Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and Gateron Ink Box Black both offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow stands out for its remarkably smooth keystrokes thanks to the innovative CAP structure that minimizes resistance for a smoother action. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black is known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. While the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Bassy', 'Low-pitched', the Ink Box Black falls into the categories of 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', 'Polished'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and typing style. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Ink Box Black both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing that creates a pointed and high-pitched sound described as clacky. While both materials offer their own benefits, the nylon top housing of the Milky Yellow focuses more on creating a dull and round sound, whereas the INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black emphasizes a sharper and more satisfying sound experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Ink Box Black feature nylon and INK blend materials, respectively. The nylon bottom housing of the Milky Yellow contributes to its overall sound profile by adding to the deeper and fuller sound experience. On the other hand, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black enhances its clacky and high-pitched sound profile. While the bottom housing may not be as immediately noticeable as the top housing when typing, it still plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Ink Box Black will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The nylon and INK blend materials used in the top and bottom housing of each switch offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound with the Milky Yellow or a sharper and more clacky sound with the Ink Box Black, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience that showcases the impact of housing materials on overall switch design.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch to the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the 60 grams required for the Ink Box Black. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Milky Yellow requiring 65 grams and the Ink Box Black needing 70 grams. The Milky Yellow provides a slightly lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black offers a slightly heavier keystroke, giving users a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Milky Yellow switch has a slightly longer travel distance, making it better suited for those who prefer keys with a bit more depth to them. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. Overall, both switches provide a smooth linear feel, so regardless of which one you choose, you can expect similar results in terms of operation and performance. Ultimately, the decision between the two may come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 offers a thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, reminiscent of a sharp and snappy response during key presses. Depending on your preference for sound, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow will give you a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the Ink Box Black will deliver a crisper and brighter sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless, effortless, and uniform. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch provides a silky and polished feel, ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and refined key travel. Both switches aim to minimize resistance and enhance the overall typing feel, with the CAP V2 Milky Yellow focusing on a buttery sensation and the Ink Box Black emphasizing a silky and polished touch.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it is clear that the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles to cater to different preferences. If you desire a deep and rich sound with a buttery typing feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Ink Box Black would be your ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches provide excellent quality and performance, so you can expect similar results in terms of consistency and durability across the board.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smoother typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, you may want to consider the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch. The innovative CAP structure and hollowed-out stem post provide enhanced stability and reduced wobble for a refined typing feel. Additionally, its thocky and bassy sound profile offers a deep and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a creamy smoothness and a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch might be more suitable for you. Its clacky sound signature and silky-smooth feel create a unique typing sensation. Remember to consider your preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for.
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