Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 45g
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switches offer distinct yet appealing features tailored to different typing preferences. The CAP Anniversary stands out with its innovative CAP structure and unique stem design that enhances smoothness and stability, resulting in a typing experience that feels both snappy and polished. Its aerodynamic principles and air-release holes minimize resistance, making it an excellent choice for users who crave a refined and fluid keystroke. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g is characterized by its very light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it exceptionally responsive. This switch caters to those who prefer a lively and crisp auditory feedback during typing. While both switches promise a satisfying linear experience, they cater to different aspects of user enjoyment—from the silky smoothness of the CAP Anniversary to the engaging sound of the Chiikawa. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
51g
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
The Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches both incorporate the same materials for their construction, specifically polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. This shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing results in a sharper and more resonant sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity of each keystroke, allowing users to experience a crisper auditory feedback when typing. Additionally, both switches benefit aesthetically from the transparent quality of polycarbonate, making them ideal for integration with RGB lighting setups, as the light can pass through the housing and illuminate the switch effectively.
However, while the top housings of both switches exhibit similar characteristics due to the shared polycarbonate material, their bottom housings—composed of nylon—contribute significantly different acoustic profiles. The nylon used in both the CAP Anniversary and the Chiikawa - 45g fosters a deeper, fuller sound. As nylon is softer and absorbs more sound compared to the harder polycarbonate, both switches will produce a rounder and less piercing sound at bottom-out, creating an engaging typing experience. This blend of materials results in an overall balanced sound profile, mixing the clarity of polycarbonate's top housing with the depth offered by nylon's bottom housing.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom in both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g connects the two switches through their acoustics and tactile feedback. While their characteristics are distinct—where the top housing emits a sharper sound and the bottom creates a fuller response—the dual materials allow for a cohesive typing experience across both models. As users engage with either switch, they can expect similar auditory and tactile dynamics that balance clarity and depth, making both switches appealing choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a specific sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch to the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The CAP Anniversary switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy and providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 45g features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that typists may find the Chiikawa switch easier to press, resulting in less fatigue over long typing sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a firmer feel may gravitate toward the heavier CAP Anniversary switch for its weighty feedback. In summary, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, while the CAP Anniversary is the heavier one, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The CAP Anniversary has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Chiikawa - 45g offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the custom feels when pressing down on each switch will vary significantly. For users who appreciate a more traditional feel with a deeper actuation, the CAP Anniversary's longer travel distance may be more appealing. Conversely, gamers or those who prefer quicker response times might favor the Chiikawa - 45g, with its shorter travel distance providing a snappier actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference regarding depth and responsiveness in typing or gaming experiences.
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 - 45g 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 - 45g 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 linear switch produces a subdued yet satisfying acoustic profile that blends a gentle thock with minimal audible feedback. The design and construction focus on a more muted experience, making it suitable for those who prefer quieter typing sessions without sacrificing smoothness. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g offers a bright and crisp sound profile characterized by a prominent high-pitched tone that resonates with each keystroke. This distinct auditory character is particularly noticeable due to its lighter actuation force, resulting in a more percussive typing experience. Both switches showcase unique sound qualities influenced by their design, and the overall sound experience may vary further depending on keycap choices and the keyboard frame.
Regarding feel, the CAP Anniversary switches deliver a snappy, creamy, and polished typing experience. The responsive nature of the switch, attributed to a longer spring design, creates an engaging sensation, while the smooth and buttery glide of the keystrokes allows for an effortless typing rhythm. The polished finish enhances this smoothness, minimizing friction and contributing to an overall satisfying tactile feedback with every press. Meanwhile, the Chiikawa - 45g’s feel is distinctly lighter and more agile, catering to those who enjoy a feather-light typing experience. However, the specific descriptors of its tactile feedback are less defined, leaving an opportunity for users to explore its characteristics once they experience them firsthand.
In conclusion, while both Gateron CAP Anniversary and Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches offer their unique auditory and tactile experiences, the CAP Anniversary leans towards a more muted sound with a rich, snappy feel, while the Chiikawa delights with its bright sound and light actuation. Ultimately, the choice between them may come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as each switch provides a distinct typing experience that caters to different typing styles and environments. Users seeking smoother keystrokes will enjoy the CAP Anniversary, while those after a crisp sound and light keystrokes might gravitate towards the Chiikawa - 45g.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and how you intend to use your keyboard. If you favor a medium-heavy switch with a bottom-out force of 65 grams, the CAP Anniversary is an excellent option. Its unique CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design ensure a buttery smooth and snappy typing experience with minimal wobble, making it particularly suitable for long typing sessions or gaming where tactile feedback is critical. On the other hand, if you prefer a more responsive, medium-light switch with a 51 grams bottom-out force, the Chiikawa - 45g is your go-to. Its lighter actuation combined with a bright sound profile makes it ideal for users who type quickly and appreciate a crisp, lively acoustic experience. So, weigh these factors based on your specific needs—whether you are looking for smoothness and stability or responsiveness and sound, and you’ll make the right choice for your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
