Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. HMX Deep Navy

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the HMX Deep Navy present two compelling options for enthusiasts and casual users alike, each with its distinctive traits. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow, recognized for its innovative CAP structure, offers an incredibly smooth typing experience thanks to its aerodynamically designed stem and hollowed-out post, which minimizes wobble and maximizes stability—perfect for those seeking buttery, thocky, and bassy feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy switches deliver a rich, sharp sound profile, crafted from full nylon, and are celebrated for their silky smooth keystrokes courtesy of the Ly stem, appealing to users who prioritize auditory satisfaction and tactile feedback in their typing experience. Each switch caters to different preferences: the CAP V2 Milky Yellow for a softer and more stable feel, and the Deep Navy for a pronounced and vibrant auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your style.

By the numbers

Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow Linear

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the HMX Deep Navy switches feature nylon as their primary housing material for both the top and bottom components. This commonality leads to a notable similarity in user experience, particularly in terms of sound profile. Both switches are designed to produce a deeper and fuller sound, primarily due to nylon's softer properties, which allow for sound absorption that results in a duller, rounder auditory feedback during typing. Users can therefore expect consistency in auditory satisfaction when using either switch, as the nylon material inherently moderates harsh tones and delivers a warm sound profile.

While the housing materials are the same between the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the HMX Deep Navy, it is essential to consider how these components might interact differently based on additional factors, such as spring tension or stem design. Although both switches utilize nylon for their housings, the overall feel and experience can still be influenced by the nuances of their respective internal mechanisms. Users may notice variations in feedback and resistance when bottoming out or releasing a key, which can contribute to distinct typing dynamics. This illustrates that even with identical housing materials, the switch's experience can still be individually tailored based on design considerations beyond just the housing.

Thus, while the nylon top and bottom housings of both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and HMX Deep Navy aim to provide comparable auditory results, enthusiasts should pay attention to the broader context of switch design. The interplay between housing materials and other elements, such as the springs and stems, will ultimately shape the typing experience. Therefore, while both switches will excel in delivering a deep sound profile grounded in the properties of nylon, they may still offer unique tactile experiences due to their specific configurations, allowing users to find a preference tailored to their typing style.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge, catering to diverse user preferences. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Deep Navy stands out for its lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Gateron switch provides a firmer typing experience, which benefits users who enjoy a stronger tactile push, while the HMX switch is designed for those who prefer a lighter feel, allowing for prolonged typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. In summary, users looking for a more substantial feedback should gravitate toward the CAP V2, whereas the Deep Navy is likely to appeal to those seeking a softer touch and ease of use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, we see a clear distinction: the CAP V2 Milky Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Deep Navy has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is better suited for users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience, as the longer travel distance can provide a satisfying feel when pressing down on the keys. Conversely, the Deep Navy's shorter travel distance is ideal for those seeking quicker response times, making it particularly appealing to gamers who value rapid actuation over depth. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance—whether you favor the deeper, more deliberate feel of the CAP V2 or the snappier response of the Deep Navy.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switches present a thocky, bassy, and low-pitched acoustic profile that delivers rich and satisfying keystrokes. This sound quality resembles the deep "thud" of a quality mechanical switch, creating an immersive auditory experience while typing. It’s important to note, however, that the overall sound can be influenced by the keyboard's design and the choice of keycaps, potentially leading to a personalized auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy switches’ sound profile is still unknown, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons.

Regarding the tactile feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches shine with their buttery smoothness, offering seamless and fluid keystrokes that enhance the overall typing experience. The innovative CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stems contribute to this effortless typing sensation, making each keypress feel remarkably uniform and satisfying. On the other hand, the tactile characteristics of the Deep Navy switches have not been provided, leaving an important gap in comparing how they feel during use.

In summary, while the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches impress with their thocky sound and buttery feel, the HMX Deep Navy linear switches remain an enigma in both aspects. Until further information is available regarding the sound and feel of the Deep Navy switches, it’s clear that those who choose the CAP V2 Milky Yellow will experience a smooth and rich auditory and tactile typing sensation. For a newcomer, these qualities represent a substantial part of choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, but exploring the Deep Navy could reveal additional pleasant experiences that complement or contrast with the CAP V2 Milky Yellow's strengths.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force. If you favor a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams and enjoy a thocky, bassy sound profile with a buttery feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow will likely satisfy your typing needs, especially if you appreciate stability and smoothness in each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a 45-gram actuation force and are attracted to the idea of a rich-sounding switch, the Deep Navy may be your ideal choice, offering an excellent typing experience without the fatigue that can come from heavier switches. In the end, consider how you prioritize these characteristics in your daily typing or gaming activities to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more