Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Everglide Rice Pudding 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 Everglide Rice Pudding offer distinct experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow, known for its buttery smooth keystrokes and low-pitched, thocky sound, features an innovative CAP structure that enhances stability and reduces wobble, providing a refined typing feel. Its aerodynamically designed stems further minimize resistance, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prioritize smoothness and a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches present a unique option with their hall effect mechanism, which delivers a seamless blend of smooth operation and deep, satisfying sound. This makes them not only enjoyable to use but also compatible with Wooting's advanced keyboards, appealing to enthusiasts who value versatility in their setups. Both switches have their respective strengths, and deciding between them ultimately depends on what kind of tactile and auditory experience you're seeking. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches exhibit key differences in their top housing materials, which directly influence their sound profiles. The CAP V2 features a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture and ability to absorb sound effectively. This results in a deeper and fuller acoustic quality, providing a mellow typing experience. In contrast, the Rice Pudding's top housing is made of polycarbonate, which is a stiffer plastic that enhances clarity and resonance in sound. This material creates a sharper, crisper auditory feedback, making it particularly appealing for users who prefer a more pronounced sound when typing.
The bottom housing of both switches, however, utilizes nylon, which lends a degree of consistency to their acoustic performance. Despite the differences in their top housings, the nylon bottom of both switches offers a sound profile characterized by a deeper and rounder tone. This common use of nylon in the bottom housing means that both switches will generate a similar deeper sound when bottomed out, regardless of the distinction between the top housings. This shared material allows for a nuanced interplay between the two housings, where the softer nylon of the bottom housing reinforces the overall sound dampening effects experienced during key presses for both switches.
Ultimately, when comparing these switches, it's clear that while the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and Everglide Rice Pudding showcase divergent sound profiles due to their top housing materials, they share a fundamental acoustic quality through their nylon bottoms. Therefore, while the typing experiences can differ—characterized by the warmth of nylon in the CAP V2 and the crispness of polycarbonate in the Rice Pudding—users can expect a cohesive depth in sound due to the shared nylon bottom. This highlights how the combination of materials in each switch can affect overall performance and user experience, while also revealing a balance in their sound production that stems from the common choice of nylon in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch to the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow requires an actuation force of 50 grams and reaches a bottom out force of 65 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch has a significantly lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a more suitable option for users who prefer a lighter touch while typing or gaming. Consequently, those who enjoy a lighter and less tiring keypress would gravitate towards the Rice Pudding switch, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience due to the increased force would likely prefer the CAP V2 Milky Yellow. Overall, the difference in the actuation and bottom out forces between these two switches highlights their suitability for different typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, a notable difference emerges. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more substantial depth with each key press. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering to gamers and individuals who prefer quicker response times for a more agile typing or gaming experience. While both options can contribute to effective performance, those who appreciate a hearty depth will likely gravitate towards the longer travel of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow, whereas users desiring snappier feedback might opt for the Rice Pudding switch. Thus, if you're looking for a switch that provides a more traditional feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow would be the better fit, while the Rice Pudding is ideal for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is characterized by a thocky, bassy, and low-pitched tone. When pressed, these switches produce a deep and satisfying sound reminiscent of a rich "thud" or soft "knock," offering a resonance that many typists find appealing. This acoustic character adds a certain depth to the keystroke that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the specific sound qualities of the Everglide Rice Pudding switches remain unknown, which leaves an unanswered curiosity about how they might compare in terms of auditory feedback. However, it’s important to bear in mind that the sound a switch produces can be influenced by external factors, including the keyboard board and keycap materials.
Regarding feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches are notably buttery, providing an exceptionally smooth and fluid typing experience. This seamless keystroke action contributes to a comfortable and enjoyable typing environment, allowing for long hours of use without fatigue. The specifics of how the Everglide Rice Pudding switches feel under the fingers are not detailed, meaning there's no direct comparison available on tactile feedback and overall keystroke experience. This feeling of smoothness, or its absence, could be a key differentiator for someone selecting their switch preference, especially for extensive typing sessions.
Taken together, both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switches and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to different user preferences. While the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is well-regarded for its deep, satisfying sound and buttery feel, the characteristics of the Rice Pudding remain a mystery, particularly regarding sound and tactile sensation. Enthusiasts might find that both switches lend themselves to a satisfying typing experience, yet the unknown elements of the Rice Pudding could lead to a variety of outcomes when matched against the well-defined qualities of the CAP V2. For those who prioritize smoothness and sound depth, the Milky Yellow has a clear edge, but discovering the potential of the Rice Pudding could be an intriguing journey for any keyboard enthusiast.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding typing feel, weight, and sound profile. If you favor a medium-heavy keystroke and enjoy a deeper, more satisfying sound with a buttery smooth feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is an excellent choice. Its innovative design minimizes resistance while ensuring stability, making it ideal for those who engage in prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch with a more balanced and versatile typing experience, the Rice Pudding switch may be the better option for you. Its 48-gram actuation force offers a gentle, precise feel, alongside compatibility with Wooting keyboards, making it perfect for enthusiasts looking for a unique typing experience and performance versatility. Overall, consider what aspects are most important to you in your mechanical keyboard experience, and that will guide you to the right choice between these two excellent switches.
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