Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow is known for its smooth keystrokes, enhanced stability, and low-pitched sound profile, making it a popular choice for those looking for a buttery and thocky typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its creamy feel, high-pitched sound signature, and POK material construction, offering typists a different tactile sensation that is buttery and resonant. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that appeal to different users, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches, it can be seen that both switches utilize different materials for their top housing. While the Milky Yellow features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch uses a proprietary KTT blend for a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. This difference in sound profile showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Vanilla Ice Cream switches once again differ in their material choices. The Milky Yellow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile with its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch features a POK bottom housing, known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. This difference highlights how the bottom housing material can affect both the sound and feel of a switch, with the POK material providing a smooth and clacky typing experience.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches differ in terms of top and bottom housing choices, both switches are designed to offer a unique typing experience. The nylon housing of the Milky Yellow produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the KTT blend in the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Additionally, the choice of bottom housing material, whether nylon for the Milky Yellow or POK for the Vanilla Ice Cream, plays a significant role in determining the smoothness, durability, and overall feel of the switches. Ultimately, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel, but with distinct characteristics based on the housing materials used in each switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Vanilla Ice Cream is the lighter option. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow 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 Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, which is considered light. This means that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch requires less force to activate a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the CAP V2 Milky Yellow. Depending on personal preference, some users may find the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Vanilla Ice Cream more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier feel of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in determining the typing experience and should be considered based on individual preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Vanilla Ice Cream switch slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the CAP V2 Milky Yellow. The 4 mm travel distance of the Milky Yellow switch is more traditional, offering a balance between depth and responsiveness, while the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch caters to those who prefer a quicker response time. Both switches are suitable for different preferences and usage scenarios, with the shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream providing a faster keystroke and the longer travel distance of the Milky Yellow offering a more tactile feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch is known for its thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound, giving typists a sharp and crisp typing sound. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the CAP V2 Milky Yellow focusing on a deeper and richer tone, while the Vanilla Ice Cream delivers a cleaner and sharper sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches are described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid typing experience. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow offers a remarkably smooth keystroke with minimized resistance and enhanced stability, thanks to its innovative CAP structure. Similarly, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch utilizes POK material in both the stem and bottom housing to offer typists a creamy and effortless typing sensation. Both switches excel in providing a seamless and uniform typing experience, ensuring comfortable typing sessions for users.
In conclusion, while the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches differ in their sound profiles, they both excel in providing a buttery and smooth typing experience. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow leans towards a deeper and richer sound with enhanced stability, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a high-pitched and resonant sound with a creamy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preferences in sound and feel, as both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience in their own unique ways.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth keystroke with reduced wobble, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a high-pitched and clacky sound, and a smooth and creamy typing experience, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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