Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the TTC Gold Brown Pro. The Gateron CAP Anniversary is a linear switch known for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes and unique aerodynamic stem design, resulting in minimal wobble and maximum stability. It is categorized as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch perfect for those who prefer subtle feedback and a quiet typing experience. Its gentle tactile bump offers a background presence, allowing for immersive typing without distraction. Categorized as 'Polished', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Silky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Subtle', and 'Stepped', the TTC Gold Brown Pro excels in providing a nuanced typing experience. While these general pointers can help you in choosing between these switches, it's important to dive deeper into their specific features to determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
While both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the TTC Gold Brown Pro utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, they differ in their bottom housings. The CAP Anniversary features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Gold Brown Pro also uses a nylon bottom housing, highlighting a similar sound profile. However, the split qualities of the housing materials mean that the impact on sound and feel may vary between the two switches.
In terms of aesthetics, both the CAP Anniversary and the Gold Brown Pro showcase a clear housing due to their polycarbonate top housings. This translucency makes them ideal for using RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. The differences in sound profiles between the top and bottom housings may create a unique typing experience for each switch, allowing users to tailor their preferences based on the desired sound and feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience.
Despite the similarities in housing materials between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the TTC Gold Brown Pro, the split qualities between the top and bottom housings may result in slightly different typing experiences. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, the nylon bottom housings offer a deeper and fuller sound due to their softer nature. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may boil down to individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics, as both offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, it is clear that the Gold Brown Pro is lighter in terms of actuation force with 45 grams compared to the 50 grams of the CAP Anniversary. However, the bottom out force of the CAP Anniversary at 65 grams is heavier than the Gold Brown Pro, whose bottom out force is not available. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Gold Brown Pro for its lower actuation force, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the CAP Anniversary for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference for typing weight and feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the CAP Anniversary being slightly longer than the Gold Brown Pro. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Gold Brown Pro due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the CAP Anniversary. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and typing 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 TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is known for its quiet operation, with a smooth and almost muted sound profile. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch produces a thocky, low-pitched sound that is soothing and not intrusive. Both switches offer a pleasant auditory experience, with the CAP Anniversary being more subtle while the Gold Brown Pro provides a slightly more pronounced sound feedback.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch is described as snappy and creamy, offering a responsive and smooth typing experience. The TTC Gold Brown Pro, on the other hand, is polished and silky, providing a refined and exceptionally smooth feel with a gentle tactile bump. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable and seamless typing experience, with the CAP Anniversary leaning slightly towards a more dynamic feedback compared to the Gold Brown Pro's subtle yet polished tactility.
Overall, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The CAP Anniversary excels in providing a smooth and stable typing experience with minimal wobble, while the Gold Brown Pro offers a nuanced tactile feedback with a subdued sound profile. Whether you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience or a slightly more pronounced tactile feedback, both switches promise a high-quality typing experience with their unique design features. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, but rest assured, you'll get an exceptional typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you value exceptionally smooth keystrokes with minimal wobble and stable keypresses, the CAP Anniversary would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtle tactile feedback with a subdued sound profile that allows you to focus on your tasks without distraction, the Gold Brown Pro would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize smoothness and stability or a gentle tactile experience with minimal noise. Consider your typing style and preferences to choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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