Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Luciola mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct characteristics to consider. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow stands out for its innovative CAP structure, ensuring remarkably smooth keystrokes and minimal resistance for a smoother action. With its aerodynamically designed stems and enhanced stability, this switch offers a buttery, thocky, bassy, and low-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola is known for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature and medium heft, providing a smooth and bouncy typing feel. This switch also offers a unique sound profile reminiscent of a shaking spray paint can. Categorized as snappy, clacky, chirpy, marbly, buttery, high-pitched, and polished, the Luciola switch offers a different typing experience compared to the Milky Yellow. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Luciola differ in their sound profiles. The Milky Yellow utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound that is often described as duller and rounder. On the other hand, the Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, known for its pointed and high-pitched sound profile that provides a satisfyingly clacky typing experience. While both switches are constructed with quality materials, the differences in their housing materials significantly impact the sound produced during typing.
In terms of sound characteristics, the nylon housing of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the proprietary INK blend housing of the Luciola offer distinct typing experiences. The softer nature of nylon allows for a deeper and more absorbent sound, emphasizing a rounder tone in the Milky Yellow switch. In contrast, the INK blend housing of the Luciola delivers a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is characterized as clacky and satisfying. These differences in sound profiles can greatly influence the user's preference based on their typing style and auditory preferences.
While the housing materials of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Luciola provide unique sound profiles, their overall construction quality ensures a premium typing experience. Both switches are designed with precision and attention to detail, resulting in smooth keypresses and reliable performance. Whether you prefer the deeper, fuller sound of the Milky Yellow or the sharp, clacky sound of the Luciola, both switches guarantee a high-quality typing experience that is sure to impress even the most discerning keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound and typing feel, as both offer exceptional performance in their respective categories.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, we see that the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is lighter at the actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Luciola's 55 grams. However, the bottom out force of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow at 65 grams is heavier than the Luciola's 60 grams. Both switches provide a medium typing experience, with the Luciola being slightly lighter overall. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Luciola, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may opt for the CAP V2 Milky Yellow. In both cases, users can expect a smooth linear switch with reliable actuation and bottom out forces for their typing needs.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, we can see that the CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm while the Luciola has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Luciola has a slightly shorter key press distance compared to the CAP V2 Milky Yellow. The shorter travel distance of the Luciola may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the slightly longer travel distance of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 provides a thocky and bassy sound profile with a low-pitched tone, offering a deep and rich auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is known for its clacky, chirpy, and marbly sound profile with a high-pitched tone, giving a sharp and crisp sound when keys are pressed. Depending on personal preference, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow will deliver a more bass-heavy and mellow sound, while the Luciola will give a bright and percussive sound.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience for seamless and effortless typing. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is known for its snappy and buttery feel, offering a super responsive typing sensation with a smooth and uniform keystroke. Both switches aim to deliver a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, with the CAP V2 Milky Yellow focusing on a fluid and uniform feel, while the Luciola emphasizes a responsive and polished key press.
Overall, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Luciola linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a deeper and richer sound with a smoother keystroke, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a brighter and more responsive sound with a polished and snappy feel, the Luciola switch would be more suitable. Both switches provide excellent performance and quality, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, stable keystroke experience with minimal wobble, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is a good choice. On the other hand, if you are interested in switches that glow in the dark, have a medium bottom out force, and offer a snappy and responsive typing feel, the Luciola may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what characteristics align most with your typing preferences and aesthetic preferences.
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