Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. TTC Flame Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the TTC Flame Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the TTC Flame Red both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow is praised for its smooth keystrokes, aerodynamically designed stems with tiny holes for minimal resistance, and enhanced stability with reduced wobble. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red stands out with its dazzling light diffuser, making it ideal for those with backlit RGB keyboards. While the Milky Yellow is described as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Bassy', and 'Low-pitched', the Flame Red is characterized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Ultimately, when choosing between these switches, it is important to delve deeper beyond these generalities to find the best switch that suits your specific preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the TTC Flame Red both utilize nylon as their housing material for both the top and bottom housings of the switches. This means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. The softer nature of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This quality of nylon makes both switches suitable for those who prefer a quieter and more subtle typing experience.
While both switches share the same nylon housing material, they may still offer slightly different typing experiences due to other factors such as stem design and spring weight. The qualities of the bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key. This means that the overall typing experience may vary slightly between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the TTC Flame Red, despite their shared housing material. However, those who enjoy the benefits of nylon housing can expect a consistent performance from both switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the TTC Flame Red switches both offer a similar typing experience due to their shared nylon housing material. The softer nature of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound during typing. While other factors such as stem design and spring weight may influence the overall typing experience, users can expect a consistent performance in terms of sound profile and feel from both switches. Whether choosing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow or the TTC Flame Red, enthusiasts of nylon housing can enjoy a quiet and subtle typing experience with either switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, it is evident that the Flame Red is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. In contrast, the Milky Yellow switch is heavier, with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who appreciate a stronger push feel. While both switches offer a smooth linear feel, the difference in weight may cater to different preferences in typing or gaming style. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent and satisfying tactile feedback with their 4mm travel distance. Whether you choose the CAP V2 Milky Yellow or the Flame Red, you can expect similar results in terms of key travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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, providing a deep and rich auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red switch offers a neutral sound, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a balanced sound profile suitable for various typing preferences. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
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. In comparison, the TTC Flame Red switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle feel that is refined and smooth due to potential factory lubrication. These qualities make the Flame Red switch approachable to most users, as it falls within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of tactile feedback.
Overall, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and TTC Flame Red switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CAP Milky Yellows are known for their innovative structure that promotes smooth keystrokes and enhanced stability, while the Flame Reds stand out for their light diffuser design and weighty smoothness during typing. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the CAP V2 Milky Yellow offering a deeper and richer sound profile compared to the neutral sound of the TTC Flame Red. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch or the TTC Flame Red linear switch, it's important to take into account your preferences and typing style. If you value a smooth keystroke with minimal resistance and enhanced stability, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow might be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a visually striking switch with a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, the Flame Red could be the perfect choice, especially if you have a backlit, RGB keyboard. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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