Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Everglide Crystal Violet
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Everglide Crystal Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Everglide Crystal Violet offer unique experiences for users. The Gateron CAP Anniversary is a linear switch that stands out for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes thanks to its novel CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design. This switch is known for being 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', making it a great choice for those who prioritize smooth and stable typing experiences. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet is a tactile switch with a light operating force of 45g, perfect for those looking for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. This switch is characterized as 'Creamy', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Stepped', with a mellow sound profile due to the special use of ABS in its housing. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile feedback, as well as the sound profile that best suits your typing style. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
ABS
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Everglide Crystal Violet offer contrasting options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The CAP Anniversary features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Crystal Violet utilizes an ABS top housing, resulting in a lower-pitched sound when typing. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate of the CAP Anniversary is more likely to be used with RGB lighting due to its translucency, adding an aesthetic appeal to the keyboard.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, the CAP Anniversary incorporates a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Conversely, the Crystal Violet opts for an ABS bottom housing, contributing to a lower-pitched sound while typing. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings in these keyboards allows for a combination of qualities, impacting both the bottom-out sound and feel as well as the sound when releasing a key.
While the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Everglide Crystal Violet may differ in their housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The choice between polycarbonate and ABS for the top housing, as well as nylon and ABS for the bottom housing, allows for customization based on personal preferences in sound and feel. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both keyboards provide options to cater to a variety of typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two keyboards will come down to individual preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, it is evident that the Crystal Violet is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. In contrast, the CAP Anniversary switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. The difference in weight between the two switches offers users a choice based on their preference. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Crystal Violet, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more robust and substantial typing feel may lean towards the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the CAP Anniversary. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual needs.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two, users can expect similar results in terms of how the switch feels and responds during typing or gaming. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that the feel of the switch will differ due to their respective linear and tactile properties. The linear CAP Anniversary switch will provide a smooth and consistent keystroke without a tactile bump, while the Crystal Violet switch will offer a tactile feedback for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and response.
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 Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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 smooth and quiet typing experience. The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, on the other hand, offers a low-pitched and mellow sound profile that is non-intrusive and pleasant to the ears. While the CAP Anniversary switch provides a more traditional typing sound, the Crystal Violet switch adds a unique touch with its ABS housing contributing to a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, your choice of keyboard, keycaps, and surrounding environment will also play a role in the overall sound produced by these switches.
When it comes to feel, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offer a creamy typing experience. The CAP Anniversary is described as snappy and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing sensation. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet switch offers a mild and stepped tactile feel, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches are meticulously crafted to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, with the choice between a more responsive or subtle tactile feedback depending on personal preference.
Overall, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The CAP Anniversary provides a smooth and stable typing experience with minimal wobble, while the Crystal Violet switch offers a gentle and comfortable tactile typing experience. Whether you prefer a traditional linear switch or a more tactile typing feel, both options ensure a premium quality typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, your choice should be based on your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and stable keystroke with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the CAP Anniversary switch with its aerodynamic design and minimal wobble might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light operating force with a gentle tactile feel and a mellow sound profile, the Crystal Violet switch could provide a relaxed and comfortable typing experience. Consider your desired feel and sound when making your decision between these two distinct switches.
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