KTT Ash Gray vs. Gateron CAP Anniversary
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron CAP Anniversary switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and Gateron CAP Anniversary offer distinct characteristics to suit different preferences. The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is favored for its subtle yet pronounced tactile response, providing a satisfying typing experience without feeling too overwhelming. In contrast, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch stands out for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes, thanks to its innovative CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design. While the Ash Gray is easy-to-press and neutral in feel, the CAP Anniversary offers a snappy and creamy 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
38g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron CAP Anniversary, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in both switches leads to a more clear and resonant sound due to its relatively stiffer nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound profile, both switches offer similar results with their polycarbonate top housings.
In contrast, the Ash Gray and the CAP Anniversary differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Ash Gray utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the CAP Anniversary also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite the difference in top housing material, both switches offer a similar typing experience with their choice of nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron CAP Anniversary showcase the impact of housing materials on sound profile and typing experience. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharp and clear sound, they differ in their choice of nylon bottom housings. The Ash Gray and the CAP Anniversary offer distinct sound profiles due to their bottom housing materials, with the Ash Gray providing a deeper and fuller sound, while the CAP Anniversary creates a duller and rounder sound. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in sound and typing feel, highlighting the importance of housing materials in switch design.
Weight
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams compared to the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. The Ash Gray switch would be preferred by those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the CAP Anniversary switch would be better suited for users who prefer a more substantial push feel when typing. Both switches provide a unique typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, with the lighter Ash Gray offering a smoother typing experience and the heavier CAP Anniversary providing a more pronounced tactile response.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ash Gray offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers who need fast reflexes. On the other hand, the CAP Anniversary provides a more substantial keypress feel with its longer travel distance, catering to users who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, with the Ash Gray being the shorter option and the CAP Anniversary being the longer option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The Gateron CAP Anniversary has an MSRP of $4.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CAP Anniversary for $4.10.
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 KTT Ash Gray tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various typing environments and preferences. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch is influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material.
Moving on to feel, the Ash Gray tactile switch is known for being easy to press, providing a gentle resistance that minimizes finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, its mild tactile feedback strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it a versatile option for different typing styles. In contrast, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is described as snappy, offering super responsive keystrokes that give a lively typing experience. The creamy and polished feel of the CAP Anniversary switch enhances smoothness and key travel, potentially appealing to users seeking a luxurious typing sensation.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch excels in providing a comfortable and responsive typing experience with its easy-to-press nature and mild tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch stands out for its snappy and smooth keystrokes, thanks to its innovative CAP structure and aerodynamic design. While the sound characteristics of the CAP Anniversary switch remain unknown, its focus on stability and smoothness may attract users looking for a refined typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on individual typing style and preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch, consider your preference for actuation force and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a tactile response that's not too overwhelming, the Ash Gray switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smoother keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation force and a snappy or creamy typing feel, the CAP Anniversary switch would be more fitting for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and what qualities you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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