Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a plethora of options available, each offering unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. In this comparison, we will look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow, a linear switch, and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown, a tactile switch. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow is praised for its incredibly smooth keystrokes due to the innovative CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stems. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a subtle tactile sensation with a gentle bump, along with a frosted light diffuser for enhanced RGB lighting. While the Milky Yellow offers a 'buttery' and low-pitched typing experience, the G Pro Brown is described as 'mild' and easy-to-press. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown, it is clear that the CAP V2 Milky Yellow features a nylon top housing, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown incorporates a polycarbonate top housing. The use of nylon in the CAP V2 Milky Yellow results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. This difference in housing material contributes significantly to the overall sound experience of the two switches.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the G Pro 3.0 Brown feature a nylon bottom housing. This means that typing on both switches will elicit a similar deep and full sound profile, as nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While the bottom housing may not have as much of an impact on the overall sound profile compared to the top housing, having the same material for both switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience. The nylon top housing in the CAP V2 Milky Yellow provides a different sound compared to the polycarbonate top housing in the G Pro 3.0 Brown, with the former offering a deeper and fuller sound and the latter delivering a sharper and crisper sound. However, the similarity in their nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches share a common ground in terms of sound characteristics, showcasing how housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches.
Weight
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch with an actuation force of 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Milky Yellow requires a heavier 65 grams compared to the Brown switch’s 63 grams. The Milky Yellow switch provides a slightly lighter initial keystroke but a heavier feel when bottoming out, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch offers a slightly heavier actuation force but a lighter bottom out force, providing a balanced typing experience for those who enjoy a medium feel throughout. Overall, both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out force, catering to different preferences for typing or gaming purposes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom is the same for both switches. Therefore, when considering the travel distance, you can expect similar results when using either switch. Both switches offer the same level of keypress depth, ensuring a consistent typing experience for users.MouseListener.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
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 CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch offers a thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch are not specified in the provided information. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is described as providing a buttery typing experience, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation for effortless and uniform typing. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is known for being easy-to-press, with gentle resistance during key presses that require minimal force to activate. Additionally, it offers a mild and stepped feel, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics.
Overall, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch excels in delivering a thocky and buttery typing experience with its innovative design features for enhanced stability and smooth keystrokes, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch stands out for its subtle tactile sensation designed to complement your typing flow and provide a satisfying auditory feedback. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for users. Whether you opt for the Milky Yellow linear switch or the G Pro Brown tactile switch, you can expect to receive similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, you should consider your preferences in terms of typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth keystroke with minimal resistance and enhanced stability, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a gentle tactile bump, easy-to-press keys, and a budget-friendly option with a frosted light diffuser for enhanced RGB lighting, the G Pro 3.0 Brown may be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and needs, so make sure to consider what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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