Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Smoothie Silver mechanical keyboard switches, the decision ultimately comes down to the type of typing experience you prefer. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow is praised for its remarkably smooth keystrokes due to its innovative CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stems. This switch offers enhanced stability and reduced wobble, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a 'buttery' and 'thocky' typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver is known for its lightning-fast actuation and feather-light touch, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Smoothie Silver differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver has a POM top housing that produces a unique and pleasing sound with a deeper tone that is relatively more muted compared to nylon. While both materials offer a satisfying typing experience, they bring distinct characteristics to the switches.
In terms of bottom housing, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Smoothie Silver also showcase variation in material. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing. Conversely, the Smoothie Silver employs a POM bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. Both bottom housings play a crucial role in the overall sound and feel of the switches, providing a different tactile experience for users.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, they both offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. While the nylon material in the CAP V2 Milky Yellow produces a duller and rounder sound due to its softer composition, the POM material in the Smoothie Silver creates a more muted yet pleasing sound profile. However, the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience may vary, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, both switches offer quality housing materials that enhance the typing experience in their own distinctive ways.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Smoothie Silver's 45 grams, making the Milky Yellow switch slightly more resistant to trigger a keystroke. When it comes to bottoming out, the Milky Yellow requires 65 grams of force while the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Smoothie Silver due to its lighter actuation force, allowing for longer typing periods without fatigue. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may prefer the CAP V2 Milky Yellow for its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Smoothie Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the Milky Yellow. The shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver may appeal to users looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Milky Yellow may provide a more substantial key press, appealing to those who prefer a deeper feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch is known for its thocky and bassy sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver linear switch does not have a defined sound description available, but it is likely to offer a quieter and smoother typing experience due to its POM material. The choice of keycaps and keyboard housing can also influence the sound produced by these switches, so customization options should be considered for optimal sound quality.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is praised for its buttery typing sensation, offering a smooth and uniform keystroke experience. The innovative CAP structure and aerodynamic design of the stems contribute to a stable and wobble-free typing feel. On the contrary, information on the tactile feel of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is not provided, but being an all-POM switch, it is likely to offer a light and responsive typing feel with minimal resistance.
Considering the available information, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch excels in providing a thocky and buttery typing experience with enhanced stability and smoothness. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch boasts lightning-fast actuation and a feather-light touch, with a focus on smoothness and quiet operation. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel, allowing users to achieve a satisfying typing experience based on their individual preferences. Whether choosing the CAP V2 Milky Yellow for its deep and rich sound profile or the Smoothie Silver for its smooth and responsive feel, both switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when selecting between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you value a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth keystroke with minimized resistance, enhanced stability, and reduced wobble, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a short travel distance for quick actuations, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on which features and characteristics align best with your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
