Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Haimu Viola Tricolor 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 Haimu Viola Tricolor present intriguing options to consider. The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow, a linear switch, is praised for its remarkably smooth keystrokes and efficient air release due to its aerodynamically designed stems. This switch offers a buttery, thocky typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch, is known for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, along with a pronounced tactility that strikes a perfect balance between feedback and comfort. Categorized as accented, bassy, and low-pitched, the Viola Tricolor offers a unique typing experience for those who enjoy tactile feedback. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, we can see a clear difference in the sound profiles they produce. The nylon top housing of the Milky Yellow creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Viola Tricolor produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in material highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound experience of a keyboard switch.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Milky Yellow and the Viola Tricolor feature nylon material. This consistency in material between the two switches means that their bottom housings will elicit a similar deep and full sound profile, utilizing the softer plastic to absorb sound and create a duller and rounder tone. While the top housings of the switches may differ in material and resulting sound profile, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. This showcases how the choice of housing material can be a defining factor in determining the overall sound and feel of a keyboard switch.
Overall, the contrasting housing materials of the Milky Yellow and Viola Tricolor demonstrate the impact that material choice can have on the sound profile of a keyboard switch. Whether it be nylon for a deeper and fuller sound or polycarbonate for a sharper and crisper tone, the top housing plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound experience. In contrast, the shared nylon bottom housing between the two switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel, highlighting the importance of material selection in creating a desired sound profile for keyboard switches.
Weight
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of around 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. The Viola Tricolor's lack of specified actuation force may lead to a slightly different typing feel compared to the more defined force of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow. When considering weight, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Milky Yellow for longer typing sessions or gaming, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Viola Tricolor with its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Viola Tricolor has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Milky Yellow. A 0.2 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in how the key feels when pressed. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the Viola Tricolor with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Milky Yellow. Ultimately, whether you choose a shorter or longer travel distance will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 produced by the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch, users can expect a thocky and bassy tone with low-pitched characteristics, providing a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch also offers a similar bassy and low-pitched sound profile, ensuring a satisfying auditory experience. Both switches bring a sense of depth and richness to the typing sound, creating a pleasant acoustic environment for users.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch is described as providing a buttery typing experience, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke that feels effortless and uniform. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is known for its accented tactility, providing a medium level of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. With an invigorating typing sensation, the Viola Tricolor switch offers a firm actuation force and reactive feel that enhances the overall typing experience.
Taking all the available information into consideration, both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Milky Yellow switch presents a smoother action and stability with its innovative design, the Viola Tricolor switch delivers a thuddy sound profile and a balanced tactile sensation. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience, both switches offer distinct advantages that can enhance your overall satisfaction with your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force and a smoother keystroke with a thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lower bottom out force, a thuddy and punchy sound profile, and an accented, invigorating typing feel, the Haimu Viola Tricolor could be the switch that suits your preferences best. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable to you as you type on your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
