Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. KTT Darling
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Darling switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Darling mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes, enhanced stability, and reduced wobble thanks to its innovative CAP structure. On the other hand, the KTT Darling stands out with its chewy and substantial typing sensation, along with a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched sound upon bottoming out. While the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is described as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Bassy', 'Low-pitched', the KTT Darling is characterized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Resonant'. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Darling, the key difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Milky Yellow features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties. In contrast, the Darling utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is clearer and more resonant. The polycarbonate material also allows for RGB lighting to be more effectively displayed, adding an aesthetic element to the switch.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Milky Yellow and the Darling use nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Therefore, in terms of the bottom housing, both switches offer a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound. It is in the top housing material where the main differences in sound profile and aesthetics can be seen between these two switches.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Darling comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic design. If you prefer a deeper and fuller sound with a softer touch, the Milky Yellow with its nylon top and bottom housing may be more suitable. Conversely, if you are looking for a sharper, higher-pitched sound with clearer resonance and the option for RGB lighting, the polycarbonate top housing of the Darling may be the better choice. Both switches offer quality typing experiences, but with distinct differences in sound and visual appeal.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, it is evident that the Darling switch is lighter in both aspects. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Darling's 45 grams, making it require more force to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Darling's 53 grams, indicating that it requires more force to press all the way down. These differences suggest that the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier touch, while the KTT Darling switch offers a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and desired actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, it is evident that the Darling has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the Milky Yellow. This means that the Darling offers a quicker keypress experience with less travel required to actuate the switch. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow provides a slightly deeper keypress feel due to its longer travel distance. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Darling being ideal for those seeking a faster response time, while the Milky Yellow is preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is known for its thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deep and satisfying auditory experience with each key press. On the other hand, the KTT Darling switch provides a more clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound, delivering a sharp and crisp audio feedback that adds to the typing sensation. Depending on personal preference, one may prefer the deep thocky sound of the Gateron switch or the sharp clacky sound of the KTT switch.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. On the other hand, the KTT Darling switch provides a bouncy sensation, giving a spring-like feedback and a lively feel to each key press. Depending on individual typing preferences, one may prefer the buttery smoothness of the Gateron switch or the bouncy responsiveness of the KTT switch.
Overall, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch excels in providing a smooth and stable typing experience with a thocky and bassy sound profile, while the KTT Darling switch offers a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a clacky and high-pitched sound. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Regardless of the choice, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth keystroke, you may want to consider the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow. The CAP structure of these switches ensures a remarkably smooth typing experience with reduced wobble and enhanced stability. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a satisfyingly bouncy typing sensation, the KTT Darling may be the better choice for you. The Darling delivers a pronounced bounciness and a springy responsiveness to each keystroke, along with a resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out. Ultimately, your decision may come down to your preference for a smoother, thocky typing experience with the CAP V2 Milky Yellow or a bouncy, clacky feel with the KTT Darling. Consider your desired typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force when choosing between these two switches.
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