Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Outemu Purple mechanical keyboard switches, you are faced with a decision between a linear and tactile switch. The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow is renowned for its remarkably smooth keystrokes and innovative CAP structure, ensuring a buttery and low-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple offers a tactile feedback, providing a different typing sensation altogether. The Gateron switch excels in stability and minimizing resistance, while the Outemu switch provides a more distinctive tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Outemu Purple, it is evident that their housing materials play a significant role in the sound profile produced during typing. The Milky Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing which absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Purple features a polycarbonate top housing that is stiffer than nylon, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The contrast between the two materials is apparent in the type of sound they produce, with nylon offering a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate's clear and resonant sound.
While both the Milky Yellow and the Purple switches have nylon bottom housings, the impact of the bottom housing on typing sound and feel remains consistent between the two. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that the typing experience is relatively similar between the two switches, despite the differences in their top housings. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a consistent sound profile that is deeper and fuller, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
The split in qualities between the top and bottom housing materials in a switch becomes particularly important when considering the impact on typing experience. The bottom housing material plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing the key. This distinction highlights the importance of choosing the right housing material for each part of the switch to achieve the desired sound profile. While the Milky Yellow and Purple switches may differ in their top housing materials, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch has a medium-heavy actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In comparison, the Outemu Purple tactile switch also has an actuation force of 50 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. While both switches have the same actuation force, the Milky Yellow is heavier with a bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Purple's unknown bottom out force. Lighter switches like the Milky Yellow are preferred for extended typing or gaming sessions, while heavier switches like the Purple may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on either key, you will get a similar feeling of travel distance. However, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and Outemu Purple tactile switches may still differ in terms of actuation force, sound, and overall feel, even though their travel distances are the same. Therefore, while the travel distance is consistent between the two switches, other factors may influence which switch is preferred for individual users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.10. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and Purple.
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 linear switch is known for its thocky, bassy, and low-pitched characteristics, producing a deep and satisfying sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Outemu Purple tactile switch is unknown. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch offers a buttery typing experience, characterized by a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. The innovative CAP structure and enlarged stem post contribute to enhanced stability and reduced wobble, ensuring a refined typing feel. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the tactile feedback provided by the Outemu Purple switch.
Overall, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch stands out for its smooth and stable typing experience, accompanied by a deep and rich sound profile. While information about the Outemu Purple tactile switch is limited, based on the available data, it is clear that the Gateron switch offers superior qualities in terms of both sound and feel. If a newcomer is seeking a satisfying typing experience with a unique sound profile, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch would be a preferred choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth keystroke with minimal resistance, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is the choice for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a thocky, bassy sound and a buttery typing feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow would be ideal. On the other hand, if bottom out force is not a concern and you prefer a tactile switch with a different typing experience, the Outemu Purple might be more suitable, despite the lack of available information on its features. Ultimately, consider your typing preferences and desired sound and feel when selecting between these two mechanical keyboard switches.
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