Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Durock Dolphin are two options worth considering. The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow is praised for its remarkably smooth keystrokes thanks to its innovative CAP structure, aerodynamically designed stems, and enhanced stability provided by enlarged stem posts. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Bassy', 'Low-pitched', this switch offers a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin stands out for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for quieter environments. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it strikes a balance between precision and a satisfying press. Categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Low-pitched', the Dolphin switch offers a different typing feel compared to the Milky Yellow. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Durock Dolphin switches have top housings made of different materials, with the CAP V2 Milky Yellow featuring a nylon top housing and the Dolphin featuring a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow produces a deep and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Dolphin creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its relatively stiffer plastic makeup. Visually, the polycarbonate top housing of the Dolphin is translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, while the nylon top housing of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow lacks this feature.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Durock Dolphin switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This results in a similar deep and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon is known for its sound-absorbing properties and softer plastic composition. The qualities of the bottom housing material have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches when pressed, providing a consistent sound experience across both switches.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Durock Dolphin switches differ in their top housing material, they share the same nylon bottom housing composition. This results in a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel when pressing the switches. The differences in sound profile between the switches mainly come from the contrasting top housing materials, with the CAP V2 Milky Yellow offering a duller and rounder sound from its nylon top housing, while the Dolphin provides a clearer and resonant sound from its polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, there are some notable differences. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Dolphin, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Dolphin has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the 65 grams of the Milky Yellow. Both switches provide a medium typing experience, with the Milky Yellow leaning towards a heavier feel due to its higher bottom out force. The weight of a switch is crucial as it can affect typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter touch might opt for the Dolphin for extended typing sessions, while others seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Milky Yellow. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing feel and users can choose based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which provides a traditional feeling when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for quicker response times. While the difference in travel distance may seem minimal, it can significantly impact the overall feel and performance of a keyboard. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prefer a slightly longer travel distance for a more substantial keypress or a shorter travel distance for faster reactions.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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 linear switch is often described as thocky, bassy, and low-pitched, offering a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is known for producing a muted and low-pitched sound, ideal for environments where noise levels need to be minimized. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, with the CAP V2 Milky Yellow providing a more pronounced and deep sound profile compared to the softer and quieter sound of the Dolphin.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch is often referred to as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that ensures a seamless and effortless typing sensation. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined finish that results in sleek key travel and reduced friction. Both switches offer a premium typing experience, with the CAP V2 Milky Yellow emphasizing smoothness and uniformity, while the Dolphin focuses on a polished and refined feel.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow excels in providing a thocky and bassy sound profile with a buttery typing feel, ideal for those who prefer a deep and smooth keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin offers a muted sound with a polished typing feel, making it a suitable choice for environments where noise reduction and refined key travel are priorities. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch or the Durock Dolphin linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a smoother keystroke action, enhanced stability, and a medium-heavy actuation force, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a silent operation, a medium actuation force, and a polished typing experience, the Durock Dolphin could be the better option. Consider the sound and feel characteristics described for each switch to determine which aligns best with your typing style and environment. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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