Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Huano Elf
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Huano Elf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the switch you select can dramatically influence your typing experience, and two noteworthy options to consider are the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Huano Elf switches, both of which belong to the linear switch category. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow stands out due to its innovative CAP structure, which ensures smooth keystrokes and minimizes resistance with its aerodynamically designed stems featuring tiny holes. This switch is recognized for its buttery feel, thocky acoustics, and a low-pitched bass sound, making it a fantastic choice for users who prioritize smoothness and a refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Elf switches are designed with a POK top housing that enhances acoustics, delivering a deep sound signature paired with a medium-light feel. This switch is ideal for enthusiasts who seek a satisfying, acoustically rich typing experience without the heaviness of some other switches. While both options cater to different preferences, each has unique features that cater to specific desires, whether it be tranquility and smoothness or an engaging auditory experience. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
When analyzing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Huano Elf, significant distinctions emerge, particularly in their top housings. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow employs nylon as its top housing material, known for its softer plastic qualities that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This absorption of sound creates a rounder and less harsh auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Huano Elf features a top housing made from POK (polyketone), which is recognized for its smoothness and durability. While the POK material offers a slightly higher coefficient of friction compared to nylon, it compensates with exceptional strength and wear resistance, resulting in a sound profile that can be described as smooth and clacky. Thus, despite both switches using nylon for their bottom housings, their top housings create different tactile experiences and auditory outputs.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, are made from nylon, allowing for a comparative depth in sound across both models. This shared material promotes a consistent acoustic quality, where both switches produce a similarly dull and rounded sound due to nylon's inherent ability to absorb noise. This alignment in the bottom housing leads to a comparable bottom-out sound and feel when typing, regardless of the varying top materials. Consequently, if users prioritize the auditory experience of the bottom housing, they may find that both models deliver a satisfying performance due to the consistent sound attributes of the nylon used.
Ultimately, while the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and Huano Elf present different top housing materials that influence the typing experience's nuanced qualities, their shared nylon bottom housing offers a degree of similarity in sound and feel. With the top housing differences introducing unique facets to each switch—like the mellower tone of the CAP V2 and the sharper attack of the Elf—users can expect that both models maintain rich depth and auditory cohesion thanks to the nylon used in the bases. Therefore, the overall experience will showcase a blend of distinct and overlapping traits, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for sound and feel dynamics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, notable differences in actuation force emerge. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom-out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Huano Elf has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it more suitable for users who favor a less strenuous typing experience, perfect for long periods of use. However, the bottom-out force for the Elf is not specified, which leaves a gap in the comparison for that metric. Despite this ambiguity, it's evident that the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow will provide a heavier feel overall, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, if a user prioritizes a lighter switch, the Elf would be the better choice, while those seeking more resistance might opt for the CAP V2.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, they differ significantly, with the CAP V2 Milky Yellow featuring a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Elf has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow provides a more traditional travel experience, which some users may prefer for its depth and tactile feedback, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced key press. In contrast, the Huano Elf, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, although some may find it too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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 linear switch is known for its impressive acoustic characteristics, delivering a thocky, bassy, and low-pitched tone that provides a deep and satisfying auditory feedback upon key press. The richness of the sound adds to the tactile experience, giving a sense of solid engagement with each keystroke. In contrast, information about the sound profile of the Huano Elf linear switch remains unspecified, which leaves a gap in direct sound comparison. However, it’s important to remember that the overall sound produced can be influenced by various external factors such as the keyboard frame and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow boasts a buttery smoothness, providing a fluid and effortless typing experience that can enhance productivity and comfort during long typing sessions. The innovative CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design contribute to this seamless action, minimizing resistance and wobble. The feel of the Huano Elf switch is not detailed, creating an unknown factor in this comparison. Yet, the general feel of a linear switch typically shares certain characteristics, so if the Elf switch adheres to those linear design principles, users may experience a comparable typing sensation.
In conclusion, while the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch excels in both sound and feel, providing a deep, rich sound and a buttery smooth typing experience, the Huano Elf linear switch presents some unknown qualities in these areas. If the Elf aligns with linear switch standards, users can generally expect similar typing performance in terms of smoothness. Ultimately, individual preferences will play a crucial role in determining which switch will provide the best overall experience for a newcomer to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences regarding feel, sound, and typing experience. If you favor a medium-heavy resistance and enjoy a smooth and buttery keystroke, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is an excellent choice. Its unique design minimizes wobble and enhances stability, coupled with a thocky and bassy sound profile that provides a satisfying feedback with every press. This makes it a great option for both typing and gaming, especially if you appreciate a deeper acoustic signature and a sturdy keystroke feel. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that emphasizes acoustics with a lighter typing experience, you might find the Huano Elf appealing. Although specific details about its resistance are unavailable, its POK top housing is designed to deliver a unique sound profile that may suit those who prioritize audio feedback in their typing experience. Ultimately, aligning your choice with your typing style—whether you enjoy the heft and depth of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow or the potential acoustic benefits of the Elf—will help you create a satisfying keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
