Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the TTC Gold Brown stand out as popular choices with their own unique characteristics. The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow is a linear switch renowned for its smooth keystrokes and innovative CAP structure, resulting in minimal resistance and a refined typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown is a tactile switch known for its balanced feel, slight bump, and rounded sound profile. While the Milky Yellow offers a buttery and low-pitched typing experience, the Gold Brown provides a neutral and mild feel with a satisfying weightiness. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference and typing style. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the TTC Gold Brown, one prominent difference is in their top housing materials. The Milky Yellow uses nylon, which creates a duller and rounder sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound. In contrast, the Gold Brown's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. This contrast may result in a preference for a deeper sound profile with the Milky Yellow or a clearer sound profile with the Gold Brown, depending on individual preferences.
On the other hand, the similarity in the bottom housing material of both switches being nylon contributes to a consistent experience in terms of sound profile between the two. The deeper and fuller sound elicited by typing on nylon switches remains consistent in both the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gold Brown. This similarity in housing material may result in a comparable typing experience, with the bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel being consistent across both switches. Therefore, users looking for a deeper and fuller sound profile may find satisfaction in either switch due to their shared nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the TTC Gold Brown may come down to individual preferences in sound profile. Those who prefer a duller and rounder sound may lean towards the Milky Yellow with its nylon top housing, while those seeking a sharper and crisper sound may find the Gold Brown with its polycarbonate top housing more to their liking. However, the shared nylon bottom housing provides a commonality in sound profile between the two switches, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of the deeper and fuller sound elicited by the nylon material. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may boil down to personal sound preferences and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, we can see that the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is lighter with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Gold Brown is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow offers a medium-heavy typing experience, perfect for those looking for a bit more resistance, while the Gold Brown provides a medium typing feel, suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. Both switches offer a smooth keystroke, but the slight difference in weight may cater to different preferences. Ultimately, if the actuation and bottom out forces are close in range, users can expect similar results in typing feel and experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that you will get a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressing down on a key. Despite both switches having the same travel distance, the tactile bump found in the Gold Brown switch may provide a different feel compared to the smooth linear action of the Milky Yellow switch. Ultimately, while the travel distance is the same for both switches, the tactile feedback of the Gold Brown switch may offer a different typing experience for those who prefer a more pronounced bump during key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 offers a thocky and bassy sound profile with a low-pitched tone that provides a deep and rich auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch presents a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various typing environments. While the Milky Yellow switch delivers a more bass-heavy and mellow sound, the Gold Brown switch maintains a balanced and softer sound profile that is generally quieter than other switches.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is described as offering a buttery typing experience with a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation that ensures a seamless and uniform feel. On the contrary, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch provides a mild and approachable typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone, making it suitable for a wide range of users. Additionally, the Gold Brown switch is noted for its accented tactile feel, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle, as well as a polished finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Milky Yellow switch excels in providing a deep and rich sound with a buttery keystroke feel, the Gold Brown switch stands out for its balanced and softer sound profile, along with a mild and approachable tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch or the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smoother and stable typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a balanced switch with a slight bump and moderate weightiness, the TTC Gold Brown could be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound profile, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is the way to go, whereas if you prefer a neutral sound profile, the Gold Brown may be more appealing. When it comes to feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is described as buttery, while the Gold Brown is described as mild, buttery, accented, and polished. Ultimately, your decision should be based on which characteristics align best with your typing preferences and needs.
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