Best Protein Powder for Muscle Gain Whey vs Casein Detailed Review

Hello everyone! I have been working out consistently for about six months now and I am really trying to dial in my nutrition, especially regarding protein intake. I am looking into protein powders to help with muscle gain and recovery, but the sheer number of options is a bit overwhelming.

Specifically, I am trying to understand the real-world differences between whey protein and casein protein. I know whey is fast-acting and often recommended post-workout, while casein is slow-digesting, supposedly good for overnight recovery. I have been using Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey for a while, and it tastes great, but I wonder if adding a casein blend would be more beneficial for my overall progress.

Does anyone here use both types of protein? Perhaps a whey shake after the gym and a casein shake before bed? I am curious about your experiences regarding muscle soreness, strength gains, and even how well they mix and taste. I am based in the Midwest, so brands readily available at places like GNC or online retailers are preferable. Any specific product recommendations for a quality casein protein would be greatly appreciated as well!