Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gateron CAP Anniversary
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron CAP Anniversary switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron CAP Anniversary mechanical keyboard switches, there are key differences to consider. The Bamboo Green offers a tactile typing experience, characterized by a clacky sound and sparkling tactility, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback while typing. On the other hand, the CAP Anniversary boasts a linear feel with exceptionally smooth keystrokes, thanks to its unique CAP structure designed for reduced resistance and enhanced smoothness. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences - whether you prioritize tactility or smoothness in your 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
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron CAP Anniversary both feature unique housing materials for their switches, with the former using PBT for both the top and bottom housing while the latter utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The PBT housing of the Bamboo Green offers a neutral sound profile, with neither a crisp nor dull sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the CAP Anniversary produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, perfect for those looking to enhance their typing experience with clear and resonant sound. However, the nylon bottom housing of the CAP Anniversary provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the PBT bottom housing of the Bamboo Green, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound.
While the top housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron CAP Anniversary differ in terms of PBT and polycarbonate, respectively, both materials offer distinct advantages to users. The PBT top housing of the Bamboo Green is ideal for those seeking a neutral sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the CAP Anniversary is perfect for those looking for a crisper and sharper sound. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing makes it an ideal choice for users who want to utilize RGB lighting in their setup, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the switches. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the CAP Anniversary provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the PBT bottom housing of the Bamboo Green, highlighting the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of a switch.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron CAP Anniversary play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of the switches. While the PBT housing of the Bamboo Green offers a more neutral sound profile, the polycarbonate top housing of the CAP Anniversary provides a sharper and crisper sound, especially when coupled with RGB lighting. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the CAP Anniversary enhances the sound profile with a deeper and fuller tone compared to the PBT bottom housing of the Bamboo Green. Both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, allowing users to customize their typing experience according to their preferences.
Weight
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch's 50 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, the Bamboo Green has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the CAP Anniversary's 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience when fully pressing down. Those who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Bamboo Green, while those who enjoy a more solid and firm typing experience may opt for the CAP Anniversary. Both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy weight, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equally responsive to keystrokes. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience with both switches in terms of how far the key travels when pressed. This consistency in travel distance can result in a familiar and comfortable typing feel for users who switch between keyboards equipped with these switches. Overall, the two switches provide a consistent typing experience with no notable difference in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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 Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is characterized by a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, producing sharp and crisp sounds during typing. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch does not have specific sound descriptors provided, so it is important to consider that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Bamboo Green is described as having a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished tactile experience, providing a distinct tactile bump with each keypress. Conversely, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch is characterized as snappy, creamy, and polished, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with responsive keystrokes. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their unique tactile and linear qualities.
Overall, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch bring different qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a higher-pitched and resonant sound with pronounced tactile feedback, the Bamboo Green may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smoother, creamier typing experience with responsive keystrokes, the CAP Anniversary switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel during typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a high-pitched and resonant sound profile with a sharp and crisp tactility, the Bamboo Green may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more buttery typing experience with snappy responsiveness, the CAP Anniversary could be more suitable. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for. Consider trying out both switches to see which one aligns better with your preferences.
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