Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch stand out as popular options. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow is praised for its smooth keystrokes thanks to the innovative CAP structure, which minimizes resistance for a seamless typing experience. Additionally, the enlarged and hollowed-out stem post enhances stability and reduces wobble. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switch offers a unique blend of smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying typing sensation. While the Milky Yellow switch is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Bassy', 'Low-pitched', the Ice King Tactile is labeled as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', 'Polished'. Ultimately, each switch has its own strengths and appeal. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
68g
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 Tactile switches utilize nylon as their housing material for both the top and bottom components. This results in a similar typing experience for both switches, with a deeper and fuller sound profile attributed to the softer nature of nylon. The absorption of sound by the nylon material also contributes to a rounder and duller sound, creating a pleasant typing experience for users of either switch.
However, while both switches share the same nylon housing material, the design of the switches may vary slightly, leading to subtle differences in typing feel and sound. The bottom housing of a switch typically has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, which means that the slight variations in design between the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and Ice King Tactile may result in different bottom-out experiences for users. Additionally, the top housing of a switch can influence the sound produced when a key is released, so any differences in the top housing design may also result in varying sound profiles for the two switches.
In conclusion, despite their similarities in housing material, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches may offer slightly different typing experiences due to potential variations in the design of their top and bottom housing components. However, users can still expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound profile and overall feel, thanks to the use of nylon as the housing material for both switches. Ultimately, whether you choose the CAP V2 Milky Yellow or the Ice King Tactile, you can rest assured that you will enjoy a satisfying typing experience with a deep and full sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that both switches fall in the medium-heavy category. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Ice King Tactile's 58 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow requires 65 grams of force, while the Ice King Tactile needs 68 grams, making them fairly similar in terms of heaviness when fully pressed down. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference for the actuation force and the bottom out force desired in a typing experience.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, we can see that the Ice King Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the CAP V2 Milky Yellow's 4 mm. This means that the Ice King Tactile offers a slightly quicker key press feel, which can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow provides a bit more depth to the key press, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ice King Tactile being slightly shorter than the CAP V2 Milky Yellow, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, if you prefer a quicker, more responsive feel, the Ice King Tactile may be the better choice, while those looking for a more substantial key press may prefer the CAP V2 Milky Yellow.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Tactile 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 Tactile 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 sound profile, producing a deep and rich noise with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch offers a more subdued sound, providing a dampened and subtle sound signature during usage. The choice between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for a more pronounced or mellow sound experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience for seamless typing. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch is known for its silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance and a refined finish. Users who prioritize a smooth and polished typing feel may lean towards the Ice King Tactile, while those who prefer a buttery keystroke may opt for the CAP V2 Milky Yellow.
Overall, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the CAP V2 Milky Yellow provides a thocky and bassy sound with a buttery keystroke, the Ice King Tactile offers a subdued noise with a silky and polished typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience tailored to the user's liking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, you should consider your preference for a smooth, buttery feel with minimal wobble and enhanced stability in the CAP V2 Milky Yellow versus a silky, frictionless typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump in the Ice King Tactile. If you enjoy a thocky, bassy sound profile in your switches, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is the way to go, whereas if you prefer a more subdued sound signature, the Ice King Tactile would be more to your liking. Ultimately, choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and preferences for a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
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