Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. KTT Glimp
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the KTT Glimp switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and KTT Glimp both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The CAP Anniversary is renowned for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes, thanks to its innovative CAP structure that reduces resistance and enhances smoothness. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp provides a tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force for a satisfying typing experience, accompanied by a clacky sound profile. While the CAP Anniversary leans towards a snappy and polished typing experience, the Glimp offers a more clacky and neutral feel. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals to different users based on their preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the KTT Glimp are quite similar as they both feature polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in housings creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, while both switches have the same top housing material, the differences lie in their bottom housing materials.
Both the CAP Anniversary and the Glimp have nylon bottom housing, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This quality of the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on these switches. Despite having similar bottom housing materials, the difference in top housing material can still affect the overall sound profile of the switches.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the KTT Glimp play a significant role in determining the sound profile of these switches. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound, their nylon bottom housing differs slightly in terms of sound absorption and overall typing experience. The split between the qualities of each housing material affects both the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when releasing a key. Overall, users can expect a high-quality and distinct sound experience from both switches based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the KTT Glimp linear switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams, making it the lighter option. Similarly, the CAP Anniversary also has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Glimp has a bottom out force of 53 grams, making the CAP Anniversary the heavier option overall. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the CAP Anniversary may be the better choice due to its medium-heavy weight. On the other hand, the Glimp may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter actuation force for longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get a similar typing experience in terms of key travel for both switches. Whether you choose the Gateron CAP Anniversary or the KTT Glimp linear switch, you can expect the same level of key travel when typing.
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 Glimp has an MSRP of $3.84 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glimp for $3.45.
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
When it comes to sound, the CAP Anniversary switch is known for its quiet and smooth keystrokes, creating a serene typing experience with minimal noise. On the other hand, the Glimp switch offers a more lively and clacky sound profile, adding a satisfying auditory element to your typing sessions. Depending on personal preference, the CAP Anniversary would be ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, while the Glimp would appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced sound with their keystrokes.
In terms of feel, both the CAP Anniversary and Glimp switches offer a creamy typing experience, providing a smooth and buttery sensation with each keypress. The CAP Anniversary is also described as snappy, giving a responsive feel to each keystroke, while the Glimp switch is characterized as mild, offering a gentle typing experience without overwhelming resistance. Both switches provide a comfortable and satisfying feel, making them suitable for extended typing sessions.
Overall, the CAP Anniversary and Glimp switches each have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The CAP Anniversary is known for its smooth and stable keystrokes, ideal for those seeking a serene typing experience, while the Glimp offers a more tactile and clacky sound profile, adding a lively element to your typing sessions. Both switches provide a creamy and comfortable feel, making them suitable for a variety of typing needs. Ultimately, choosing between the two would come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch or the KTT Glimp linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and prioritize a smooth keystroke with minimal wobble, then the CAP Anniversary switch would be a great option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a tactile feedback with a clacky sound profile, then the Glimp switch might be more suitable for your typing needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics and typing experiences, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on what type of typing experience you value most.
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