Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Huano Elf
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Huano Elf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between various options that can greatly influence their typing experience. The Gateron CAP Anniversary switch stands out with its innovative CAP structure, designed to provide exceptionally smooth keystrokes while minimizing wobble, making it an excellent choice for those seeking precision and stability in their typing. Its unique stem design, featuring tiny holes to relieve air pressure, offers a snappy and creamy feel that many users appreciate. Conversely, the Huano Elf switch brings a different flavor to the table, boasting a POK top housing that not only enhances acoustics but also delivers a deep sound signature paired with a medium-light actuation force. This combination creates a satisfying typing experience favored by users who enjoy auditory feedback along with a lighter touch. Both switches cater to different typing preferences, making them appealing for various users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POK
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 spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Huano Elf, there are notable differences in their top housing choices. The CAP Anniversary utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which imparts a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This quality allows the switch to produce clearer and more resonant sounds, especially beneficial for those utilizing RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effects of the backlighting. In contrast, the Huano Elf employs POK (polyketone) material for its top housing. While POK is renowned for its smoothness and durability, it contributes to a different auditory experience characterized by a smooth and clacky sound profile rather than the more piercing notes provided by the polycarbonate of the CAP Anniversary.
Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing composition—nylon. This classic material is acknowledged for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, being softer than plastics like polycarbonate or POK. As such, both the CAP Anniversary and the Huano Elf will deliver a rich, rounded auditory experience when bottoming out, thanks to their nylon bottom housings. The sound absorption qualities of nylon allow for a certain warmth to the keystrokes, creating a satisfying typing experience regardless of the switches' top housing variations.
In combining the properties of each switch, it's evident that the top housing materials contribute distinct characteristics to the auditory feedback of typing. With the CAP Anniversary's polycarbonate top delivering clarity and brightness and the Huano Elf's POK offering a smooth yet subdued sound, the nylon bottom housings ensure a consistent foundation for both switches. Thus, the overall typing feel and sound result from a blend of materials where the acoustics from the nylon bottom resonate with the specific tonal qualities introduced by the top housing. This interplay allows users to experience a multifaceted auditory landscape, emphasizing how the combined materials work synergistically in achieving desired sound profiles while maintaining both durability and performance.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch to the Huano Elf linear switch, the differences in actuation force are notable. The CAP Anniversary requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Elf has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This makes the Elf switch more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch that can facilitate prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the CAP Anniversary, with its heavier actuation force, may appeal to those who favor a more substantial typing experience, providing a tactile feedback that some typists and gamers find satisfying. In terms of bottoming out, the CAP Anniversary has a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicative of a firmer end feel, while the Huano Elf's bottom out force remains unknown. This lack of information means we can't directly compare bottoming out experiences. Overall, the CAP Anniversary is the heavier switch, making it less ideal for users in need of a lighter keyboard, while the Elf’s lower actuation force suggests it could be more comfortable for extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, the CAP Anniversary offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Elf has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm may seem slight, but it can significantly impact the feel and responsiveness of key presses. The shorter travel distance of the Elf could be more appealing to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. On the other hand, the CAP Anniversary's 4 mm travel distance may provide a more stable and durable keystroke experience for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, where users favoring a more immediate engagement might gravitate towards the Huano Elf, while those who appreciate a wholesome tactile feedback may opt for the Gateron CAP Anniversary.
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 Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf 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
The sound profile of the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch remains to be defined in the information presented, while the Huano Elf switch is characterized by its deep sound signature, which adds a rich acoustic layer to the typing experience. This deep sound is largely influenced by the POK top housing of the Elf, contributing to a more resonant and fuller auditory feedback with each keystroke. It’s essential to note that the overall sound of a switch can also be significantly impacted by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, meaning that while the Elf is designed to produce a distinct sound, additional factors will play a role in how it ultimately resonates when used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the CAP Anniversary is noted for its snappy, creamy, and polished sensation. The snappy nature gives a responsive touch, making it feel lively, while the creamy and polished aspects indicate an extremely smooth typing experience, with reduced friction and easy key travel. This combination results in a comfortable and enjoyable user experience that promotes long typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the feel of the Huano Elf is not specified, leaving it open to personal interpretation; however, the mentioned medium-light force could imply a balance between an engaging and effortless typing experience.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch appears to offer a well-rounded typing experience that combines smoothness with responsive feedback, enhanced by its innovative design features. Meanwhile, the Huano Elf switch stands out with its distinct deep sound, creating a unique auditory experience. For newcomers choosing between these two, the CAP Anniversary may appeal more for smoother, snappier feedback, while the Elf could be the preference for those who value rich acoustics. Ultimately, either choice holds promise for a satisfying typing experience, contingent on individual preferences and keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, while both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch possess distinct characteristics that appeal to different preferences, your choice ultimately hinges on your typing style and desired experience. If you favor a more substantial keystroke with a bottom-out force of 65 grams, the CAP Anniversary is your best bet, especially if you appreciate a snappy feel combined with a buttery smoothness thanks to its unique aerodynamic design. This switch is ideal for those who type frequently and value stability and minimal wobble while enjoying a refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with enhanced acoustic qualities, the Huano Elf may be more suitable for your needs. Its unique POK top housing not only enriches the sound profile but provides a delightful, medium-light feel that's perfect for a more relaxed typing experience. Ultimately, choose the CAP Anniversary for a robust and polished experience, or opt for the Elf if your priority lies in a satisfying acoustic rich environment coupled with a more laid-back feel.
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