Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and Durock Sea Glass switches both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow is celebrated for its remarkably smooth keystrokes, thanks to its innovative CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stems that minimize resistance for a buttery and thocky typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switches present a captivating selection of pastel colors and a distinct dryness and airiness in their typing feel, despite their 62g bottom-out force. While the Sea Glass switches offer a frictionless and feathery typing experience, the Milky Yellow switches provide enhanced stability and a bassy, low-pitched sound signature. Ultimately, determining the best switch for you depends on your personal preferences and typing style; 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Durock Sea Glass both use nylon as their top housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. However, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow's nylon top housing absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a slightly brighter sound profile. This slight difference in sound profile could be a determining factor for users who have a preference for a specific sound when typing.
In terms of bottom housing material, both switches also utilize nylon, offering a similar deep and full sound profile. The softer plastic of the nylon material in both switches absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out keys. However, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing may contribute slightly to a brighter sound profile compared to the CAP V2 Milky Yellow's nylon bottom housing. This subtle difference in sound could be appreciated by users who are particular about the sound quality of their keyboard switches.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and Durock Sea Glass switches contribute to their unique sound profiles. While both switches feature nylon in their housing materials, the slight differences in composition, such as the Sea Glass's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, could lead to variations in sound brightness and depth. Ultimately, users may find that the housing materials of these switches play a significant role in the typing experience, as they impact the sound quality and feel of the switches when in use.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that the Sea Glass is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Sea Glass has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range of actuation force, with the Milky Yellow being on the heavier side. The weight of a switch is essential to consider as it can impact typing comfort and overall typing experience. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Sea Glass for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may gravitate towards the heavier feel of the Milky Yellow for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, the Sea Glass has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the CAP V2 Milky Yellow's 4 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Sea Glass being slightly shallower. Gamers may prefer the Sea Glass for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more hearty feel when pressing down on a key may opt for the CAP V2 Milky Yellow with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and how it affects typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is known for its thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound profile, delivering a deep and satisfying auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch offers a uniquely hollow sound signature due to its proprietary material blend, providing a dry, wispy, and airy sound that stands out among linear switches. Depending on your choice of board and keycaps, both switches can offer an enjoyable sound experience, with the CAP V2 Milky Yellow providing a deeper, richer tone and the Sea Glass offering a distinct and airy sound.
As for feel, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is praised for its buttery typing experience, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke that is seamless and effortless. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switch is described as frictionless, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Additionally, the Sea Glass switch is noted for its mild and feathery characteristics, requiring little exertion and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, both switches provide a comfortable typing feel, with the CAP V2 Milky Yellow emphasizing smoothness and the Sea Glass prioritizing lightness and ease of use.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and Durock Sea Glass switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While the CAP V2 Milky Yellow delivers a deep and satisfying sound with a buttery typing feel, the Sea Glass switch stands out with its airy sound signature and frictionless, feathery typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a deeper, richer sound profile or a more distinct and smooth typing feel, you can choose between the two switches to suit your preferences. Ultimately, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience that can enhance your overall mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switches and Durock Sea Glass linear switches, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams and enjoy a thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound profile along with a buttery typing feel, then the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 62 grams and value a frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press typing experience with a unique hollow sound signature, then the Durock Sea Glass switches would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your specific preferences in terms of weight, sound, and typing feel.
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