Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 28g
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g each offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The CAP Anniversary, with its innovative CAP structure, excels in delivering smooth keystrokes thanks to a unique stem design that features tiny holes for air release, minimizing resistance and enhancing stability. This switch is often described as 'snappy', 'creamy,' and 'polished', creating an enjoyable typing experience that feels both refined and responsive. On the other hand, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g offers a remarkably light actuation force that results in a very responsive feel, producing a bright, crisp sound with each keystroke. This defining characteristic not only makes the Chiikawa switch enjoyable for fast typists but also adds an auditory element that can elevate the typing experience. While the CAP Anniversary prioritizes smoothness and stability, the Chiikawa focuses on lightness and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs perfectly.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
28g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
34g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3X
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary switches and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches, it is striking that both utilize similar materials for their top and bottom housings. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared characteristic is rooted in the inherent properties of polycarbonate, which is a stiffer plastic that allows for more resonance and clarity in sound. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those who utilize RGB lighting in their mechanical keyboard setups, as it enhances the illumination effects, providing a visually pleasing aesthetic.
Conversely, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, a classic material known for generating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder, more muted tone during typing. This material choice enables a unique interplay between the top and bottom housings, with the polycarbonate top enhancing the crispness of the sound when keys are released, while the nylon bottom provides a richer and more resonant sound profile when the keys are bottomed out. Thus, users can expect a harmonious blend of auditory feedback that combines the effects of both materials.
Because both switches share the same top and bottom housing materials, enthusiasts can anticipate a synergistic performance that blends the qualities of each material seamlessly. The clear and sharp sound created by the polycarbonate top will contrast nicely with the fuller, deeper notes from the nylon bottom, resulting in a balanced auditory experience. This shared construction implies that users will likely experience similar tactile and acoustic results across both switch types. Ultimately, whether typing or gaming, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches provide comprehensive sensory feedback, accentuated by the distinct yet complementary properties of their housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of just 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams. This difference in weight means that the Chiikawa switch will provide a more effortless typing experience, making it ideal for long work sessions or extended gaming. Meanwhile, the CAP Anniversary switch offers a firmer feel, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push and more satisfying tactile feedback. Overall, the Gateron switch is heavier, while the Chiikawa switch is lighter, catering to different user preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The CAP Anniversary boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered traditional and offers a more pronounced feel upon keypress. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, appealing to those who prefer quicker response times typical of modern gaming switches. This shorter distance may provide a faster actuation but might feel too abrupt for users who enjoy a more substantial depth in their keystrokes. Therefore, for those seeking a deeper feedback experience, the Gateron CAP Anniversary is the preferable choice, while gamers or those desiring responsiveness might lean toward the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g. Overall, if you prefer hearty depth, the 4 mm travel of the CAP Anniversary will serve you well, whereas the 3.6 mm of the Chiikawa will cater to a quicker, more snappy feel.
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 Bsun Chiikawa - 28g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Chiikawa - 28g for $3.29.
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 Gateron CAP Anniversary switch produces a more muted and refined auditory experience, allowing for a smoother and less intrusive typing sound. This can be attributed to its structural design, which emphasizes a stable keystroke and minimizes excess noise. On the other hand, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch is notable for its bright and crisp sound profile. The lightweight actuation force results in a higher-pitched tone with a more pronounced snap, making it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a more vibrant sound during their typing sessions. Ultimately, while both switches can provide satisfying auditory feedback, the CAP Anniversary leans toward a softer sound, contrasting with the lively resonance of the Chiikawa - 28g.
When assessing the feel of these switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary excels with descriptors like snappy, creamy, and polished. These characteristics promise a highly responsive and buttery typing experience, allowing keys to glide with minimal resistance. The careful engineering of the switch contributes to a sense of stability and precision during use, giving typists a confident and smooth interaction. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g is characterized primarily by its very light actuation force, which enhances its responsiveness. However, without additional information on its feel attributes, it’s hard to provide a comprehensive comparison. Based on the general understanding of linear switches, one might expect a satisfactory experience with Chiikawa, but its texture compared to the creamy and polished nature of the CAP Anniversary remains unknown.
In conclusion, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The CAP Anniversary offers a refined sound and an exceptionally smooth and responsive feel, making it ideal for those seeking a polished typing experience. Meanwhile, the Chiikawa - 28g provides a bright auditory profile with lightweight actuation that emphasizes responsiveness. Depending on your personal preference for sound and tactile sensation, you may find one switch more appealing than the other. Each can deliver an enjoyable typing experience, but the nuances in sound and feel distinguish them in meaningful ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing feel, actuation force, and sound. If you favor a typing experience that feels snappy, creamy, and polished with a medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, the CAP Anniversary would be an excellent option for you. Its unique design offers a smooth keystroke and stability, making it suitable for both typing and gaming, especially if you enjoy a bit of resistance under your fingers. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with an actuation force of just 34 grams that provides quick responsiveness and a bright sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g would be the better fit. This switch's light action makes it ideal for those who type rapidly or have a softer touch during keystrokes. By understanding these differences, you can select the switch that will enhance your typing experience, whether you aim for tactile enjoyment or rapid input efficiency.
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