Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Purple Star both stand out as impressive linear options. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow is praised for its innovative CAP structure, providing smooth keystrokes and enhanced stability with minimized wobble. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star offers a buttery smooth typing experience with its all-POM construction and very light 45g bottom-out, making it ideal for light typists. While the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is known for its 'Buttery', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched' attributes, the Purple Star is categorized as 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Easy-to-press'. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and KTT Purple Star both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Milky Yellow's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder quality due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Purple Star's POM top housing produces a pleasing, unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. While both materials bring depth to the sound, the nylon housing offers a softer, more absorbing quality compared to the POM housing.
The bottom housings of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and Purple Star also play a significant role in the typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Milky Yellow contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Purple Star adds to the unique, muted sound profile that is deeper in tone. Despite the differences in material, both bottom housings impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, showcasing the importance of housing material in switch design.
While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and KTT Purple Star offer distinct qualities, the overall typing experience may yield similar results due to the impact of both housing materials. The combination of nylon and POM materials in the top and bottom housings of these switches creates a balance between absorbing sound and producing a pleasing, unique tone. Whether you prefer the deeper, fuller sound of nylon or the muted, deeper sound of POM, both switches offer a different yet satisfying typing experience 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 KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is evident that the Milky Yellow requires a heavier force than the Purple Star. The Milky Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a more medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Purple Star has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a lighter switch. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying force requirements. Those who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the Milky Yellow, while those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Purple Star. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, we find that the Milky Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Purple Star has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Milky Yellow switch provides a more traditional travel distance, while the Purple Star offers a slightly shallower experience. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Purple Star for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may opt for the Milky Yellow. Both switches offer unique experiences, with the Milky Yellow providing a longer travel distance and the Purple Star offering a shorter one for more rapid key response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance.
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 KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch offers a thocky and bassy sound profile with low-pitched tones, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. The aerodynamic design of the stems and the enlarged hollowed-out stem post contribute to a smoother and quieter key press, minimizing any potential clatter. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switch also delivers a low-pitched sound, creating a mellow typing experience that is gentle on the ears. Both switches offer a pleasant auditory feedback, with the CAP V2 Milky Yellow leaning towards a deeper and richer tone compared to the Purple Star.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and uniform. The innovative CAP structure and enhanced stability of the switch contribute to a refined typing feel, reducing any potential wobble and enhancing overall stability. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star switch provides a mild typing experience that is easy to press, offering gentle resistance with a light actuation force. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, ideal for light typists seeking a comfortable typing feel with minimal finger fatigue.
Considering all the available information, both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Purple Star switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Milky Yellow provides a thocky and buttery typing experience with enhanced stability and smooth keystrokes, the Purple Star offers a gentle and easy-to-press feel with a neutral sound profile. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with slight differences in their characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, consider your typing preference and habits. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a thocky, bassy sound with a buttery feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a low-pitched sound with a mild, easy-to-press feel, the KTT Purple Star may be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose based on what best suits your typing needs.
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