Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often seek out options that elevate their typing experience, and two noteworthy contenders in the linear category are the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the TTC Yunhai. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow is celebrated for its innovative design, featuring an aerodynamically crafted stem that enhances smooth keystrokes and minimizes resistance, resulting in a buttery and rich typing experience. Its enlarged and hollowed-out stem post further contributes to stability, making it a compelling choice for users looking for a refined feel with a satisfying bassy sound. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai stands out with its feather-light actuation force and deep, rounded sound profile, appealing to typists who prefer a gentle and effortless keystroke that still delivers on auditory enjoyment. While both switches offer unique advantages—smoothness and stability versus lightness and depth—these distinctions can significantly influence your typing experience. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the TTC Yunhai switches, it is noteworthy that both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This common choice signifies a commitment to achieving a softer tactile experience and a unique auditory profile. Nylon's inherent properties—a blend of flexibility and sound-absorbing capability—allow both switches to deliver a deeper and fuller sound. In both instances, the nylon serves to cushion the impact and produce a duller, rounder sound when striking the keys, enhancing the overall typing experience by reducing harsh sounds often associated with harder plastics.
Delving further into the specifics, the impact of having nylon housings for both switches means that the typing experience will remain consistent across both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the TTC Yunhai. With both switches made from this softer material, users can expect a similar bottom-out sound and feel due to the bottom housing's contribution to the resistance and auditory feedback upon key depression. The nylon’s characteristics enable a smooth transition throughout the keypress, ensuring that both the keys provide a tactile yet cushioned feedback which is appreciated by typists who value comfort and sound quality in their mechanical keyboards.
While the materials in both switch designs are identical, the distribution of sound characteristics varies depending on the interaction of the user with each housing. The top housing impacts the sound profile more significantly when keys are released, while the bottom housing dramatically influences the initial keypress experience. Therefore, even with the same material composition, enthusiasts may find nuanced differences based on the switch's design and intended use. Overall, users of either switch can expect a rich auditory experience combined with the tactile satisfaction that nylon housing brings, making them appealing choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the TTC Yunhai linear switches exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to diverse typing preferences. The CAP V2 features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch that provides a more substantial feel for users who prefer a stronger tactile response. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suited for users who favor a softer touch for longer typing sessions. This means that, for those who prioritize a lightweight feel for extended use, the Yunhai switch would be the more comfortable choice. Overall, the CAP V2 offers a heavier feel, while the Yunhai provides a lighter experience, highlighting the importance of personal preference when selecting a switch.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch provide distinct experiences in terms of travel distance. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Yunhai offers a shorter distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that if you prefer a more pronounced feedback and depth when pressing the keys, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow would be the more suitable choice due to its longer travel distance. Conversely, if you prioritize faster response times and a more immediate actuation, the TTC Yunhai’s shorter travel distance may appeal to you more. In summary, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow offers a depthier experience at 4 mm, while the Yunhai provides a snappier feel with its 3.6 mm travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 sound, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch produces a bassy sound profile, which offers a deeper and richer acoustic experience during key presses. This lower frequency tone contributes a satisfying auditory feedback that some typists may find appealing. On the other hand, while the sound characteristics of the TTC Yunhai linear switch are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, it is important to note that sound perception can greatly vary based on the keyboard build and keycap choice. Therefore, for those seeking a specific auditory experience, it might be beneficial to explore further into community feedback on the Yunhai's sound profile.
In terms of feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is celebrated for its buttery keystroke experience. This means that users can expect an exceptionally smooth and fluid typing sensation, allowing for a seamless flow during extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Yunhai switches are characterized as feathery, making them exceptionally light to press. This light actuation force minimizes finger fatigue and promotes comfort during long hours of typing or gaming. While the Gateron switch offers a luxurious smoothness, the TTC alternative presents an effortless actuation that may suit typists who prefer lighter resistance.
Combining these qualities, both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the TTC Yunhai switches cater to different preferences. If you're drawn to a deep, bassy sound and the luxurious feel of a buttery keystroke, the CAP V2 may be more to your liking. Alternatively, if you prefer a light touch and a typing experience that minimizes fatigue, the Yunhai may be the better option. Ultimately, personal preference plays a crucial role in determining which switch will provide the best typing experience for you, so exploring both options could yield similar yet distinct results based on what qualities you prioritize.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the TTC Yunhai linear switches largely depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a more substantial feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is an excellent option. This switch is designed for those who appreciate buttery smooth keystrokes and a deeper, bassy sound profile, making it ideal for typing or gaming situations where you want a bit more tactile feedback without overwhelming your fingers. On the other hand, if you are looking for something lighter and less demanding on your fingers, the TTC Yunhai with its 50-gram bottom out force would be your go-to. Its feathery actuation and gentle sound profile offer an effortless typing experience, perfect for long work sessions, writing, or casual gaming without finger fatigue. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by how you like to type—whether you enjoy a robust feel with richer acoustics or prefer a light touch that ensures comfort over extended periods.