Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Gateron Mars

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Mars both emerge as exceptional linear options, each offering distinct characteristics to suit different typing preferences. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow is celebrated for its innovative CAP structure that enhances keystroke smoothness, thanks to its aerodynamically designed stem with tiny holes that efficiently release air, minimizing resistance. Users often describe the typing experience as buttery, thocky, and bassy, providing a low-pitched sound that many find satisfying. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches stand out with their unique POK stem and a housing crafted from a versatile blend of Nylon and POM, offering a differentiated experience that many enthusiasts appreciate, although specific tonal qualities are less defined. If you're looking for a smooth, satisfying acoustic experience, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow may be your ideal choice, whereas if durability and unique build design are your priorities, the Mars might better suit your needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow Linear

Gateron Mars Linear

$3.10 per 10

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Mars switches both utilize nylon for their top housings, a material recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, leading to a muted overall auditory experience as opposed to switches made of harder plastics. As such, both switches likely provide a similar tactile and acoustic experience when pressed, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that can enhance typing comfort. Users can expect a consistent auditory quality from both switches when it comes to key releases, reflecting the benefits of the nylon top housing in minimizing noise.

In contrast, the bottom housings of these two switches introduce notable differences. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow, with its nylon bottom housing, continues the theme of sound absorption, adding to the overall depth and fullness of the switch's profile. This choice contributes to a cohesive auditory experience as both the top and bottom housings are made from similar materials. On the other hand, the Mars features a POM bottom housing, which is known for creating a distinct sound profile that is pleasing yet somewhat muted compared to pure nylon. The softer nature of the nylon in the CAP V2 balances the sound across pressing and releasing actions, while the POM bottom housing in the Mars treats the bottom-out sound and feel with a unique character.

The differing materials in the bottom housings manifest primarily during the actuation and bottoming out of the switches. For the CAP V2, the nylon bottom reinforces the acoustic qualities of the nylon top, leading to a consistent, harmonious experience when typing. In contrast, the Mars's POM bottom modifies the drop and sound upon bottoming out, bringing a unique auditory signature to the experience that can be quite pleasing yet distinctively different. Therefore, while users can enjoy a similar type felt sound profile with the two switches due to their identical top housings, the experience diverges significantly during actuation, where the unique properties of POM make the Mars a distinct choice for those seeking variety.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom-out forces of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Mars linear switches, there are notable differences. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom-out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Gateron Mars has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option of the two, but its bottom-out force remains unknown, which leaves its overall resistance unquantified. The lighter actuation force of the Mars may appeal to users looking for a keyfeel that reduces finger fatigue during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, for those who prefer a heavier push and a more substantial tactile experience, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow would likely be a better choice due to its higher actuation and bottom-out forces. Overall, the differing forces mean that while both switches can offer satisfying keypress experiences, they cater to different user preferences regarding weight and resistance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, there are notable differences. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with traditional preferences for a more pronounced key press. In contrast, the Gateron Mars features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to gamers or users who favor quicker response times. While the Mars switch may provide a more extensive sense of immediacy due to its reduced travel, the CAP V2 appeals to those who enjoy a deeper feel and possibly a more tactile experience when typing. Ultimately, if you value greater responsiveness, the Mars with its shorter travel distance would be the ideal choice, whereas the CAP V2 Milky Yellow would be preferable for those seeking a richer depth in their keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound quality, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches are known for their distinctive thocky characteristics, producing a deep, rich sound that many users find satisfying. The depth of their audio profile is enhanced further by bassy and low-pitched tones, giving a more substantial auditory feedback when typing. This makes them particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a rich acoustic environment while working or gaming. In contrast, the sound profile of the Gateron Mars switches remains unknown; however, it should be noted that the overall sound experience will be influenced by the particular keyboard build and keycaps used regardless of the switch.

In terms of feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches shine with their buttery typing experience, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke that many typists and gamers prefer. This seamless action is attributed to their innovative CAP structure, which minimizes resistance and stabilizes the feel of each press. On the other hand, the tactile experience of the Mars switches is not documented; thus, it is tough to make a direct comparison. However, the unique design of the Mars switches, combining a POK stem and a Nylon-POM housing, may deliver a typing feel that is distinct in its own right.

In summary, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches offer a thocky, bassy sound combined with a buttery feel, making them a popular choice for users seeking a substantial auditory and tactile experience. In contrast, while the sound and feel characteristics of the Gateron Mars switches remain unrecorded, their novel design may offer a different typing experience altogether. If you're a newcomer to mechanical keyboards, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow will provide a well-rounded experience, but exploring the Mars switches could also yield enjoyable results depending on your specific typing preference.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a smooth and stable typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams ensures that you have a solid tactile feedback, making it ideal for both typing and gaming scenarios where precision is key. The unique CAP structure further enhances the smoothness, providing a pleasurable keystroke with every press. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that incorporates a unique design with enhanced durability, then the Gateron Mars might be more suitable, as it features an innovative mix of materials that contribute to its overall performance. While the Mars does not have a specified bottom-out force, it promises a different tactile experience that could cater to your personal style. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound and feel or are drawn to innovative switch designs, and either way, both options represent solid choices in the world of mechanical keyboards.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow Linear

$3.10 per 10

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Gateron Mars Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more