TTC Bluish White vs. Gateron CAP Anniversary
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron CAP Anniversary switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Bluish White and Gateron CAP Anniversary offer distinct typing experiences for users to choose from. The Bluish White is praised for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the CAP Anniversary stands out for its smooth keystrokes, achieved through a unique aerodynamically designed stem that minimizes resistance and wobble. While the Bluish White is described as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', 'Low-pitched', the CAP Anniversary is categorized as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', 'Polished'. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback or smooth keystrokes, each switch offers its own set of advantages. 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
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron CAP Anniversary, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful when using RGB lighting. However, the nylon bottom housing of both switches differs in material, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both the Bluish White and the Gateron CAP Anniversary utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, allowing for a sharp and clear sound profile, the nylon bottom housing introduces a difference in sound characteristics between the two switches. The deeper and fuller sound elicited from typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing contrasts with the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. The split between top and bottom housing materials allows for a unique combination of sound qualities when using these switches, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron CAP Anniversary ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While both switches offer the benefits of using polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a clear and resonant sound, the nylon bottom housing provides a different typing experience. Whether one prefers a sharper sound profile with the Bluish White or a deeper sound with the Gateron CAP Anniversary, the combination of housing materials in each switch offers a unique typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Bluish White make it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to activate. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the CAP Anniversary provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on the force required, but ultimately, the choice between them would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and desired level of resistance.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Bluish White's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the CAP Anniversary's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and deeper typing experience for those who prefer a more pronounced keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel. Both switches offer a different feel due to their varying travel distances, but will provide similar results in terms of key functionality and durability.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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 TTC Bluish White tactile switch is best characterized by a low-pitched tone, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow sound profile compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch's sound qualities are unknown, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Bluish White switch provides a buttery typing experience, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke feel that is seamless and effortless. With mild characteristics, a stepped tactile sensation, subtle resistance, and a polished finish, these switches offer a comfortable and middle-ground typing experience suitable for most users. In contrast, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch is described as having a snappy and responsive feel, suggesting a lively typing experience due to longer or dual-staged springs. Additionally, the switch is also characterized by a creamy and polished typing sensation, providing smooth and silky key travel.
Overall, while the TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound and a buttery typing feel, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is known for its snappy response, creamy sensation, and polished finish. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users may prefer the satisfyingly poppy sound and buttery feel of the Bluish White switch or opt for the smooth and responsive typing experience provided by the CAP Anniversary switch. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a delightful typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing experience. If you enjoy a lighter bottom out force and a snappy, poppy typing experience with a low-pitched and buttery feel, the Bluish White may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with exceptionally smooth keystrokes, a creamy and snappy feel, and a polished switch finish, then the CAP Anniversary could be the ideal switch for your needs. Consider how you like your switches to sound and feel, as well as the type of typing experience you desire, when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
