Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. HC Studio Crabapple
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HC Studio Crabapple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HC Studio Crabapple are two options that stand out for their unique features. The CAP Anniversary switch is renowned for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes thanks to the novel CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design, resulting in a typing experience categorized as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Crabapple switch is crafted entirely from POM, providing an effortlessly frictionless typing journey with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each downstroke. Categorized as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Subdued', and 'Textured', the Crabapple switch offers a different typing experience compared to the CAP Anniversary. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HC Studio Crabapple, we can see that the CAP Anniversary utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, especially ideal for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Crabapple features a POM top housing, known for creating a unique, deeper and more muted sound. While the polycarbonate offers a clearer and resonant sound due to its stiffer nature, the POM housing gives a more distinctive sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the CAP Anniversary uses a nylon material that elicits a fuller and deeper sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Crabapple also utilizes a POM bottom housing, further enhancing its deep and muted sound profile. Both switches provide a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing having a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon releasing a key.
Overall, while the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HC Studio Crabapple have their differences in housing materials, they both offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate top housing of the CAP Anniversary delivers a sharper and clearer sound, perfect for those who prefer a more resonant typing experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the POM housing in the Crabapple creates a unique and deeper sound that may appeal to those looking for a more muted typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is evident that the Crabapple switch is lighter in both aspects. The actuation force of the Crabapple is 37 grams, while the CAP Anniversary is 50 grams, making the Crabapple easier to trigger keystrokes. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Crabapple is 45 grams, compared to the CAP Anniversary's 65 grams, indicating that the Crabapple requires less force to fully depress the key. This difference in weight can affect the typing experience, as lighter switches may be preferred for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, while heavier switches may provide a more substantial feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Crabapple switch may offer a faster response time, making it a favorite among gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the CAP Anniversary switch may provide a more substantial depth and feel when typing. It ultimately comes down to personal preference whether you prefer a shorter, more responsive feel or a longer, more tactile experience. Regardless, both switches offer a different typing experience, so choosing between them will depend on your individual typing style and preference in key 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 HC Studio Crabapple has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crabapple for $4.70.
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 is known for its mild and understated sound signature, while the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is described as producing a subdued sound when pressed. This means that the Crabapple switch offers a more dampened and subtle sound compared to the CAP Anniversary switch, which could be preferred by users seeking a quieter typing experience. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard case, keycaps, and typing style.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is praised for its snappy and creamy typing experience, with a smooth and buttery sensation attributed to its unique stem design. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is lauded for its frictionless and mild feel, offering an extremely smooth and gentle typing experience with a subtle texture felt during each keystroke. These characteristics provide users with a different tactile feedback and typing experience, catering to varied preferences in switch feel.
Overall, while both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and HC Studio Crabapple linear switches offer unique qualities that enhance the typing experience, they differ in sound and feel. The CAP Anniversary switch provides a smoother keystroke with a mild sound, while the Crabapple switch offers a frictionless typing journey with a subdued sound. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired typing sensation. Ultimately, regardless of the choice made, both switches are designed to provide a high-quality typing experience and can deliver similar results in terms of performance and durability.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, it all comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you value a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique CAP structure that provides smooth keystrokes with minimal wobble, then the CAP Anniversary may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a POM construction that offers an effortlessly frictionless typing experience with a subtle sound signature, then the Crabapple switch might be more suited to your needs. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force when making your decision, and choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose wisely based on your individual preferences.
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