Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Huano Strawberry Latte stand out as excellent linear options, each offering unique attributes that cater to different preferences. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and innovative CAP structure, which features aerodynamically designed stems that efficiently release air to minimize resistance. This results in an incredibly buttery typing experience complemented by a thocky, low-pitched sound profile that strikes an appealing balance between tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte excels in its smoothness, utilizing the latest molds for a balanced sound profile that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant, ensuring it suits a wide range of users seeking a pleasant typing experience. While both switches offer exceptional performance, the choice between them ultimately boils down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and Huano Strawberry Latte switches feature distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly influence the typing experience. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its soft texture and sound-absorbing properties. This gives it a deeper, fuller sound profile, characterized by a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte employs POK (polyketone) for its top housing. Although POK offers a smooth typing experience with its low coefficient of friction, it introduces a clackier sound that differs from the muted tones of the nylon. Thus, while both switches ultimately offer positive feedback in terms of sound and feel, their top housing materials contribute notably different auditory qualities.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, with both employing nylon. This similarity means that the bottom-out sound and feel will largely be consistent between the two models. The nylon bottom housing for both switches elicits the same deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing characteristics. As a result, despite the contrasting materials used in the top housings, users can expect a similar auditory sensation when bottoming out the keys, fostering a familiar typing experience at that stage.
When considering the overall impact of the housing materials, the differences between the top and bottom housings play a vital role in determining the total sound profile and tactile feedback during typing. While the nylon bottom housing contributes to the softer bottom-out sound for both switches, the unique characteristics of the top housing will influence the sound on key release. For the CAP V2 Milky Yellow, the softer nylon will maintain a more muted quality, whereas the Strawberry Latte’s POK material will introduce a sharper, clackier sound upon release. Thus, players and typists may prefer one over the other based on their auditory preferences, while still enjoying the consistent and soothing bottom-out feel that both switches provide.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy; this makes it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte boasts a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, appealing to those who favor a softer touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Consequently, if you seek a lighter switch for comfort over extended periods, the Strawberry Latte would be the better choice; however, if you enjoy a stronger push feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow aligns more with your preferences. Overall, with the Strawberry Latte being consistently lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, it offers a distinctly different typing experience compared to the heavier CAP V2 Milky Yellow.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Strawberry Latte has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the CAP V2 the longer travel option, providing a more pronounced keypress that some users may prefer for a feeling of depth. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte's shorter distance may appeal to gamers or those who favor quicker actuation and response times. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference for keypress feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 the sound profile, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch delivers a notably thocky, bassy, and low-pitched auditory experience. This particular sound signature results in a deep and rich tone during key presses, akin to a soft "thud" or a mellow knock when the key is engaged and released. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a more balanced sound profile, striking a middle ground that is neither too quiet nor excessively resonant. While these switches provide distinctly different auditory experiences, the overall sound can still vary greatly depending on the keyboard's build quality and the keycaps used, making both capable of delivering satisfying acoustic results.
In terms of feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow excels with its buttery keystrokes, ensuring a smooth, seamless typing experience. The innovative design elements, including its aerodynamically designed stem and enlarged hollowed-out post, contribute to minimizing wobble and enhancing overall stability, resulting in a refined tactile feel. The Huano Strawberry Latte, however, does not have specific descriptors available concerning its feel, leaving that aspect to be uncovered. As such, while one can confidently note the buttery smoothness of the Gateron switch, the feel of the Huano switches remains an unknown variable to be explored further.
In summary, while both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches offer unique and compelling attributes, they stand out significantly in terms of sound and feel. The CAP V2 is characterized by its rich, thocky auditory feedback and exceptionally smooth keystrokes, making it a strong choice for users who prioritize tactile satisfaction and deeper sound. The Strawberry Latte, on the other hand, provides a balanced sound profile that is versatile but lacks detailed descriptors regarding its tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and typing experience; trying them both could yield similar satisfactory results depending on personal taste.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches, your choice should primarily reflect your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force that provides a stable and solid feel with delightful thocky sound, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is an excellent choice. Its innovative design, featuring a smooth keystroke and enhanced stability, makes it an ideal candidate for both gaming and typing tasks where you might appreciate a more tactile response and richer sound profile. Conversely, if you seek a lighter touch with a more subtle sound, perfect for fast-paced typing or long gaming sessions, the Huano Strawberry Latte is tailored for you. Its lighter bottom out force allows for quicker actuation, and while it maintains a balanced sound profile, it won't distract you from your focus. Therefore, your decision hinges on whether you favor the tactile feedback and richness of sound that the CAP V2 Milky Yellow offers, or the swift responsiveness of the Strawberry Latte.
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