Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Durock Ice King Linear mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow is praised for its innovative CAP structure, ensuring smooth keystrokes and minimal resistance for a buttery and thocky typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear boasts a silky smooth typing experience with full nylon construction and generous factory lube, resulting in a frictionless and creamy feel. While the CAP V2 Milky Yellow leans towards a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, the Ice King Linear is known for its subdued and polished feel. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
Overall, both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Durock Ice King Linear switches use nylon as their housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. The similarities in housing material suggest that both switches are likely to provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, if the top and bottom housings of a switch are different, as is the case with the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Ice King Linear, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing typically has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This could result in subtle differences in the overall typing experience between the two switches, despite their shared use of nylon as a housing material.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Durock Ice King Linear switches offer a similar sound profile and typing experience due to their use of nylon as a housing material, differences in the top and bottom housings may lead to nuanced variations in sound and feel. Ultimately, individual preferences and typing styles may dictate which switch is preferred, as the slight differences in housing materials could impact the overall typing feel for some users.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining their feel and performance. The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Ice King Linear's 52 grams, making it slightly easier to trigger keystrokes. However, the bottom out force of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is heavier at 65 grams compared to the Ice King Linear's 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a medium-heavy actuation force, but the CAP V2 Milky Yellow leans towards a heavier bottom out force, suitable for those who prefer a more solid and tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter actuation force or a heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Ice King Linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while the 3.5mm travel distance is shallower. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Ice King Linear for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, catering to individual preferences for typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 is known for its thocky, bassy, and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a more subdued sound, which is dampened and subtle compared to most switches. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Milky Yellow switch emphasizing a more pronounced and bass-heavy sound, while the Ice King Linear switch provides a quieter and more understated typing experience.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that offers a seamless and effortless typing sensation. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is characterized as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished, highlighting an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance and friction. Both switches prioritize smoothness in their design, with the Milky Yellow switch focusing on a buttery and uniform typing feel, while the Ice King Linear switch enhances overall smoothness and key travel through factors such as factory lube and specific materials.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Milky Yellow switch presents a thocky and bassy sound with a buttery typing feel, emphasizing stability and reduced wobble for a refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear switch delivers a more subdued sound profile and showcases a silky, frictionless, and creamy typing feel, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless key press. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, consider the differences in bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, a thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound profile, and a buttery typing feel, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a more subdued sound profile, and a silky, frictionless, creamy, or polished typing feel, the Durock Ice King Linear may be the switch to go for. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure you have the best keyboard experience.
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