Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. KTT Darling
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the KTT Darling switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the KTT Darling mechanical keyboard switches, one can't help but be drawn to the unique features that set them apart. The CAP Anniversary boasts a smooth keystroke experience thanks to its novel CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stem, offering a 'Snappy', 'Creamy', 'Polished' feel. On the other hand, the KTT Darling provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a bouncy responsiveness and high-pitched, resonant sound, categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Resonant'. Both switches have their own appeal and strengths that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the KTT Darling feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material also lends itself well to RGB lighting due to its translucency, making it a popular choice for those looking to customize their keyboard aesthetics. The nylon bottom housings of both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics and creating a duller, rounder sound when typing. This split in housing materials allows for a unique typing experience that combines the qualities of both polycarbonate and nylon.
While the polycarbonate top housing of both switches provides a similar sound profile, the difference in their bottom housings may lead to variations in the overall typing experience. The Gateron CAP Anniversary's nylon bottom housing may result in a softer bottom-out sound and feel compared to the KTT Darling, which also features a nylon bottom housing. This difference in sound and feel could impact the overall satisfaction of the user depending on their preference for a deeper or sharper typing experience. However, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches allows for a consistent and satisfying typing experience overall.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the KTT Darling both offer a unique blend of housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper and crisper sound, the difference in their nylon bottom housings may result in variations in the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for a deeper or sharper sound profile when typing. Despite these differences, both switches offer a high level of customization and aesthetic appeal for users looking to personalize their keyboard setup.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the KTT Darling linear switch which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the CAP Anniversary is heavier at 65 grams while the Darling is lighter at 53 grams. This means that the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier feel, while the KTT Darling switch offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a balance between comfort and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing experience and the desired level of force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Darling linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Darling offering a slightly shallower feel compared to the CAP Anniversary. Gamers may prefer the Darling for its quicker response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the CAP Anniversary. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and keypress 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 KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 CAP Anniversary linear switch is known for its smooth and relatively quiet operation, providing a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Darling linear switch offers a more prominent and resonant sound profile, characterized by a high-pitched clackiness that adds an engaging auditory element to each keystroke. The difference in sound between the two switches can be attributed to their unique design features and materials, ultimately catering to different preferences in typing sound.
Moving on to the feel, the CAP Anniversary switch is praised for its snappy and stable typing experience, thanks to its aerodynamic stem design that reduces resistance and wobble. The overall feel is described as creamy and polished, offering a smooth and refined keystroke that glides effortlessly. In contrast, the KTT Darling switch stands out for its bouncy feedback, providing a spring-like sensation that adds liveliness to each keypress. This unique tactile response gives typists a sense of rebound and responsiveness that enhances the typing experience.
Taking all available information into consideration, while the CAP Anniversary and KTT Darling linear switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience in their own right. The CAP Anniversary excels in providing a smooth and stable typing experience with a quieter operation, while the KTT Darling delivers a more tactile and resonant typing feel with a pronounced bounciness. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth and stable typing experience with medium-heavy bottom out force, the CAP Anniversary may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a chewy and bouncy typing sensation with medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Darling could be the perfect fit. Consider the unique features and characteristics of each switch, such as the smoothness and stability of the CAP Anniversary or the bounciness and resonant sound of the Darling, to determine which one aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch – smoothness and stability or bounciness and tactile feedback.
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