Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Silent Ink Black mechanical keyboard switches, one can see distinct differences in their characteristics. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow is known for its innovative CAP structure, providing remarkably smooth keystrokes with aerodynamically designed stems for minimal resistance. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a silenced typing experience with a cushioned bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, perfect for quieter environments. While the Milky Yellow switch is characterized as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Bassy', and 'Low-pitched', the Silent Ink Black switch is categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Silent Ink Black both feature nylon top housings. However, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow's nylon top housing emits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a pointed and high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. This difference in sound profile can greatly impact the typing experience for users who prefer a certain type of sound when typing on their mechanical keyboard.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both switches also feature nylon bottom housings for the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the proprietary INK blend bottom housing for the Silent Ink Black. Just like with the top housings, the characteristics of the housing materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The softer nylon bottom housing of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow creates a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out keys, while the INK blend bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black results in a high-pitched and clacky sound when keys are pressed.
In conclusion, while the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Silent Ink Black share similar housing materials in their top and bottom housings, the differences in sound profile brought about by these materials can greatly impact the typing experience for users. The softer nylon material of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the proprietary INK blend material of the Silent Ink Black produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Ultimately, each housing material offers a unique typing experience, catering to different preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, we can see differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Ink Black's 60 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, the bottom out force for the Milky Yellow is 65 grams, slightly lighter than the Silent Ink Black's 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy range, offering a balance between comfort and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces based on personal typing style and usage.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users will receive consistent feedback and performance from both switches, resulting in similar typing experiences. Despite any other differences between these two switches, their travel distance remains the same, providing a reliable and comfortable typing experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch is known for its thocky, bassy, and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a muted sound profile, ensuring a softer and quieter typing experience. While the Milky Yellow switch delivers a more pronounced and bass-heavy auditory feedback, the Silent Ink Black switch focuses on minimizing noise for a more discreet typing environment.
In terms of feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is often described as buttery, emphasizing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that offers a seamless and uniform typing sensation. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black switch is known for its silky and polished feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced key travel. Both switches aim to optimize the typing experience by prioritizing smoothness and comfort, catering to different preferences in tactile feedback.
Overall, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel. The Milky Yellow switch delivers a deep and rich sound with a buttery typing feel, while the Silent Ink Black switch prioritizes a muted sound with a silky and polished typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and tactile feedback, both switches provide unique options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a customized typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you prioritize a smoother keystroke experience with enhanced stability and reduced wobble, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience in environments where noise is a concern, the Silent Ink Black switch with its cushioned bottom-out feel and muted sound profile might be more suitable. Consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel characteristics described for each switch to determine which one aligns best with your preferences and usage scenario. Ultimately, the decision rests on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
