Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro stand out as popular options for different reasons. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow is a linear switch known for its smooth keystrokes and minimal resistance due to its innovative aerodynamic design. With enhanced stability and reduced wobble, this switch provides a buttery and low-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch that offers a satisfying tactile bump and a higher-pitched sound profile, contributing to a bouncy and polished typing feel. While the Milky Yellow switch excels in providing a smooth and stable typing experience, the Lavender Purple Pro switch offers a delightful tactile feedback for enthusiasts. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro differ in their housing materials, with the former boasting a nylon top housing while the latter features a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the Milky Yellow provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Lavender Purple Pro offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition that leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. This means that the two switches will produce distinct sound profiles when typing, catering to different preferences in sound aesthetics.
Both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro share a commonality in their choice of nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, primarily due to its relatively softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches will produce a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of sound feedback. This similarity in housing material ensures that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile, despite their differences in top housing material.
The choice of housing material in a switch can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with the top and bottom housings playing distinct roles in sound production. In switches where the top and bottom housings differ, such as in the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of housing materials adds complexity to the sound profile of the switches, allowing for a more nuanced and customized typing experience based on individual preference in sound aesthetics.
Weight
With regards to actuation force and bottom-out force, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch provide different experiences for users. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom-out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom-out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, as it allows for easier typing over longer periods without causing fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow is more suited for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences in terms of actuation and bottom-out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches offer a relatively traditional travel distance compared to more shallow options on the market. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Akko V3 switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may gravitate towards the slightly longer travel distance of the Gateron CAP V2. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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 praised for its thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound profile, producing a deep and satisfying tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch's sound characteristics are unknown, making it difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, both switches will provide a unique auditory experience depending on the keyboard, keycaps, and environment in which they are used.
When discussing feel, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is known for its buttery keystroke, providing a smooth and seamless typing sensation. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offers an accented tactile bump that is not too overwhelming or subtle, along with a bouncy and snappy feedback. Additionally, the Lavender Purple Pro switch is described as polished, ensuring a refined and slick typing experience. Both switches offer distinct tactile feedback and keystroke sensations, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Overall, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch excels in providing a smooth and stable typing experience with its aerodynamically designed stems and enhanced stability. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch stands out for its satisfying tactile bump and unique sound profile. While both switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel, they each have their own strengths that cater to varying preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth keystroke with reduced wobble, opt for the CAP V2 Milky Yellow. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a delightful combination of a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
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