Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the TKC Tangerine both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow is renowned for its smooth keystrokes and enhanced stability, thanks to its innovative CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stems. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Bassy', and 'Low-pitched', this switch provides a satisfying typing experience with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine offers an incredibly smooth feel and a high-pitched clack, elevating the typing experience to a new level. Categorized as 'Frictionless', 'Buttery', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', the UHWMPE housings of the Tangerine switches add a unique touch to the switch. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences; 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the TKC Tangerine both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow utilizes a classic nylon top and bottom housing, known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the TKC Tangerine features a UHWMPE top and bottom housing, a newer material that offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. While the CAP V2 Milky Yellow offers a duller and rounder sound, the Tangerine provides a more vibrant and sharp sound experience.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the TKC Tangerine aim to enhance the typing experience with their unique sound profiles. The nylon housing of the Milky Yellow contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, creating a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the UHWMPE housing of the Tangerine offers a bright and resonant sound, resulting in a more prominent and lively typing experience. Whether you prefer a softer and subdued sound or a brighter and more vibrant sound, both switches offer distinct options to cater to different preferences.
While the housing materials of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the TKC Tangerine differ in their sound profiles, they both aim to provide an enhanced typing experience with their unique qualities. The split between the top and bottom housings allows each switch to offer a combination of qualities that impact both the bottom-out sound and feel and the sound when releasing a key. Whether you choose the deeper and fuller sound of the nylon housing in the Milky Yellow or the bright and resonant sound of the UHWMPE housing in the Tangerine, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to individual preferences in sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is clear that there are some differences between the two. The Milky Yellow switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. Both switches fall within the medium weight category, with the Tangerine being slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force. When considering weight, some users may prefer the lighter Tangerine switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may lean towards the heavier Milky Yellow switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a different feel and force, catering to users with varying preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them quite similar in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, it can be noted that both offer the same amount of travel distance, resulting in a consistent typing experience for users. The identical travel distances of both switches mean that users can expect similar keypress feel and actuation points when using either of them. Whether choosing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow or the TKC Tangerine linear switch, users can be confident in receiving a consistent typing experience with a travel distance of 4mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow comes in at $3.10, whereas the TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30.
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 producing a thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound, creating a deep, rich, and satisfying auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch is characterized by a high-pitched sound, offering a sharp and crisp tone with each keystroke. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for sound profiles, with the Milky Yellow switch providing a more bass-heavy sound and the Tangerine switch offering a crisper, higher-pitched sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch is noted for its frictionless, buttery, and polished feel, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing sensation with minimal resistance or friction. Both switches prioritize a seamless and uniform typing experience, with the Milky Yellow switch focusing on a buttery feel and the Tangerine switch emphasizing a polished and frictionless touch.
In considering all the available information, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch excels in producing a deep, bassy sound with a buttery and smooth typing feel, emphasizing stability and reduced wobble in its design. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch offers a high-pitched sound with a frictionless and polished feel, incorporating rare UHWMPE housings for enhanced smoothness during typing. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, as both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different tastes in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, consider the key characteristics of each. If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth typing experience with reduced wobble, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force, a high-pitched sound profile, and an incredibly smooth and frictionless typing experience, the TKC Tangerine could be the ideal switch for your keyboard. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force, ensuring that you select the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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