Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 White
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow is a linear switch that is praised for its smooth keystrokes and innovative CAP structure, which minimizes resistance for a smoother typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White is also a linear switch known for its light actuation force and budget-friendly price, making it ideal for delicate typists. While the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is characterized by a 'buttery' and 'bassy' feel, the G Pro 3.0 White is described as 'clacky' and 'creamy', offering a different typing 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
38g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
Overall, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White share a similarity in their use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This means that typing on these switches will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound that is consistent across both switches. However, the G Pro 3.0 White stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the CAP V2 Milky Yellow. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing allows for the integration of RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the switch.
On the other hand, the differences between the two switches lie in the material used for the top housings. While the CAP V2 Milky Yellow features a nylon top housing, the G Pro 3.0 White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. This variation leads to distinct sound profiles when typing on the switches. The nylon top housing of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow results in a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 White produces a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing makes it ideal for RGB lighting integration, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the G Pro 3.0 White switch.
In terms of performance, the choice between the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the G Pro 3.0 White ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both switches offer a unique typing experience due to their housing materials, with the CAP V2 Milky Yellow providing a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its nylon top and bottom housings. Meanwhile, the G Pro 3.0 White offers a sharper and crisper sound profile from its polycarbonate top housing, which also allows for RGB lighting customization. Whether you prefer the softer and rounder sound of nylon or the clear and resonant sound of polycarbonate, both switches deliver quality performance with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, it is evident that the Milky Yellow switch is heavier while the White switch is lighter. The Milky Yellow switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the White switch has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option. The actuation force is crucial for triggering keystrokes, with a heavier force potentially providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, some may prefer a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions. Bottom out force also plays a role in the typing experience, with heavier forces potentially leading to faster fatigue. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. The similar travel distances of these switches ensure that users will get a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the keys travel when pressed. Overall, the travel distances of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White are the same, providing similar results in terms of key feel and actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 White for $3.27.
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 described as thocky, bassy, and low-pitched, providing a deep and rich sound profile with minimal resistance for a smoother action. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch is characterized as clacky, neutral, and subdued, offering a sharp and snappy sound while still being suitable for a variety of typing environments. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps used, so it is essential to consider these factors when selecting a switch based on sound preference.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid typing experience with enhanced stability and reduced wobble. Conversely, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch is described as creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle, offering a range of qualities from smooth and buttery to exceptionally light to press. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, with the G Pro 3.0 White switch offering different levels of resistance to cater to varying typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch each provide unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. While the Milky Yellow switch offers a thocky and bassy sound with a buttery typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 White switch delivers a clacky sound with creamy and easy-to-press characteristics. Whether you prefer a deeper, richer sound or a sharper, snappier sound, both switches offer a premium typing experience with distinct nuances. It is essential to consider your sound and feel preferences, as well as the overall typing environment, when selecting between these two Gateron switches to ensure a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when selecting between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and are looking for a smooth and stable typing experience with a thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound profile, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams and seek an incredibly light actuation force with a clacky, neutral, or subdued sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 White may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your typing preferences in terms of force, sound, and feel, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and experience desired.
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