Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie both offer unique advantages that cater to different typing preferences. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow is celebrated for its buttery touch, thocky auditory feedback, and bassy sound profile, enhanced by an innovative CAP structure that minimizes resistance and maximizes stability for a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out as a medium-weight switch crafted from high-quality POM, delivering a satisfying thocky sound while ensuring a smooth keystroke that appeals to enthusiasts seeking an economical yet premium option. Each switch embodies distinct qualities that can significantly impact your typing experience, whether you prefer the silky-smooth action of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow or the delightful auditory feedback of the Sea Salt Smoothie. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow Linear

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, one can observe clear distinctions in their construction that result in different sound profiles. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is traditionally known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. Its softer nature aids in sound absorption, yielding a rounder and more muted auditory experience. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes POM (polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. This material is lauded for its unique sound production, offering a distinctive auditory profile that preserves a richness in tone while also maintaining some muted qualities. Notably, while both switches can deliver satisfying auditory experiences, their materials diverge in how they achieve these sound characteristics.

The difference in sound profiles between the two switches can largely be attributed to the properties of their respective materials. The nylon used in the CAP V2 gives it a classic sound profile, characterized by a softer and less harsh tone. In contrast, the POM material of the Sea Salt Smoothie, while similarly producing a deeper sound, may offer a more nuanced auditory experience that many users find appealing. Both materials aim to create a pleasant typing experience, but the tactile feedback and sound nuances might vary due to the qualities of nylon versus POM. This means that while both switches are designed to provide a satisfying feel and sound, the specific auditory amenities of each material shape the way users experience them.

Despite the differences in housing materials, users can expect certain similarities between the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and Sea Salt Smoothie due to their overall design and purpose. Both switches are engineered to optimize typing performance, and their deeper sound profiles contribute to creating a comfortable environment for significant typing sessions. However, the way sound manifests when bottoming out or releasing the key will differ depending on the material's properties—nylon providing a softer acoustic response for the CAP V2 and POM offering a richer timbre for the Sea Salt Smoothie. Nonetheless, both switches are positioned to elicit an enjoyable typing experience, making them suitable choices for different tactile and auditory preferences among users.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find that the CAP V2 Milky Yellow requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Sea Salt Smoothie's 48 grams. This makes the Sea Salt Smoothie the lighter option, which may be preferable for users looking to reduce fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a defined bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a substantial resistance when pressing down fully, while the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, leaving a gap in our understanding of its tactile feedback when fully depressed. If the bottom out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie were similar to that of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow, users could expect a comparable typing experience; however, without this information, it's difficult to draw a definitive conclusion. Overall, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow provides a firmer feel, while the Sea Salt Smoothie's lighter actuation may appeal to those seeking a gentler touch.

Travel distance

The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option that caters to those who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing a key. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, appealing to users who favor quicker response times, particularly gamers seeking a more responsive performance. The difference in travel distance highlights that the CAP V2 Milky Yellow offers a longer and potentially more satisfying keypress for users who enjoy depth, while the Sea Salt Smoothie may feel more abrupt but provides faster activation for those who prioritize speed. Thus, if you prefer a robust key experience, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow would be the preferred choice, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie would suit those inclined towards rapid keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch is characterized by a thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound profile. The deep and rich auditory feedback from each keystroke results in a satisfying experience, akin to a soft thud or knock, which can evoke a sense of indulgence during typing sessions. The thocky quality resonates well with users who appreciate a more full-bodied acoustic response. In contrast, while specific sound characteristics of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch are unknown, it is generally suggested that linear switches tend to be quieter than their clicky counterparts, often producing a more subdued sound. However, the Sea Salt Smoothie's exact sound profile remains lesser-known to gauge and compare its auditory qualities accurately.

In terms of feel, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch offers a buttery typing experience, providing users with a smooth and fluid keystroke. The innovative aerodynamically designed stems and enlarged, hollowed-out stem post enhance stability and minimize wobble, making each keypress feel particularly seamless and effortless. On the other hand, the feel characteristics of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie remain unspecified; thus, it’s difficult to directly compare tactile sensations. Typically, the lack of certain descriptors in the Smoothie's profile makes it challenging to ascertain how it might measure up against the smoothness and stability provided by the CAP V2 Milky Yellow.

In conclusion, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch stands out for its thocky sound and buttery feel, promising an enjoyable typing experience characterized by depth and fluidity. While the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie holds promise, its sound and feel qualities remain unclear, leaving it to the user’s preference as to which switch ultimately may suit them better. If you are inclined towards a specific auditory and tactile experience, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow may be the more reliable choice, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie could cater to those seeking a cost-effective option without the complete clarity on its feel and sound profile.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more tactile and heavier keystroke with a pronounced sound profile, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, combined with its innovative CAP structure and smooth action, makes it ideal for those who appreciate stability and a satisfying thocky sound with a buttery feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch that offers exceptional smoothness with a focus on a richer sound experience, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may be the better option for you. While its exact bottom-out force is unknown, the emphasis on a thocky sound profile suggests a unique typing experience that can be quite engaging. Ultimately, consider how you like your keys to feel and sound during use, and let that guide your decision between these two well-crafted switches.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more