Kailh Box Jade vs. Gateron CAP Anniversary
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron CAP Anniversary switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the clicky Kailh Box Jade and the linear Gateron CAP Anniversary mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with distinct typing experiences. The Box Jades are ideal for those who enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience accompanied by a satisfying clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, making them perfect for typists who crave auditory and tactile stimuli while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switches offer a smooth keystroke due to their innovative CAP structure, promoting a seamless and effortless typing experience. The hollowed-out stem post enhances stability and minimizes wobble, providing a polished and creamy typing feel. 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
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and Gateron CAP Anniversary both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is useful for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Box Jade and CAP Anniversary differ in their bottom housing materials. The Box Jade uses nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties that absorb more sound. In contrast, the CAP Anniversary also features a nylon bottom housing for a similar sound effect.
Despite their similarities in using polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the Kailh Box Jade and Gateron CAP Anniversary offer slightly different typing experiences. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound due to its softer properties. When typing on these switches, you'll feel the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the top housing, made of polycarbonate in both switches, plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, creating a sharp and clear sound profile.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and Gateron CAP Anniversary play an essential role in shaping the typing experience and sound profile of these switches. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing to produce a sharp and crisp sound, they differ in their bottom housing material. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a unique typing experience. Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in these switches offers a balance between sharpness and depth in sound production.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch reveals some key differences. The Box Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the CAP Anniversary's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Jade requires 60 grams, while the CAP Anniversary needs 65 grams, making it slightly heavier. This means that the Box Jade provides a lighter typing experience overall, perfect for those who prefer a softer touch. On the other hand, the CAP Anniversary offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with some users preferring a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier feel for a more tactile experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Box Jade offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers for fast-paced gameplay. On the other hand, the CAP Anniversary switch provides a bit more depth in key presses, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of whether you value a shorter travel distance for speed or a longer one for a more deliberate key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Box Jade clicky switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, producing sharp and crisp clicks that are reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch's sound profile is unknown, which makes it difficult to directly compare. It is important to note that the sound of a keyboard switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch is known for providing an invigorating typing experience with accentuated tactility that is not overpowering. The tactile feedback is pronounced, offering a moderate to firm actuation force that gives a satisfying and reactive feel while typing. In contrast, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch offers a snappy and creamy typing experience, boasting smooth and buttery key presses that glide effortlessly. The switch is described as polished, providing a refined and sleek typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch offer contrasting experiences in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a high-pitched sound with crunchy tactile feedback, the Box Jade switch is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing experience with pronounced feedback and responsive key presses, the CAP Anniversary switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, providing a diverse range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switches are the way to go. They provide crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps that make typing a satisfying experience. On the other hand, if you prefer exceptionally smooth keystrokes with minimal wobble and stability, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switches are the ideal choice. Their unique stem design and aerodynamic principles result in a smooth and polished typing experience. Ultimately, your decision between the two switches will come down to your preference for clicky tactile feedback or smooth linear keystrokes.
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