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Gateron Beer vs. Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow

An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Beer, with its translucent green design inspired by a Tsingtao beer bottle, provides a tactile typing experience that is both easy to press and offers a subtle tactility thanks to its stepped design. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow stands out for its smooth keystrokes and innovative CAP structure, which minimizes resistance and enhances stability for a buttery and thocky typing experience. While the Beer switch leans towards a clacky sound signature and a light touch, the Milky Yellow switch boasts a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. 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

38g

Actuation force

50g

Bottom-out force

50g

Bottom-out force

65g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.40 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

Polycarbonate

Top housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

22mm lengthened gold-plated spring

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow, it is evident that they both offer distinct sound profiles due to their different composition. The polycarbonate used in the top housing of the Beer creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the nylon used in the top housing of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow elicits a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in sound can be attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate versus the softer nature of nylon, which affects how sound is absorbed and resonated within the switch.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Beer and the CAP V2 Milky Yellow feature polycarbonate and nylon respectively. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, similar to its top housing, while the nylon bottom housing of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow creates a deeper and fuller sound. Again, the difference in sound can be traced back to the differing properties of the materials, with polycarbonate being stiffer and nylon being softer, affecting the overall sound experience of typing on these switches.

Despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Beer and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow, both switches share the commonality of offering unique sound profiles based on the characteristics of their respective materials. While the Beer's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound compared to the CAP V2 Milky Yellow's nylon housing, both switches are optimized for different sound preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, with each offering a distinct typing experience based on the housing materials used.

Weight

The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more gentle option for typing. In comparison, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience with a heavier feel. The Beer switch is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch and want to type for longer periods without fatigue, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is better suited for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring that users can choose the one that best fits their preferences.

Travel distance

The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Milky Yellow switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Beer switch. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Milky Yellow switch is more traditional, offering a deeper key press feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Beer switch is shorter, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking faster response times. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences, with the shorter travel distance of the Beer switch providing a more responsive feel, while the longer travel distance of the Milky Yellow switch offers a deeper key press experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed or key press depth in your typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.

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 Beer tactile switch offers a distinctive clacky sound, characterized by a sharp and snappy tone that can be described as crisp and percussive. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch provides a thocky and bassy sound profile, offering a deep and rich tone during key presses. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Beer switch leaning towards a more vibrant and lively sound, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch provides a deeper and more satisfying sound overall.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance and minimal force required to activate the switch. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue and providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch is described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and uniform. While the Beer switch offers a stepped tactility with a subtler feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch focuses on providing a stable and refined typing sensation with enhanced stability and reduced wobble.

In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Beer switch provides a clacky sound with an easy-to-press feel, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch boasts a thocky sound with a buttery typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, it is important to note that both switches deliver top-notch performance and can provide a satisfying typing experience regardless of the choice made.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a light and easy-to-press tactile switch with a distinct clacky sound, the Gateron Beer switch would be a great choice for you. Its unique stepped tactility and characteristic clacky sound signature provide a refreshing typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy linear switch with a smooth and buttery feel, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is the way to go. With its innovative CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stems, these switches offer enhanced stability and reduced wobble for a refined typing feel. Ultimately, your preference will depend on whether you prioritize a light tactile switch with a clacky sound or a medium-heavy linear switch with a buttery feel.

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