Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches known for their smooth typing experience. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow stands out for its innovative CAP structure, ensuring remarkably smooth keystrokes with minimal resistance due to aerodynamically designed stems. It also boasts enhanced stability and refined typing feel. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon by KTT offers a buttery smooth typing experience with its progressive spring and dry-lube design. While the Milky Yellow is characterized as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Bassy', 'Low-pitched', the Sea Salt Lemon falls under 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild'. 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
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, one key difference is evident in their top housing materials. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow boasts a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption properties. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon features a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffness and clear translucency ideal for RGB lighting. This contrast highlights how the choice of top housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing materials of these switches, both the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Sea Salt Lemon utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The similarity in bottom housing material suggests that both switches will share some common acoustic characteristics despite their differences in top housing materials. This shared foundation in nylon ensures that typing on these switches will elicit a consistent deep and full sound profile.
In essence, the choice of housing materials in a switch can significantly impact its sound profile and feel. The contrast between the nylon top housing of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the polycarbonate top housing of the Sea Salt Lemon showcases how different materials can produce varying sound characteristics. Despite this difference, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent deep and full sound profile for both switches. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience and sound quality of mechanical switches like the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is evident that the Sea Salt Lemon is the lighter option in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the CAP V2 Milky Yellow. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that both switches have identical distances that the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and feedback when using either switch. Whether you choose the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow or the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, you can be confident that the travel distance will be consistent and reliable for your typing experience.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80.
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 Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch is known for its thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound profile, producing a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound, suitable for various uses. Moving on to feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch provides a buttery and smooth keystroke, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users, standing in a safe middle-ground zone. Overall, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch excels in providing a thocky and buttery typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a low-pitched and mild approach suitable for a wide range of users. Depending on personal preferences, both switches can deliver a satisfactory typing experience with unique sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy feel, opt for the CAP V2 Milky Yellow with its 65-gram bottom out force. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light feel, the Sea Salt Lemon with its 53-gram bottom out force would be a better choice. Additionally, if you enjoy a thocky and bassy sound profile, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow would be suitable for you. However, if you prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound, the Sea Salt Lemon may be more to your liking. Lastly, if you prefer a buttery typing experience, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is the way to go, while those preferring a mild typing experience may find the Sea Salt Lemon more appealing. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your specific preferences for key feel, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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