Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Pine both offer enticing features for different preferences. The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow is praised for its innovative CAP structure, ensuring remarkably smooth keystrokes with minimal resistance. The aerodynamically designed stems with tiny holes and enlarged, hollowed-out stem posts provide enhanced stability and a refined typing feel. On the other hand, the KTT Pine is known for its medium-heavy feel, buttery smooth keystrokes, and effortless typing experience. With a polished, factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction for smooth key travel. While the Gateron switch is categorized as ['Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Bassy', 'Low-pitched'] and the KTT Pine switch as ['Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'Low-pitched'], both switches have their unique advantages. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Overall, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Pine switches both utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow features a nylon top housing and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. In contrast, the KTT Pine switches have a polycarbonate top housing and bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffer plastic producing a clearer and resonant sound. While both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow provides a duller and rounder sound, while the KTT Pine delivers a more clear and sharp sound.
Despite their differences, both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and KTT Pine switches excel in providing distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials. The nylon top and bottom housing of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow offers a consistent and fuller typing experience, showcasing a softer plastic that absorbs sound effectively. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top and bottom housing of the KTT Pine presents a crisper and more defined typing sound, as the stiffer plastic enhances clarity and resonance. While each switch provides a unique typing experience, both ultimately deliver satisfying and engaging sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of different housing materials between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and KTT Pine switches also plays a role. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow's nylon housing creates a classic and traditional look, while the KTT Pine's polycarbonate housing offers a more modern and sleek appearance, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Despite the differences in materials, both switches excel in providing a visually pleasing typing experience that complements their unique sound profiles. Whether you prefer a softer and fuller sound with the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow or a sharper and crisper sound with the KTT Pine, both switches offer exceptional performance based on their housing materials.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch reveals some differences in weight. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it more medium-heavy. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, placing it in the medium category. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the KTT Pine switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the slightly heavier CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch. Both switches offer a balance between actuation and bottom out force, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for users.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Pine linear switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users will experience a consistent and equal travel distance. As a result, the typing experience provided by both switches will be nearly identical in terms of the key travel distance. This ensures that users can expect similar results regardless of which switch they choose to use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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 and the KTT Pine linear switch, both switches share characteristics of being bassy and low-pitched. This means that their sound profiles lean towards a deeper, richer tone with a mellow undertone during key presses. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow, known for its thocky sound, produces a deep, satisfying "thud" or "knock" when pressed, while the Pine switch offers a similar bass-heavy sound experience. It's important to note that individual sound perception can vary depending on the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Pine switches are described as having a buttery typing experience. This implies a smooth, fluid keystroke that provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform sensation while typing. The creamy attribute mentioned for the Pine switch further enhances the smoothness and buttery feel, likening it to gliding fingers across the keys with ease. With both switches offering a buttery typing experience, users can expect a comfortable and enjoyable feel while typing for extended periods.
Overall, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Pine linear switches share similarities in their sound and feel qualities. Both switches provide a deep, rich sound profile with a buttery, smooth typing experience. Whether choosing the CAP V2 Milky Yellow for its thocky sound or opting for the Pine switch for its creamy attribute, users can expect a satisfying and effortless typing experience with either switch. Ultimately, personal preference in sound and feel will play a significant role in determining which switch is the ideal choice for each individual.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and a switch known for its innovative CAP structure, remarkably smooth keystrokes, and reduced wobble, then the CAP V2 Milky Yellow might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and a switch that offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a factory-lubed finish for minimal friction, the KTT Pine linear switch could be the ideal option. Additionally, take into account the different sound profiles of each switch - the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is described as thocky, bassy, and low-pitched, while the Pine is characterized as bassy and low-pitched. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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