Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Invyr Holy Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch stand out as unique options for different preferences. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow is admired for its smooth keystrokes and enhanced stability, offering a 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Bassy', 'Low-pitched' typing experience. On the other hand, the Holy Panda is celebrated for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack" sound, appealing to those who enjoy a more 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', 'Snappy' feel. Both switches have their own merits, enticing different types of users with their distinct characteristics. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Overall, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Invyr Holy Panda both use nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows for sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. However, the top housings differ significantly between the two switches. While the Milky Yellow features a nylon top housing, which also contributes to the deeper sound profile, the Holy Panda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The polycarbonate top housing is particularly beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Invyr Holy Panda deliver a satisfying typing experience thanks to their nylon bottom housings. The characteristics of nylon, such as its softness and sound absorption capabilities, contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. Whether it's the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel from the bottom housing or the sound when releasing a key influenced by the top housing, each material plays a crucial role in shaping the user's experience with the switch. In this aspect, both switches offer similar results in terms of sound and feel, despite the variance in their top housing materials.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Invyr Holy Panda play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and tactile feedback of the switches. While the Milky Yellow boasts a nylon top housing for a deeper sound profile, the Holy Panda features a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches share a common ground with their nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a fuller sound profile and overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, with each offering a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Milky Yellow requiring 65 grams and the Holy Panda requiring 67 grams. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly different typing experience, with the Milky Yellow providing a lighter touch for extended use while the Holy Panda may offer a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing comfort and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two, both switches provide a consistent key press feel and performance due to their similar travel distances. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience with both switches in terms of key travel. With a travel distance of 4 mm, both the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Holy Panda offer a moderate key press depth that is comfortable for most users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Invyr Holy Panda has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holy Panda for $7.17.
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 is best known for its smooth and stable typing experience, providing a thocky and bassy sound profile with low-pitched tones. Users can expect a buttery feel, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is revered for its sharp tactility, delivering a satisfyingly bright "clack" sound with each keystroke. The Holy Panda offers an invigorating and snappy feel, characterized by a sharp and crisp tactile bump that provides pronounced feedback.
Overall, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Holy Panda switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. Those looking for a smoother and low-pitched sound with a buttery feel may prefer the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow, while users seeking a sharp tactile feedback and a more invigorating typing experience may lean towards the Invyr Holy Panda switch. Both switches excel in their respective sound and feel characteristics, providing users with a range of options to suit their typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preferences in sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you are looking for a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a sharp, invigorating, and snappy tactile feedback with a pronounced clack sound, the Holy Panda could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what kind of typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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