Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Bsun Guyu
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Guyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Gateron CAP Anniversary, a linear switch, and the Bsun Guyu, also a linear switch. The CAP Anniversary is well-known for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes achieved through a unique aerodynamic stem design with tiny holes and an enlarged, hollowed-out stem post for stability and minimal wobble. On the other hand, the Bsun Guyu offers a unique auditory experience with all-POM housings and a long pole stem, resulting in a bright, crisp bottom-out sound. The medium weight and high-grade UPE stem of the Guyu switches provide a super-smooth keystroke experience. While the CAP Anniversary is categorized as snappy, creamy, polished, the Guyu falls into multiple categories including clacky, creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy. Depending on your preference for typing feel and sound, you may opt for the CAP Anniversary for its smoothness and stability, or the Bsun Guyu for its unique auditory experience and smooth keystrokes. However, let's delve 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
21mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Guyu, one major difference lies in the top housing material. The CAP Anniversary uses a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Guyu features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials have their own unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing of the CAP Anniversary is likely to provide a more vibrant and clear sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the CAP Anniversary and the Guyu utilize different materials. The CAP Anniversary's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Guyu's POM bottom housing also produces a pleasing and deep sound, but with a relatively more muted quality. While both materials contribute to a similar deep sound profile, the nylon bottom housing may provide a slightly rounder and fuller sound compared to the POM bottom housing.
Overall, the contrasting housing materials of the CAP Anniversary and the Guyu result in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The split between the top and bottom housings in terms of material choice allows for a combination of qualities to be felt when using the switches. The impact on the typing experience varies depending on the material used in each housing component, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to varying preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch, it is evident that the Guyu is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the CAP Anniversary is the heavier choice with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Guyu make it suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing or gaming without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier forces of the CAP Anniversary provide a more substantial typing feel, ideal for users who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Guyu offering a lighter touch and the CAP Anniversary providing a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Guyu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the CAP Anniversary has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Guyu. The CAP Anniversary's 4.0mm travel distance is more on the traditional side, providing a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Guyu's 3.6mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance, with the CAP Anniversary offering a longer distance for those who prefer more depth, and the Guyu providing a shorter distance for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness.
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 Bsun Guyu has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Guyu for $3.70.
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 Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is designed to provide a smooth and quiet typing experience, with a focus on minimizing noise to enhance concentration during use. On the other hand, the Bsun Guyu linear switch offers a unique clacky sound profile, characterized by bright, crisp bottom-out sound that adds an element of feedback to the typing process. While the CAP Anniversary prioritizes a quiet typing environment, the Guyu switch aims to deliver a more audible and distinct typing experience, catering to users who appreciate a more pronounced sound while typing.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Guyu linear switches are praised for their smooth and effortless keystrokes. The CAP Anniversary switch is described as snappy and creamy, offering a live typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. Meanwhile, the Guyu switch also provides a creamy and polished typing experience, characterized by its frictionless and silky feel. Both switches aim to deliver a seamless and enjoyable typing feel, ensuring that users can glide through their typing tasks with ease and comfort.
Overall, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Guyu linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the CAP Anniversary focuses on providing a smooth and quiet typing experience with minimal noise, the Guyu switch stands out for its unique clacky sound profile and creamy, polished feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing sensation, users can choose between the two switches to tailor their mechanical keyboard experience to their liking. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality keystrokes and a premium typing experience, ensuring that users can enjoy their typing sessions with precision and comfort.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and stable typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the CAP Anniversary switch with its unique CAP structure may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a distinctive sound with a lighter bottom out force and a blend of smoothness and responsiveness, the Bsun Guyu switch with its all-POM housing may better suit your preferences. Consider how the sound, feel, weight, and design elements of each switch align with your typing style and preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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