows for better RGB lighting effects due to its translucency, while the nylon top housing of the Milky Yellow offers a more classic and understated look.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, both switches use nylon, resulting in a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound than harder plastics, contributing to a duller and rounder sound when typing on either switch. Despite having different top housings, the use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent feel and sound profile for both the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the V3 Cream Yellow Pro.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro will ultimately come down to individual preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. While the Milky Yellow offers a softer and more subdued typing experience with its nylon top and bottom housing, the Cream Yellow Pro provides a crisper and more resonant sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, ensuring a consistent feel regardless of the differences in top housing material. Ultimately, it is up to the user to decide which sound profile and look they prefer in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow requires 65 grams, making it heavier than the 60 grams required by the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. This means that the CAP V2 Milky Yellow will provide a more substantial typing experience, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro will offer a lighter touch, ideal for longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches offer a medium actuation force, catering to different preferences for typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to whether a lighter or heavier touch is preferred by the user.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow. The shorter travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow may appeal to those who prefer a deeper feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Yellow Pro for $2.00.
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 switches are known for producing a thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound, which results in a deep and rich auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches have no specific sound descriptors provided, so it's safe to assume they may not offer the same thocky and bassy sound profile as the Milky Yellow switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches are often described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid typing experience with seamless and effortless key presses. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches are known for being easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished. This means they offer a light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue during typing sessions and providing a comfortable and smooth typing feel. While both switches offer a smooth typing experience, the Cream Yellow Pro switches may provide a lighter and more responsive feel compared to the Milky Yellow switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switches excel in producing a thocky and bassy sound with a buttery typing feel, ideal for those who prefer a deep and rich auditory experience with smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switches offer a combination of easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished characteristics, catering to those who enjoy a light and responsive typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches, consider the following factors. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a smooth keystroke experience with reduced wobble, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers a satisfying auditory experience with a creamy tactile feel and a lower bottom out force, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and budget constraints.
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