Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Cherry MX Speed Silver mechanical keyboard switches, both share the commonality of being linear switches, offering smooth keystrokes without the tactile bump or audible click of other switch types. The CAP Milky Yellows from Gateron are praised for their innovative CAP structure, providing exceptionally smooth keystrokes and enhanced stability due to their aerodynamically designed stems with tiny holes for efficient air release. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver stands out for its rapid response and low spring resistance, ideal for gaming where quick keystrokes are crucial. While the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is known for its 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Bassy', 'Low-pitched' feel, the MX Speed Silver is characterized as 'Textured', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched'. Each switch has its unique features and advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches use nylon as their housing material, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. The similarities in housing material between the two switches suggest that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, despite sharing the same nylon housing material, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Cherry MX Speed Silver may differ in their overall sound profile and typing feel due to other factors such as stem design, spring weight, and lubrication. The impact of these factors can greatly influence the overall typing experience, making each switch unique in its own right. While the nylon housing provides a foundation for a deep sound profile, the other components of the switch play a significant role in shaping the final result.
In terms of housing construction, if the top and bottom housings of a switch are different, they can each contribute different qualities to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing is more impactful on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound produced when a key is released. Understanding how each component of a switch, including the housing material, interacts with one another can help users customize their typing experience to suit their preferences. Ultimately, while the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Cherry MX Speed Silver share similarities in their nylon housing material, the overall typing experience may vary due to other design elements within the switches.
Weight
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch's lighter actuation force of 30 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Gateron switch also requires a heavier 65 grams compared to the Cherry MX switch, where the information is not provided. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Cherry MX Speed Silver would be the better option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch may be more suitable due to its heavier actuation and bottom out force. Both switches offer different levels of resistance, catering to different preferences, so the choice ultimately depends on the user's personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Speed Silver has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gateron switch. The shorter travel distance of the MX Speed Silver may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow may provide a more satisfying key press depth for some users. Both switches can provide a different typing experience, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver 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, both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches are described as thocky, providing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow offers a bassy and low-pitched tone, while the MX Speed Silver provides a low-pitched sound profile. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience for a seamless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is characterized as textured, implying noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer the subtle texture of the MX Speed Silver, while others may opt for the buttery feel of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow for a more uniform typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the CAP V2 Milky Yellow provides a smoother action with a thocky and bassy sound profile, the MX Speed Silver offers maximum speed with a thocky sound and a textured feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing experience, with both switches delivering reliable performance for gaming and everyday use.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value a smooth and stable typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the CAP Milky Yellows could be the ideal choice for you, especially for typing enthusiasts who appreciate a thocky and buttery feel. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking maximum speed and responsiveness with instant triggering and no bottom out force, the MX Speed Silvers may be more suited to your needs, particularly for competitive gaming where quick actions are crucial. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so make your decision based on what matters most to you in terms of typing or gaming experience.
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