Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often come down to personal touch and sound experience, making the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and Haimu Orange Sea intriguing options for enthusiasts. The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow excels in delivering an incredibly smooth keystroke experience, thanks to its innovative CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stems that minimize resistance. Moreover, the enlarged hollowed-out stem post enhances stability, giving users a buttery and bassy typing feel that many appreciate. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches offer an impeccably smooth typing sensation with a neutral sound signature that many find invigorating and accentuated rather than overpowering. These nuanced differences make each switch appealing to different types of users—those seeking a plush, stable experience may lean toward the Milky Yellow, while those preferring a balanced sound profile might gravitate towards the Orange Sea. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Haimu Orange Sea switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow employs a nylon top housing known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition. This softness allows for sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea features a polycarbonate top housing that provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Polycarbonate’s stiffer nature enhances the clarity and resonance of each keystroke, giving it a crisper audio quality. While both materials play critical roles in shaping the auditory output of their respective switches, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate can lead to noticeably different experiences for the typist, depending on their preferences for sound characteristics.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Haimu Orange Sea utilize nylon, which contributes to a fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing in both switches acts similarly; it is softer, allowing for absorption of sound which diminishes harsher frequencies and results in a more muted bottom-out sound. This commonality in the bottom housing leads to a shared depth and warmth in the sound profile, ensuring that users experience a consistent auditory sensation when bottoming out on either switch. Therefore, when compared to the varying top housings, it is the nylon bottom that harmonizes both switches' sound characteristics.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials in the top housing bring unique auditory nuances to the overall typing experience, while the shared nylon in the bottom housing ensures a uniform depth in sound. Thus, while the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a balanced, mellower sound profile due to its nylon top and bottom combination, the Haimu Orange Sea offers a sharper, more resonant sound thanks to its polycarbonate top. Depending on the user's preference for sound—whether they lean towards a more rounded auditory experience or a crisp, clear one—they may gravitate toward one switch over the other. However, both switches will provide an appealing typing experience thanks to the nylon found in their bottom housings, ensuring a certain level of comfort and auditory richness regardless of choice.
Weight
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying preferences among users. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that provides a more substantial feel when typing. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea has a significantly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is ideal for those who seek a more effortless typing experience, especially for extended use. Thus, while the CAP V2 is better suited for users who prefer a stronger push and tactile feedback, the Orange Sea is preferable for individuals who favor lighter switches for comfort during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Overall, the two switches offer distinctly different typing experiences; the Gateron is heavier, while the Haimu is lighter.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there is a notable difference. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Orange Sea measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This means that if you favor a more traditional feel with a deeper press, the CAP V2 is the better choice, providing a more pronounced travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a quicker response time that is often favored by gamers, the shorter travel distance of the Orange Sea may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding the depth of key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow comes in at $3.10, whereas the Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79.
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 it comes to sound, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch provides a bassy profile that delivers a deeper and richer auditory experience during keystrokes. This low-frequency sound can create a more satisfying feedback loop when typing, evoking a sense of depth akin to bass tones. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea is characterized by a neutral sound signature, which means it avoids any pronounced tonal qualities, allowing for a clean and straightforward auditory feedback. It's important to consider that the overall sound is influenced by additional factors like the type of keyboard and keycaps used, so one could achieve a certain synergy by pairing each switch with the right components.
In terms of feel, users will find the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow to have a buttery typing experience. This descriptor indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke that feels effortless and consistent, creating a minimally obstructive interaction between the switch and the user's fingers. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea switches present a more nuanced feel. They are accentuated, providing a medium tactile feedback that strikes a balance between being pronounced and subtle without being overly rough. Additionally, they offer invigorating feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force, delivering a responsive and lively typing sensation. Thus, while the CAP V2 delivers a seamless experience, the Orange Sea brings a more pronounced interaction to the keystroke.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and Haimu Orange Sea switches reveal distinct qualities catering to different preferences. The CAP V2 excels in delivering a rich, bassy sound with an impeccably smooth feel, ideal for users who prioritize a consistent typing experience without distractions. Meanwhile, the Orange Sea offers a neutral sound profile with invigorating feedback that caters to those desiring a more engaging tactile response. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will hinge on whether you prefer the buttery smoothness of the CAP V2 or the balanced tactility of the Orange Sea, as both will provide a satisfying experience albeit in their unique ways.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switches and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches, your decision ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound signature. If you enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force and seek buttery smooth keystrokes with a rich, bassy sound, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is an excellent option for you. This switch is particularly suited for those who prefer a stable feel and appreciate the ergonomic advantages of its innovative design, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where comfort and feedback are key. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a 45-gram bottom out force, you might find the Haimu Orange Sea more appealing. This linear switch provides a remarkably smooth type feel along with a neutral sound signature that can be pleasing in quieter environments. It's particularly suitable for those who enjoy a snappier and invigorating response without overwhelming tactility, making it great for both fast typists and casual gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prefer a heavier, more stable typing experience or a lighter, more agile one, catering to the kind of use you envision for your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
