Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) both offer unique experiences for typists and gamers alike, despite their shared classification as linear switches. The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow is celebrated for its innovative CAP structure, which ensures buttery smooth keystrokes and a bassy sound profile. Its aerodynamically designed stem, complete with tiny holes to release air, reduces resistance and enhances the overall stability with minimal wobble. This makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a seamless typing experience and a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) boasts Ly stems that promise an equally smooth typing experience, with a distinct resonant sound that can elevate the satisfaction of your keystrokes. While the CAP V2 Milky Yellow leans towards a smooth yet sturdy feel, the Tomcat (Heavy) emphasizes audio feedback alongside tactile performance. Both switches have their distinctive advantages, catering to different preferences in the keyboard community. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$3.10 per 10

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), one of the most notable differences lies in their top housing materials. The CAP V2 utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs sound waves effectively, providing a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, it enhances the clarity and resonance of the sounds produced by the keystrokes. Overall, when one considers the impact of the top housing on sound, the nylon of the CAP V2 leans towards warmth and depth, while the polycarbonate of the Tomcat (Heavy) offers brightness and clarity.

However, when examining the bottom housing, both the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Tomcat (Heavy) share a commonality in employing nylon as their material of choice. This similarity means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when the key is bottomed out. The use of nylon in both models creates a consistent auditory experience, as it effectively absorbs sound and contributes to a duller tone. This shared characteristic offers users a unified feel and acoustic quality in the crucial moment of key actuation, regardless of the distinction between the two switches in their upper housings.

Ultimately, while the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) display contrasting sound profiles in their top housings, their bottom housings align in material choice, facilitating a shared auditory experience during key bottoming out. This combination of materials reveals how the unique qualities of each housing influence the overall performance of the switches. The nuanced interplay between the softer nylon in the bottom and the differing materials in the top results in a harmonious blend of sound characteristics, allowing users to appreciate both depth and clarity in their typing experience, depending on the key's position during operation.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, we find that both options fall into the medium-heavy category but differ slightly in their specifications. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 64 grams. This means that the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is the lighter option when it comes to actuation force, making it potentially more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, where reduced fatigue is desired. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a marginally heavier actuation force, which some users may find provides a more substantial feel while typing. Despite their differences, the bottom out forces are quite close, with the CAP V2 bottoming out at 65 grams and the Tomcat at 64 grams, suggesting that both switches will deliver a similar bottoming out experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there is a noticeable difference: the CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the CAP V2 provides a more traditional and deeper feel, which can be preferred by users who appreciate a more substantial keypress. In contrast, the Tomcat's shorter distance may appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times in their typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference—whether one prefers the more pronounced travel of the CAP V2 or the snappier action of the Tomcat (Heavy).

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch produces a bassy tone, characterized by a deeper and richer sound profile during keystrokes. This lower frequency resonance can enhance the overall typing experience by creating a more immersive acoustic environment. In comparison, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch has an undefined sound profile; thus, it’s unclear how it measures up against the Milky Yellow in terms of auditory feedback. It's worth noting that the sound of any switch can be heavily influenced by factors such as the keyboard plate material and keycap choice, so individual experiences may vary regardless of the switch itself.

Regarding feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is noted for its buttery smooth keystroke, offering a seamless and fluid typing experience. This fluidity is attributed to the innovative CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stem, which work together to minimize resistance and enhance stability. On the other hand, the feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) switch is not explicitly described; hence, we lack specific details about its tactile quality. However, it does possess Ly stems aimed at delivering a smooth typing experience, which may yield a similar result in terms of overall fluidity.

In summary, both switches have the potential to deliver smooth action, with the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow clearly offering a rich bassy sound and a notably buttery feel. The Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch promises a smooth experience as well, but without further information on its sound and feel, it’s challenging to make a direct comparison. For newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards, choosing between these two might come down to personal preference regarding the acoustic experience provided by the CAP V2 Milky Yellow, while the Tomcat could be an equally appealing option if smoothness in typing is the primary focus, despite the lack of detailed subjective qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you value a buttery smooth typing experience with a rich, bassy sound, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is the way to go, especially if you appreciate minimized resistance due to its innovative design features. The medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams provides a satisfying tactile feedback that can enhance your overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you seek a similarly medium-heavy feel but are drawn to a resonant sound profile that complements your typing rhythm, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch would be more suitable for you. The Ly stems in these switches ensure a smooth experience, and their unique acoustics may appeal to those who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what aspects you prioritize in your typing experience—whether it's the distinct sound and smooth action of the Milky Yellow or the effective resonance and solid feel of the Tomcat (Heavy).

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow Linear

$3.10 per 10

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Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more