Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Orange switches. The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow is known for its remarkably smooth keystrokes, thanks to its innovative CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stems. This switch offers enhanced stability and reduced wobble, making it a great choice for those who value a buttery and thocky typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch stands out for its bouncy type feel and slick, frictionless typing experience. With a long pole POM stem and excellent factory-lubing, this switch offers a refined key travel that minimizes friction and maximizes smoothness, perfect for those seeking a satisfying bouncy and frictionless typing feel with a low-pitched sound profile. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Orange switches offer contrasting sound profiles due to the difference in material composition. The Milky Yellow, with its nylon top and bottom housing, provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound due to the softer nature of nylon. In comparison, the Orange switch's polycarbonate top and bottom housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate. This contrast in sound profiles makes the choice between the two switches a matter of personal preference based on desired typing experience.
While the Milky Yellow and Orange switches differ in their housing materials, both switches share a common goal of enhancing the sound profile of typing. The nylon housing of the Milky Yellow absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the Orange switch brings a clear and resonant sound profile, especially suited for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Despite the differences in material composition, both switches aim to provide an engaging typing experience with distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Orange switches comes down to individual preferences for sound profiles during typing. The split qualities of the housing materials in each switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel and the top housing influencing the sound upon key release, offer users a tailored typing experience based on material composition. Whether opting for the nylon housing of the Milky Yellow for a duller and rounder sound or the polycarbonate housing of the Orange for a sharper and crisper sound, both switches strive to enhance the typing experience through unique sound profiles.
Weight
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Orange linear switch. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow requires 50 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 65 grams to bottom out, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Orange switch only requires 46 grams to actuate and 53 grams to bottom out, resulting in a medium-light feel. The difference in force requirements means that the CAP V2 Milky Yellow will provide a more substantial typing experience, while the KTT Orange will feel lighter and require less effort to type. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired weight of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the KTT Orange switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch. The shorter travel distance of the KTT Orange switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch may provide a more satisfying and profound keystroke experience for some users. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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
When comparing the sound qualities of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch to the KTT Orange linear switch, the Milky Yellow switch offers a thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Orange switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound, emphasizing a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. Both switches offer a pleasing sound profile, with the Milky Yellow leaning towards a richer and deeper tone compared to the Orange.
When evaluating the feel of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch versus the KTT Orange linear switch, the Milky Yellow switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that ensures a seamless and effortless typing sensation. In contrast, the Orange switch provides a bouncy and frictionless typing feel, with keys that offer a spring-like or elastic feedback and a smooth, effortless travel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Milky Yellow focusing on a seamless keystroke and the Orange emphasizing a lively rebound sensation.
Overall, both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch offer unique attributes in terms of sound and feel. The Milky Yellow switch provides a thocky and buttery typing experience, with a rich and deep sound profile and smooth keystrokes. In comparison, the Orange switch offers a low-pitched sound with a bouncy and frictionless typing feel, providing a lively rebound sensation and effortless key travel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, both switches can deliver satisfying results for users seeking a premium mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch or the KTT Orange linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth keystroke with minimal wobble, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, and a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange switch could be the ideal choice. Consider your preferred bottom out force, typing feel, and sound profile when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the best switch for you is the one that aligns with your preferences and enhances your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
