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Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Huano Grape Orange

An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Huano Grape Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and Huano Grape Orange present two compelling options for users seeking a linear typing experience, yet each brings distinctive characteristics to the table. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow is celebrated for its innovative design that allows for remarkably smooth keystrokes and reduced wobble, thanks to its unique CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stem. Users might gravitate towards these switches for their buttery feel and bassy sound profile, making them suitable for both gaming and typing where stability is paramount. On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange shines with its ultra-low 40g actuation force, providing an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience that many will find appealing for extended typing sessions. While the Grape Orange lacks specific sound or feel categorizations, its focus on comfort makes it a strong contender for those prioritizing prolonged usage. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

50g

Actuation force

40g

Bottom-out force

65g

Bottom-out force

50g

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

Partial box

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

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

22mm single-stage spring

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Huano Grape Orange, it becomes evident that they differ significantly in terms of their top housings. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The characteristics of nylon contribute to a warmer auditory experience by absorbing sound effectively, producing a more subdued sound when typing. In contrast, the Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for its stiffer composition that leads to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This contrast highlights how the choice of material directly influences the overall acoustic experience of the switches while offering distinct auditory feedback to users.

On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. This consistency in material means that both the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Grape Orange will produce a similar auditory quality during bottoming out, characterized by that fuller and deeper sound profile attributed to nylon. This feature ensures that when pressed down, users will enjoy a comparable experience in terms of feel and sound, as the bottom housing significantly impacts the auditory feedback at the moment of actuation. Thus, despite their differences in top housings, the two switches retain a consistent performance quality due to their nylon bottom housings.

Ultimately, the combination of differing top materials and a shared bottom housing results in a unique sound experience for each switch. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow, with its nylon top, offers a rounder sound during the release, ideal for those seeking a more subdued typing experience. In contrast, the Grape Orange's polycarbonate top accents sharper audio characteristics upon key release, catering to users who prefer a more pronounced sound. Collectively, these variations and consistencies illustrate how the composition of switch housings can lead to tailored tactile and auditory experiences, allowing users to select based on their personal preferences for both sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Grape Orange is significantly lighter, featuring an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference means that the Grape Orange is more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less force to trigger keystrokes. Conversely, the CAP V2, with its heavier resistance, provides a more substantial feel, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer push when typing. Thus, while the Grape Orange is lighter and easier to actuate, the CAP V2 offers a more robust typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Grape Orange features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Milky Yellow offers a more substantial keypress depth, making it potentially more appealing for users who enjoy a more robust feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Grape Orange caters to those who prefer quicker response times, which can be advantageous for gaming. Overall, if you prioritize a hearty depth in your key presses, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow would be the better choice, whereas the Huano Grape Orange may suit those looking for a snappier, more responsive experience.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.

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 linear switch produces a sound profile that is notably bassy. This deeper, richer audio during key presses contributes to a more immersive typing experience, offering an appealing resonance that many users enjoy. The bassiness of the switch not only adds character to each keystroke but also gives a sense of depth that can enhance the overall auditory experience of typing. However, it's important to note that sound can also be influenced by the keyboard's build quality, the materials used for the keycaps, and even the specific board layout.

When it comes to the feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is renowned for its buttery smoothness. This quality translates to a seamless and fluid keystroke experience, allowing for effortless typing that many find enjoyable during long sessions. The innovative design, featuring an aerodynamically crafted stem, contributes to this pleasant typing sensation by minimizing resistance and wobble. On the other hand, the Grape Orange switch is known for its exceptionally light actuation force of 40g, which makes it incredibly easy to press. While the specific tactile characteristics of the Grape Orange are less defined in the data, the light actuation likely contributes to a different but equally comfortable typing experience.

In conclusion, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and Huano Grape Orange switches showcase distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The CAP V2 offers a bassy sound and buttery smoothness, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize rich audio and a seamless typing experience. The Grape Orange, in contrast, focuses on the ease of actuation with a notably lighter force. While these switches present unique characteristics, both can deliver satisfying performance, and personal preference will ultimately dictate which switch is the better fit for an individual user.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Huano Grape Orange linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you find yourself favoring a more substantial typing experience that combines both weight and smoothness, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is an excellent option. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, coupled with its buttery feel and bassy sound profile, makes it ideal for those who appreciate a tactile feedback along with enhanced stability. This switch is particularly well-suited for users who type extensively and prefer a switch that promotes both control and comfort. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter and more effortless keystroke experience, the Huano Grape Orange is definitely worth considering. With a bottom out force of just 50 grams, it offers a delightful typing experience, especially for lengthy sessions where fatigue might become a concern. The Grape Orange’s light feel allows for rapid typing with minimal effort, making it appealing to those who prioritize speed and ease. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and the specific sensations you value in your keyboard experience.

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