Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the TTC Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to consider their unique features and characteristics. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow is known for its innovative CAP structure, ensuring remarkably smooth keystrokes with aerodynamically designed stems that reduce resistance for a smoother action. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red is prized for its silent operation, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces with its muted sound profile. Both switches offer a buttery and polished typing experience, but the CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a bassy and low-pitched feel, while the TTC Silent Red provides a mild and subtle typing sensation. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the TTC Silent Red, it is evident that they both use nylon for the bottom housing. This means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material in the bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound, which can be satisfying for users seeking a quieter typing experience. Therefore, in terms of sound profile and typing feel, users can expect similar results from both switches.
However, when it comes to the top housing material, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow uses nylon while the Silent Red uses polycarbonate. The choice of housing material in the top can significantly impact the sound profile of the switch. While nylon creates a softer and fuller sound, polycarbonate produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. Therefore, users looking for a switch with a more vibrant and clear sound may prefer the Silent Red over the CAP V2 Milky Yellow for its polycarbonate top housing.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the TTC Silent Red will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. While both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, their top housing materials differ, resulting in distinct sound profiles. Users who prefer a softer and fuller sound may gravitate towards the CAP V2 Milky Yellow, while those seeking a sharper and crisper sound may find the Silent Red more to their liking. Regardless of the choice made, both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the TTC Silent Red linear switch. The Milky Yellow requires 50 grams of force to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, while the Silent Red only needs 45 grams to actuate and 63.5 grams to bottom out. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a bit of resistance. The slight difference in force may not be significant enough to drastically change the typing feel, so users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Silent Red has the shorter travel distance, making it slightly quicker to actuate compared to the Milky Yellow. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may lean towards the Silent Red due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more pronounced key press may opt for the Milky Yellow with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch offers a muted sound that is softer and quieter, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. Both switches deliver a unique auditory experience, with the CAP V2 Milky Yellow offering a more pronounced and bass-heavy sound compared to the subtler and quieter sound of the Silent Red.
When it comes to feel, both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the TTC Silent Red switches are described as buttery, providing a smooth and effortless typing sensation. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch also boasts enhanced stability and reduced wobble, thanks to its innovative design features such as the enlarged and hollowed-out stem post. Meanwhile, the TTC Silent Red switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with smooth key travel and reduced friction for maximum comfort. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable and uniform typing feel, making them suitable for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and TTC Silent Red switches each have their own strengths in terms of sound and feel. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow provides a thocky and bassy sound with enhanced stability, while the TTC Silent Red offers a muted sound profile and a polished typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch could be a great choice for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer high quality and reliable performance, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a linear switch with a slightly higher bottom out force and a unique CAP structure design that promotes smooth keystrokes and enhanced stability, then the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a lower bottom out force and a consistent, buttery feel throughout, then the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the one for you. Consider your sound preference, bottom out force, and typing feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct advantages, so choose the one that best suits your personal preferences and typing style.
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