Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Huano Grape Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Huano Grape Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Huano Grape Orange offer distinct advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The CAP Anniversary switches are celebrated for their innovative design, featuring a unique CAP structure that promotes incredibly smooth keystrokes. With a specialized stem that incorporates aerodynamic principles and air release holes, they boast reduced resistance and exceptional stability, making them ideal for users who prioritize a polished and creamy typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange switches excel in providing an ultra-light typing feel, thanks to a notably low actuation force of just 40g, making them a prime choice for individuals who type for extended periods without fatigue. While the CAP Anniversary promises a snappy and refined touch, the Grape Orange focuses on effortless keystrokes, catering to different user experiences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP Anniversary and Huano Grape Orange both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness, clarity, and a higher pitch. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, enhances the overall resonance of the switches, contributing to a crisp auditory experience. Both switches’ clear housings allow RGB lighting to shine through effectively, thereby adding visual appeal for keyboard enthusiasts. The shared composition in the top housing means that users can expect a consistent experience in terms of sound output when these switches are actuated, particularly regarding the sound produced upon releasing a key.
In contrast, the bottom housing of each switch features nylon, a material that significantly alters the acoustic properties of the switches. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb sounds more effectively, leading to a deeper, fuller sound profile that contrasts with the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top. This combination results in a unique auditory experience as the two different materials contribute distinct qualities—the polycarbonate enhances the initial keystroke sound, while the nylon softens the bottom-out sound, creating a more rounded effect. Thus, both switches, although having the same functional materials, produce different auditory experiences based on the interaction of these materials.
Ultimately, the construction of each switch comprises two attributes that work together to sculpt its overall sound profile. With both the CAP Anniversary and the Grape Orange using polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom, users can expect similar characteristics in terms of sound clarity and pitch for the top end, while the bottom end will exhibit a rounded depth unique to nylon. This blend of materials results in an engaging typing soundscape that balances the crispness of polycarbonate with the warmth of nylon, providing a well-rounded and enjoyable experience for typists and gamers alike.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The CAP Anniversary features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, characterizing it as a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Grape Orange is lighter, with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This disparity means that the Grape Orange allows for quicker and less strenuous typing, making it ideal for prolonged use in work or gaming scenarios. Meanwhile, the CAP Anniversary's heavier forces provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger keystroke feel. Overall, users seeking a lighter switch may gravitate towards the Huano Grape Orange, while those preferring a more robust push might opt for the Gateron CAP Anniversary.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Grape Orange linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the CAP Anniversary offers a more pronounced key press, providing a deeper feel that some users may prefer for tactile feedback. In contrast, the Grape Orange, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who appreciate a quicker response time, which is especially favored by gamers seeking fast actuation. Consequently, if you value depth in your keystrokes, the CAP Anniversary would be the better choice, while the Grape Orange is ideal for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing or gaming experiences. Overall, the distinction in travel distances showcases varying user preferences: deeper, more deliberate keystrokes versus rapid, shorter engagements.
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 Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switches are designed to minimize acoustic disturbances, likely producing a subtle and understated sound profile due to their aerodynamic stem design and optimized structure. Though specific sound characteristics were not detailed, the smoothness of the switches implies a softer auditory experience when compared to more traditional switches. The Huano Grape Orange switches, while similarly designed for a pleasing typing experience, are also not described in terms of their sound, leaving the subjective auditory qualities of both switches somewhat ambiguous. However, users can expect them to have differences influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used, as these factors play a crucial role in determining the final sound output.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switches shine with their combination of snappiness, creaminess, and polished sensation. The snappy responsiveness indicates that typists will appreciate the quick feedback of these switches, making for a lively typing experience. The creamy texture adds a smooth and buttery sensation, enhancing the gliding motion of fingers across the keys as they click into place, while the polished finish contributes to reduced friction and an effortlessly smooth key travel. On the other hand, the feel characteristics of the Huano Grape Orange switches are not provided, meaning we cannot directly compare the overall typing experience they offer. However, their ultra-low actuation force of 40g suggests a lightweight and possibly smooth action that may cater well to those who prefer ease during typing.
In conclusion, while the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Huano Grape Orange switches both seem geared toward providing an enjoyable typing experience, the CAP Anniversary offers a more defined sensory profile in terms of feel, whereas the specifics of the Grape Orange's feel remain unknown. Sound qualities for both switches have yet to be described, but it's evident that both designs prioritize smooth and responsive performance. Ultimately, a user could consider the CAP Anniversary for a richer tactile experience, while the Grape Orange might appeal to those seeking a lighter keystroke, leading to similar enjoyable results by focusing on distinct preferences in actuation weight and overall feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you value a fuller tactile response and a more engaging typing experience, the CAP Anniversary switch will likely suit you best. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, combined with its smooth and polished feel, results in a snappy and creamy typing experience that many find satisfying, particularly for gaming and intensive typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prioritize comfort and ease of use during long typing sessions, the Grape Orange switch, with its lighter 50 grams actuation force and effortless keystrokes, is an excellent choice. This switch is perfect for those who may experience fatigue from heavier keys or who prefer a more casual typing experience. In essence, consider the types of tasks you engage in most often, as well as how your fingers feel after extended use, and choose the switch that aligns best with your needs.
Mentioned in this article
