Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. HMX Gravel
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the HMX Gravel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience. Two popular options among enthusiasts are the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the HMX Gravel, both linear switches, yet each offers distinct characteristics tailored to different preferences. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is renowned for its innovative CAP structure, which ensures exceptionally smooth keystrokes, along with a design that minimizes resistance and wobble, leading to a buttery and thocky typing feel. In contrast, the HMX Gravel switch presents itself as a medium-light option that leans towards a lighter actuation force, promoting a responsive and effortless typing experience, while also providing a uniquely refined smoothness. While both switches cater to those seeking linear performance, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow might appeal to users who prioritize stability and auditory satisfaction, whereas the HMX Gravel may attract those who favor a more delicate touch with a focus on responsiveness. 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
45g
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
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and HMX Gravel switches exhibit distinct auditory properties due to their differing top housing materials, which ultimately shape the user experience. The CAP V2 features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, largely because of nylon's softer texture that absorbs sound effectively. This results in a somewhat muted and rounder auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the HMX Gravel employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is inherently stiffer and therefore provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This distinct characteristic not only affects how the switches sound when pressed but also enhances the glass-like clarity that enthusiasts may seek, especially in setups with RGB lighting due to polycarbonate’s translucent nature.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, contributing similarly to the tactile experience and bottom-out sound. As described, nylon is a classic housing material that absorbs sound well, resulting in a more rounded and pleasing auditory footprint during typing. Since both the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and HMX Gravel share this material for their bottom housing, users can expect a consistent depth of sound regardless of the differences in their top housings. Thus, while the CAP V2’s nylon top leans towards a muted profile, the shared nylon in the bottom allows for a harmonious blending, ensuring that the deeper sound characteristics prevail when the key is pressed down.
The divergence in top housing materials ultimately means that users’ perception of these switches will be influenced heavily by the tactile and auditory outcomes during the typing experience. For users who appreciate full-bodied sound profiles, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow’s nylon top housing may be more appealing, while those seeking a sharper auditory response will gravitate towards the HMX Gravel’s polycarbonate top. However, since both switches employ nylon for their bottoms, they will converge at a similar sound depth and feel under pressure, making them suitable alternatives for users who may enjoy either nuanced experience while retaining that shared warmth and softness typical of nylon in the bottom housing.
Weight
Comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch reveals distinct differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, positioning it as a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the HMX Gravel features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means the Gravel requires less force to engage and bottom out, making it a better choice for those who prefer a lighter touch, which can be advantageous for extended typing sessions or intensive gaming. Conversely, the heavier actuation and bottom out force of the CAP V2 gives a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who favor a firmer push feel. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter option, the HMX Gravel is the way to go, while the CAP V2 suits those who appreciate a greater resistance when typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, there is a clear distinction: the CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Gravel measures 3.5 mm. This difference implies that the CAP V2, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial keystroke feel, which some users prefer for a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the Gravel's shorter 3.5 mm travel distance is likely to favor gamers or those seeking quicker response times. The shorter travel may feel more abrupt, which could be undesirable for users who enjoy the depth of a longer travel distance. Thus, if you're looking for responsiveness, the Gravel would be the better choice, while the CAP V2 would cater to those who appreciate deeper keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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 characterized as thocky, bassy, and low-pitched, creating a deep, rich auditory experience that evokes a satisfying "thud" upon actuation. This acoustic profile contributes not only to the overall enjoyment of typing but also enhances the tactile engagement with each keystroke. It's worth noting that the sound a switch produces can further be influenced by external factors, such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, which means that while the sound signature is prominent, individual setups may yield varying results. In contrast, the HMX Gravel linear switch's sound profile remains unknown, leaving an aspect of the auditory experience uncharted for comparison.
When it comes to feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is lauded for its buttery smoothness, providing an effortless and fluid keystroke experience. The innovative design features, including the aerodynamically engineered stem, contribute to a seamless typing sensation that many users find pleasurable and satisfying. In comparison, the HMX Gravel switch is noted for its exceptional smoothness and a medium-light actuation force that facilitates a responsive and easy typing experience, so while both switches aim for a refined tactile quality, their specific characteristics differ, catering to slightly varied preferences among typists.
In summary, both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the HMX Gravel switch are tailored for smooth and pleasurable typing experiences, albeit with differing acoustic and tactile signatures. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow boasts a rich, thocky sound profile alongside a buttery feel that enhances user satisfaction, while the Gravel's sound characteristics remain to be explored. Nevertheless, both switches aim to provide a compelling experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, making them worthy contenders for anyone venturing into the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the HMX Gravel linear switches, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a medium-heavy feel and a more substantial typing experience, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is an excellent choice. Its heavier actuation force of 65 grams, combined with the innovative structural design that minimizes wobble and resistance, is ideal for those who appreciate a tactile feedback that rewards deliberate keystrokes, offering a thocky, bassy sound profile. This makes them particularly satisfying for both typing and gaming, where precision is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, the HMX Gravel switch with its 50-gram actuation force allows for a swift and effortless typing experience. Its exceptional smoothness without the added weight makes it a fantastic option for long typing sessions or for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you lean towards a more pronounced, stable feedback with a deeper sound or a light, airy feel that allows for quick and smooth typing.
Mentioned in this article
