Gateron Beer vs. Gateron CAP Anniversary
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Gateron CAP Anniversary switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Beer and the Gateron CAP Anniversary. The Beer switch stands out with its mesmerizing translucent green color, evoking the allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle. Known for its lightweight and stepped tactility, this switch offers a unique typing experience with a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the CAP Anniversary switch features a novel CAP structure that results in exceptionally smooth keystrokes. Designed with aerodynamic principles in mind, this switch reduces resistance and enhances smoothness for a polished typing experience. While the Beer switch is 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Stepped', the CAP Anniversary switch is 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeals, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
Polycarbonate
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
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Beer and the Gateron CAP Anniversary feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic material. This results in a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. The similarities in the top housing material mean that users can expect a similar sound profile and aesthetic experience when using either switch, especially when it comes to the impact on sound when pressing down on a key.
Where the Gateron Beer differs from the Gateron CAP Anniversary is in the bottom housing material. The Beer utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, continuing the trend of creating a sharp sound profile with more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. On the other hand, the CAP Anniversary features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials can significantly influence the overall typing experience and sound produced by each switch.
In summary, while both the Gateron Beer and the Gateron CAP Anniversary share the same polycarbonate top housing, they diverge in their choice of bottom housing material. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer contributes to a sharper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the CAP Anniversary results in a deeper and fuller sound. These differences highlight the impact that housing materials have on the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches, showcasing how material choice can customize the typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch, it is clear that the Beer is the lighter option. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. In contrast, the CAP Anniversary has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. For those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, the CAP Anniversary would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Beer would be more suitable. Both switches provide different levels of tactile feedback, with the Beer offering a lighter touch and the CAP Anniversary providing a more pronounced push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Beer offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the CAP Anniversary switch provides a more substantial depth when pressed, which may be preferred by those looking for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or enjoy a more pronounced key press. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users will get similar results regardless of which one they choose.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as producing a characteristic clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is not specified, so it may not have the same distinct clackiness as the Beer switch. However, it's important to note that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard casing, plate material, and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. The stepped tactility of the Beer switch provides a more subtle tactile feel compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is described as having a snappy feel, indicating a super responsive typing experience. Additionally, the CAP Anniversary switch is noted for its creamy and polished typing experience, offering smooth and buttery key presses with reduced friction.
Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch provides a clacky sound signature and an easy-to-press, stepped tactile feel, while the CAP Anniversary switch offers a smooth and polished typing experience with a snappy feel. If you prefer a sharper, more percussive sound and a lightweight, easy-to-press feel, the Beer switch might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, buttery typing experience with enhanced responsiveness, the CAP Anniversary switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a lighter bottom out force, stepped tactility, and a clacky sound signature, the Beer switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, exceptional smoothness, and a snappy, creamy, or polished feel, the CAP Anniversary switch could be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences to ensure the best keyboard experience for you.
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