Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference often dictates the ideal choice, and two popular options from Gateron offer distinct experiences: the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Glory Red. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow is celebrated for its buttery and thocky feel, enhanced by its innovative CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stem, which ensures a smoother keystroke by minimizing resistance and reducing wobble. This makes it an excellent choice for those who value a refined typing experience with a bassy, low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red switches present a lighter alternative, known for providing a smooth keystroke with a satisfying travel distance, appealing to users who prefer a more straightforward and pleasurable typing sensation. While both switches are linear and promote a seamless typing experience, they cater to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your unique typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
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
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and Gateron Glory Red switches both feature nylon housing for their top and bottom components. This choice of material is significant as nylon is recognized for offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a typing experience characterized by a duller and rounder acoustic feedback. Therefore, with both switches utilizing nylon housing, users can expect a similar auditory experience—rich and muted sounds that contribute to a pleasant typing rhythm.
While the housing material for both the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Glory Red switches is the same, the implication of this similarity extends to the tactile and auditory experiences. The bottom housing of the switch is crucial for the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, whereas the top housing significantly influences the sound profile during key releases. Because both switches share this nylon material for both housings, it can be inferred that pressing down on either switch will yield comparable sensations, with a consistent sound quality observed throughout different keystrokes.
However, even with identical housing materials, users might notice differences between the two switches based on their design, actuation force, or other characteristics outside of the housing. While the nylon contributes to a similar sound profile, factors such as the spring or stem design may create distinct tactile feedback and responsiveness in each switch. This means that while the core sound quality will be similar due to the nylon housing, nuances in feel and performance might differ, highlighting the importance of considering all elements of a switch when assessing typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that provides a substantial feel during typing. In contrast, the Glory Red is lighter, with an actuation force of only 45 grams, though its bottom out force remains unspecified. This means that while users can expect a gentler push with the Glory Red, the lack of a defined bottom out force makes it difficult to gauge its overall feel compared to the CAP V2 Milky Yellow. For those who enjoy a lighter typing experience for long periods, the Glory Red would likely be more appealing. However, for individuals who prefer a stronger and more tactile push, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow would be the better choice due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, it's clear that they differ significantly. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option between the two, while the Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter. This difference means that users of the Glory Red may experience quicker responsiveness, which can be advantageous for gaming, whereas those who opt for the CAP V2 Milky Yellow may enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback with deeper key presses. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive experience, you might lean towards the Glory Red, while those seeking a fuller feeling when typing might gravitate towards the Milky Yellow.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is known for producing a distinctive sound profile characterized as thocky, bassy, and low-pitched. This means that when you engage these switches, you’ll experience a deep and rich auditory feedback that resembles a satisfying thud or knock. This sound is attributed to the switch's innovative design, which helps to create a deeper resonance upon key presses. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red switch does not have a defined sound profile mentioned, leaving its auditory characteristics less distinct when compared to the CAP V2 Milky Yellow. It is important to note, however, that the sound produced by both switches can vary depending on additional factors such as the choice of keyboard frame and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow excels with a description of being buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This smoothness is facilitated by the switch's aerodynamic design, which minimizes resistance and promotes a seamless typing motion. On the other hand, specific details about the feel of the Glory Red switches are not provided, which makes it challenging to compare their tactile sensations directly. Therefore, users seeking a particularly pleasurable typing experience might gravitate towards the CAP V2 Milky Yellow based on available information.
In summary, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and Gateron Glory Red switches promise unique experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow stands out with its thocky sound and buttery feel, making it appealing for those who prioritize auditory feedback and smooth keystrokes. In contrast, the Glory Red switches may offer a lighter touch, but without defined characteristics, their unique qualities remain uncertain. For users desiring a well-rounded experience with satisfying sound and tactile feedback, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow might be the more attractive option, while the Glory Red could still cater to those looking for a smooth linear switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Glory Red linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force. If you appreciate a medium-heavy keystroke and are looking for a switch that delivers notable stability and a rich sound profile, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is a fantastic choice. Its thocky, bassy sound, combined with a buttery smooth feel, makes it ideal for both intense typing sessions and satisfying keystrokes, perfect for users who enjoy the auditory feedback of deeper sounds. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a focus on a smooth keystroke experience, you might find the Glory Red more appealing, especially if you desire a tactile experience that allows for easier, more agile typing. Ultimately, consider the type of use case you'll have; the Milky Yellow is a great option for those who value a more substantial feel and sound, whereas the Glory Red presents a lighter, smoother alternative suited for longer typing tasks without the heaviness of the Milky Yellow. By weighing these characteristics, you can determine which switch aligns best with your typing habits and preferences.
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