Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. HMX EMO
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX EMO switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX EMO mechanical keyboard switches, the CAP Anniversary stands out for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes attributed to its novel CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design. This switch is described as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', offering a unique typing experience with minimal wobble and enhanced stability. On the other hand, the HMX EMO switch is known for its lively and clacky feel, coupled with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. This switch provides an effortless and bouncy typing experience that is satisfying and smooth. While the CAP Anniversary focuses on smoothness and stability, the EMO emphasizes a lively and clacky typing experience. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
46g
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
Ly
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 housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX EMO are quite similar, as both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for translucency, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, a notable difference lies in their bottom housings - the CAP Anniversary utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the EMO also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics, as it absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound overall.
In terms of aesthetics, both the CAP Anniversary and the HMX EMO share a clear housing design, indicating the use of polycarbonate in their top housings. This not only gives them a visually appealing look but also contributes to their overall sound profile by creating a more vibrant and resonant tone. The differences in their bottom housings, however, may lead to variations in the overall typing experience. While both switches using nylon in the bottom housing create a deeper sound, the specific characteristics of nylon can slightly impact the feel and sound when bottoming out keys.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX EMO play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. The polycarbonate top housings result in a sharp, high-pitched sound, enhanced by their translucent design for RGB lighting compatibility. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings contribute to a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder tone. Despite sharing similar top housings, the differences in their bottom housings may lead to subtle variations in sound and feel during typing, making each switch unique in their own right.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, it is clear that the EMO is lighter in both categories. The CAP Anniversary has a medium-heavy actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the EMO has a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams. This makes the EMO a more lightweight option compared to the CAP Anniversary. Some may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the EMO for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may gravitate towards the heavier forces of the CAP Anniversary for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the EMO has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the CAP Anniversary. The CAP Anniversary's 4.0mm travel distance is more in line with traditional switch distances, offering a standard level of key press depth. On the other hand, the 3.5mm travel distance of the EMO caters to those who prefer a quicker response time and shallower key press. Gamers, in particular, may find the shorter travel distance of the EMO more suitable for their needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference - whether you prioritize a shorter travel distance for speed or a longer travel distance for a more substantial 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 HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO for $2.79.
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 is known for its quiet operation with a soft thock sound while typing, making it great for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the EMO is recognized for its more pronounced clacky sound, adding a level of auditory feedback that some users find satisfying. Sound preference is subjective, so choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the overall sound profile desired for your keyboard setup.
Moving on to feel, the CAP Anniversary switches are known for their snappy and polished typing experience, offering a responsive and smooth feel with reduced wobble. The EMO, on the other hand, is described as having a lively and bouncy feel with a low actuation force, providing a more tactile typing experience. Both switches offer unique tactile qualities that cater to different preferences, with the CAP Anniversary offering a more refined feel and the EMO providing a more tactile and responsive typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CAP Anniversary stands out for its smooth keystrokes and reduced wobble, delivering a quiet and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the EMO provides a lively and bouncy feel with a more pronounced clacky sound, offering a tactile and responsive typing experience. Depending on your sound and feel preferences, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switches and HMX EMO linear switches, it's important to consider your typing preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and exceptionally smooth keystrokes with minimal wobble, then the CAP Anniversary switches with their unique CAP structure would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom-out force and a lively, clacky feel with an effortless typing experience, then the factory-lubed HMX EMO switches would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and feel.
Mentioned in this article
