Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the PH Studio Milk Tea mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches offering unique features to enhance your typing experience. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow is renowned for its smooth keystrokes and stability, thanks to its innovative CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stems. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch stands out for its high-pitched yet muted sound, as well as its low bottom-out force for extended typing sessions. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics and benefits, making them appealing options for different preferences. 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
37.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
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
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the PH Studio Milk Tea both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow features a nylon top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic's ability to absorb more sound. On the other hand, the Milk Tea utilizes POM top and bottom housings, resulting in a unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the use of different materials gives them distinct characteristics.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the PH Studio Milk Tea share similarities in their sound profiles. The nylon housing of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow provides a duller and rounder sound, while the POM housing of the Milk Tea offers a relatively muted and deep sound. These qualities make both switches ideal for those looking for a keyboard with a unique and pleasing sound profile. While the materials may differ, the end result is similar in terms of creating an enjoyable typing experience.
In terms of functionality, the difference in top and bottom housings plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. The qualities of the housing material are divided between the top and bottom, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This division of qualities gives each switch a unique typing experience based on the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials. Overall, whether it is the nylon housing of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow or the POM housing of the Milk Tea, the housing materials significantly contribute to the overall sound profile and typing experience of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, there are notable differences. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Milk Tea has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, offering a lighter keystroke feel. This makes the Milk Tea switch more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches offer unique advantages based on individual preferences, making them suitable for different typing styles and preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, the Milky Yellow has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Milk Tea's 3.6 mm. The Milky Yellow switch offers a slightly deeper key press, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel while typing. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch provides a slightly shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Milk Tea offering a slightly shallower feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key depth and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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 deep, rich, and satisfying "thocky" sound, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch presents a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched and muted essence, creating a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. The Milk Tea switch is also described as clacky and resonant, providing a sharp, snappy sound with a higher-pitched profile. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Milky Yellow focusing on a deeper, bass-heavy sound and the Milk Tea offering a blend of high-pitched and muted tones.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is known for its buttery smooth keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch is described as polished and silky, offering exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys, catering to users looking for a refined typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches offer unique sound and feel profiles to cater to different preferences. While the Milky Yellow switch provides a deep, rich sound and a buttery smooth typing experience, the Milk Tea switch offers a blend of high-pitched and muted tones along with polished and silky feel for a refined typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound profile with a buttery typing feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and appreciate a unique auditory blend with a clacky, high-pitched, marbly, or resonant sound profile, along with a polished or silky typing feel, then the PH Studio Milk Tea switch could be the perfect fit. Consider how you prioritize sound, feel, and bottom out force in your decision-making process to find the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make sure to choose based on what will enhance your typing experience.
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