Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Outemu Silent Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow stands out for its innovative CAP structure, ensuring remarkably smooth keystrokes, aerodynamically designed stems with tiny holes for efficient air release, and enhanced stability with reduced wobble. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow may appeal to users looking for a quiet typing experience. Although the Silent Yellow lacks specific standout features compared to the Milky Yellow, it still offers a smooth linear switch 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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 housing materials of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Outemu Silent Yellow, a significant difference lies in their top housings. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow features a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its soft and sound-absorbing nature. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of the polycarbonate material also makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, offering an aesthetic advantage over the opaque nylon top housing of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow.
While the top housings of the two switches differ significantly, their bottom housings share a common trait in being made of nylon. This classic switch housing material imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile to both switches due to its soft and sound-absorbing properties. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, contributing to the overall typing experience. Despite having the same material used for their bottom housings, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Outemu Silent Yellow may still exhibit slight variations in sound and feel due to other factors such as spring weight and stem design.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Outemu Silent Yellow will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. The use of different top housing materials, nylon for the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and polycarbonate for the Silent Yellow, results in distinct auditory characteristics that may appeal to different users. Whether you prefer a softer, rounder sound from the nylon top housing or a crisper, more resonant sound from the polycarbonate top housing, both switches offer a quality typing experience with their shared nylon bottom housing providing a consistent base for comparison.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch to the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, there are noticeable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Yellow's 65 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. In terms of bottom out force, the Milky Yellow requires 65 grams, while the Silent Yellow demands a heavier 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Those who appreciate a more robust push feel may find the Silent Yellow to be a better fit, whereas individuals who value a lighter touch may prefer the CAP V2 Milky Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switches both have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that whether you choose the Gateron or the Outemu switch, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressing down on a key. Both switches offer a consistent travel distance, providing a smooth typing experience for users. In conclusion, the travel distance of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is equal, making them both excellent choices for those looking for a keyboard with a consistent typing feel.
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 Yellow.
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 is known for producing a thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound that is deep, rich, and satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch does not have any specific sound descriptors available. Both switches may offer a quiet typing experience due to their linear nature, but the Milky Yellow is likely to provide a more pronounced and pleasant sound profile with its unique characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is described as providing a buttery typing experience, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke with a seamless and effortless sensation. Unfortunately, there are no specific feel descriptors available for the Outemu Silent Yellow switch. Given their linear nature, both switches are likely to offer a consistent and smooth typing feel, but the Milky Yellow may have a slight edge in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
Considering all available information, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch stands out for its innovative CAP structure, smooth keystrokes, enhanced stability, and characteristic sound profile described as thocky, bassy, and low-pitched. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch lacks specific descriptors for sound and feel but may provide a quieter typing experience. If you are looking for a switch with a unique and satisfying sound profile, enhanced stability, and a buttery typing feel, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch would be a great choice. If a quieter typing experience is your priority, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch may also be worth considering, although you may not achieve the same level of distinct characteristics as with the Milky Yellow.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth keystroke with a thocky and buttery sound, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and are looking for a silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow could be the more suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Keep these factors in mind when selecting the switch that best suits your needs.
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