Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Outemu Silent Ocean are both linear switches that offer unique characteristics. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow stands out for its innovative design, featuring aerodynamically designed stems with tiny holes for smooth keystrokes and reduced resistance. It also boasts an enlarged and hollowed-out stem post for enhanced stability and a refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean doesn't have any specific standout features listed. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow is best suited for those who prefer a 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Bassy', or 'Low-pitched' typing experience. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches use nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon compared to harder plastics helps absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the top housing of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is made of nylon, while the Silent Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for switches with clear housings and RGB lighting.
The choice of housing material for both the top and bottom of a switch can significantly impact the overall typing experience. With the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches, the nylon top and bottom housing work together to create a consistent deep and full sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean switches have a combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing, with the polycarbonate top housing contributing to a clearer and more resonant sound when keys are released. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with unique sound profiles.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of each keystroke. The softer nylon material in the bottom housing of both switches helps absorb sound and create a deeper sound profile, while the stiffer polycarbonate material in the Silent Ocean's top housing produces a crisper and sharper sound. Whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound profile like the Milky Yellow or a clearer and more resonant sound like the Silent Ocean, both switches offer distinct typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, there are some notable differences. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Ocean's 45 grams. Both switches, however, share the same bottom out force of 65 grams, making them both medium-heavy in this aspect. The lighter actuation force of the Silent Ocean may appeal to those looking for a slightly smoother typing experience, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow may be preferred by users who prefer a bit more resistance for a more tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and the overall typing experience desired.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile experience in terms of how far the keys travel from top to bottom when pressed. Despite their equal travel distance, the performance and feel of the switches may vary due to other factors such as actuation force, bottom-out force, and smoothness of the keystroke. Ultimately, while the travel distance of both switches may be the same, the overall typing experience can still differ based on individual preferences and requirements.
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 Silent Ocean.
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, giving users a deep, rich, and satisfying sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch's sound profile is currently unknown, making it difficult to compare. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow is often described as buttery, offering a smooth and seamless typing experience with uniform key presses. Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding the feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean switch. If they share similar characteristics, users can expect a similarly smooth and effortless typing sensation from both switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch shines in terms of providing a thocky and buttery typing experience, ideal for those seeking a smooth and satisfying keystroke feel with rich sound feedback. While the Outemu Silent Ocean switch's subjective qualities are currently unknown, users may anticipate comparable results if it shares similar characteristics with the Gateron switch. Ultimately, personal preference and usage scenarios will dictate which switch is the best fit for individual users.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth keystroke experience, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. This switch is known for its innovative CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stems, providing remarkably smooth keystrokes and enhanced stability. Additionally, it offers a thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound profile, along with a buttery typing feel.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent typing experience and are not concerned about sound characteristics or additional features, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch could be the better option for you. This switch also has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a consistent typing experience without the distraction of loud keystrokes.
Ultimately, your decision between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean switch will depend on your preferences for sound, feel, and additional features. Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that best suits your typing needs.
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