Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, it's important to consider their unique characteristics. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow is known for its smooth keystrokes due to the innovative CAP structure, which minimizes resistance for a buttery and thocky typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue stands out with its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a bouncy feel with each keystroke. While the Milky Yellow offers enhanced stability and reduced wobble, the Tourmaline Blue strikes a balance with its standard spring weight. These differences make each switch appealing in its own way. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their respective nylon and polycarbonate materials. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow's nylon top and bottom housings create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic's ability to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate top and bottom housings produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer plastic's clear and resonant qualities. While both housing materials offer distinct sound characteristics, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate ultimately depends on the desired typing experience.
Furthermore, aesthetically speaking, the use of polycarbonate in clear housings like the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers the added benefit of showcasing RGB lighting, enhancing the overall visual experience of the switch. In contrast, the opaque nature of nylon in the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow may limit the visual impact of RGB lighting but still provides a classic switch housing material known for its deep and full sound profile. Despite their differences in appearance and sound, both nylon and polycarbonate housing materials serve specific purposes based on individual preferences for sound and aesthetics.
Ultimately, while the housing materials of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer unique characteristics in sound and appearance, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience. Both nylon and polycarbonate housings play a vital role in determining the sound profile of a switch, with nylon providing a softer and rounder sound while polycarbonate offers a sharper and crisper sound. Whether one prefers the deeper resonance of nylon or the clear, resonant quality of polycarbonate, both options cater to specific preferences and contribute to an overall satisfying typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a crucial role in determining the typing experience. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Tourmaline Blue's 59 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Tourmaline Blue's 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of force required. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, with lighter switches being preferred for extended typing sessions and heavier switches for a more tactile typing feel. Regardless of the differences in force, users can expect similar results in terms of performance and efficiency from both switches.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same level of travel distance. Whether you choose the CAP V2 Milky Yellow or the Tourmaline Blue, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Overall, both switches provide a consistent experience in terms of travel distance, making them suitable options for those who prioritize this aspect in their mechanical keyboards.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 linear switch is known for its thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile, suitable for various users and environments. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Milky Yellow emphasizing a deeper tone while the Tourmaline Blue strikes a balance with its moderate sound profile.
When it comes to feel, both the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Tourmaline Blue switches are described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The Milky Yellow switch further enhances stability and reduces wobble for a refined typing feel, while the Tourmaline Blue offers an easy-to-press sensation with gentle resistance and minimal force required for activation. The mild characteristics of the Tourmaline Blue switch make it approachable to most users, providing a comfortable and responsive typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Milky Yellow excels in providing a deep and satisfying sound with enhanced stability, the Tourmaline Blue offers a neutral sound profile and an easy-to-press feel for a comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, and both switches are capable of delivering high-quality performance for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smoother keystroke with reduced wobble, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deep and thocky sound profile, along with a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences to ensure a satisfying keyboard experience.
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