Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro mechanical keyboard switches, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow stands out for its smooth keystrokes and enhanced stability due to its aerodynamically designed stems and hollowed-out stem post. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a solid and responsive keystroke with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out for clear and tactile feedback. While the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is known for its buttery and low-pitched characteristics, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is described as bouncy, clacky, and creamy. Both switches have their unique features and qualities that cater to different preferences, making them suitable choices for typing or gaming. 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
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, the main difference lies in their housing materials. The Milky Yellow features a nylon top housing, which offers a softer and duller sound profile due to its sound-absorbing properties. On the other hand, the Matcha Green Pro boasts a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper and more resonant sound with its stiffer plastic makeup. While both materials offer their unique sound characteristics, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon material, giving them a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing in both the Milky Yellow and Matcha Green Pro contributes to the overall typing experience with its softer plastic properties. This ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying sound and feel when pressed, making them suitable choices for those who enjoy a more muffled and rounder sound profile in their keyboards.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro comes down to whether you prefer a softer, duller sound profile or a sharper, crisper sound. The nylon top housing in the Milky Yellow produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing in the Matcha Green Pro offers a clearer and resonant sound. Both switches offer a great typing experience, with the bottom housing materials contributing to a consistent sound profile that is sure to please keyboard enthusiasts looking for a specific sound and feel in their switches.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it can be seen that the Milky Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Matcha Green Pro's 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Milky Yellow is heavier at 65 grams, while the Matcha Green Pro is slightly lighter at 63 grams. Both switches provide a medium feel in terms of force required for typing. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use, the Milky Yellow may be the more suitable option. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the slightly heavier Matcha Green Pro. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on individual preferences for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Matcha Green Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Milky Yellow. For those who prefer a quicker response time and a shorter keystroke, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro would be the better option. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow would provide a little more depth and feedback with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has an MSRP of $4.66 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Matcha Green 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 known for its thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a clacky and resonant sound, delivering a sharp and crisp sound profile with a higher pitch. The CAP Milky Yellow gives off a deeper, richer tone, while the Matcha Green Pro produces a bright and sharp sound. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap material used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is often described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid typing experience that feels seamless and effortless. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is known for being bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, providing a spring-like feedback with a smooth and refined finish that enhances the overall typing sensation. Typists who prefer a more fluid and uniform keystroke may lean towards the CAP Milky Yellow, while those who enjoy a lively and polished typing experience may find the Matcha Green Pro to be more appealing.
Taking all available information into account, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics suited to different preferences. If a deep, rich, and thocky typing experience is desired, the CAP Milky Yellow is a strong contender. On the other hand, for individuals looking for a sharp, clacky sound with a bouncy and silky typing sensation, the Matcha Green Pro may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches are designed to provide a high-quality typing experience tailored to user preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, your decision should be based on your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a smooth keystroke with minimized resistance and reduced wobble, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and appreciate a solid, responsive keystroke with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch would be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound profile along with a buttery feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch aligns with those characteristics. Conversely, if you prefer a clacky and resonant sound profile along with a bouncy, creamy, polished, or silky feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch provides those qualities. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by your personal preferences for typing experience and sound aesthetics.