Gateron Aliaz vs. Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, it's easy to see that they each offer unique features catered to different preferences. The Aliaz switch is a tactile option that excels in quiet environments like the office, providing a medium-heavy weight that offers a substantial feel to each keystroke. On the other hand, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is a linear switch known for its smooth keystrokes and innovative CAP structure, designed to minimize resistance and provide a smoother action. While the Aliaz switch is praised for its tactile feedback and muted sound, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow stands out for its smoothness and stability. These general pointers can help guide your decision in choosing between the two switches; 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
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow, we see that both switches have different top and bottom housing materials. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a nylon top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate housing in the Aliaz creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the nylon housing in the CAP V2 Milky Yellow produces a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in sound profile is mainly due to the stiffness of polycarbonate versus the softness of nylon, with polycarbonate resulting in a more clear and resonant sound, and nylon creating a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate housing in the Aliaz allows for a clearer and sharper appearance due to its translucency, making it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon housing in the CAP V2 Milky Yellow provides a more classic look and feel to the switches. The choice of housing material can also impact the overall typing experience, with the stiffer polycarbonate in the Aliaz offering a crisper feel when pressing down on keys, and the softer nylon in the CAP V2 Milky Yellow providing a more cushioned typing experience.
While the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow offer different sound profiles and typing experiences, both switches showcase the importance of housing material in determining the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch. Whether you prefer the sharper, higher-pitched sound of polycarbonate in the Aliaz or the deeper, fuller sound of nylon in the CAP V2 Milky Yellow, the choice of housing material can greatly impact your typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch, the Aliaz has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Aliaz provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Aliaz being heavier and the CAP V2 Milky Yellow being lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether a lighter or heavier typing experience is desired.
Travel distance
both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This makes them equally suitable for those who prefer a keypress with a moderate amount of travel. Whether you choose the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch or the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch, you can expect a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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
The Aliaz tactile switch offers a muted sound profile, ideal for quiet environments like offices, providing a more subtle typing experience without the typical mechanical keyboard noise. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch produces a thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound that can be described as deep, rich, and satisfying, enhancing the auditory feedback during typing sessions. In terms of feel, the Aliaz switch is praised for its silky and polished typing experience, delivering smooth key presses with minimized resistance. In contrast, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch offers a buttery feel, ensuring a seamless and effortless keystroke experience with uniform feedback.
Overall, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy weight and a pronounced tactile feedback, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deep and satisfying sound profile along with a buttery smooth keystroke sensation, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch could be more to your liking. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel, so selecting the one that aligns with your typing style and environment is essential to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that provides a substantial keystroke feel and a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Aliaz switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a smooth keystroke and a deep, rich sound profile, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the tactile feedback and quietness of the Aliaz switches or the smoothness and satisfying sound of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so consider these factors carefully before making your choice.
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