Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. HMX Hibiscus
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Hibiscus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Hibiscus, both of which are linear switches but cater to different preferences. The CAP Anniversary is celebrated for its innovative CAP structure that promotes exceptionally smooth keystrokes, complemented by its aerodynamic stem design featuring tiny holes to alleviate resistance. This unique engineering results in a typing experience that is snappy, creamy, and polished, making it an attractive choice for those who prioritize both stability and reduced wobble in their typing. Conversely, the HMX Hibiscus is renowned for its ultra-light actuation force and distinctive sound profile, providing a clacky, poppy, and crispy feedback that’s sure to engage users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. While both switches offer their own unique benefits, the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Hibiscus, it's evident that there are key differences in their top housings, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The CAP Anniversary features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is particularly beneficial for tactile feedback and auditory clarity when typing, especially in RGB lighting setups, where the material's translucency adds an aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus opts for a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb sound more effectively, leading to a rounder auditory experience when the key is released.
Although both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, this similarity offers both an interesting contrast and a connection in terms of auditory properties. The nylon bottom housing in both the CAP Anniversary and the HMX Hibiscus delivers a deeper and more resonant sound, contributing to the overall typing experience. With the bottom housing being more influential in the bottom-out feel and sound, users of either switch will enjoy a pronounced and fuller sound profile upon key actuation. The consistency in the bottom housing material allows for certain similarities in feeling and sound, providing a unique cohesion amidst the different top housing materials.
In summary, while the CAP Anniversary and the HMX Hibiscus share the same bottom housing material, their differing top housings create distinctive typing experiences. The polycarbonate top of the CAP Anniversary enhances its sound clarity and crisper tones, making it ideal for users seeking precision. Meanwhile, the nylon top of the Hibiscus lends itself to a warmer, rounder sound, ideal for those preferring a more subdued auditory feedback. Collectively, these materials contribute to varied yet complementary typing experiences; the polycarbonate’s crisp nature and the nylon’s fuller resonance together outline how each switch embodies its own character. Ultimately, the overall performance and sound characteristics of each switch will reflect the an interplay between the stiffness of polycarbonate and the softer qualities of nylon.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The CAP Anniversary switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy, making it ideal for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, appealing to those who favor a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. Consequently, if you prioritize a lighter switch for comfort and prolonged use, the Hibiscus is the better choice, while those who enjoy a firmer feel would lean towards the CAP Anniversary. Overall, the notable difference in force requirements indicates that users will experience a significant variation in feedback and comfort based on their switch selection.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, we find a notable difference between the two. The CAP Anniversary boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with more traditional preferences, offering a deeper keystroke that some users find satisfying and robust. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is particularly appealing for gamers who value quicker response times and a more immediate feedback when typing. Therefore, if you prioritize a hearty depth in your key presses, the CAP Anniversary would be the preferable choice, while those seeking enhanced speed and responsiveness would benefit from the Hibiscus’s shorter travel distance. Ultimately, users can expect different tactile experiences based on these distinct travel distances, making the choice dependent on individual preferences for depth versus 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 HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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 switch is crafted to offer a quiet yet refined experience, giving off a subtle tone that is more muted compared to its counterparts, making it ideal for a more discreet typing environment. On the other hand, the HMX Hibiscus switch stands out with its distinctly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, creating an auditory feedback that many typists find immensely satisfying. This contrasts sharply with the CAP Anniversary, which leans toward a more elegant sound profile; thus, if sound is a primary consideration, you’ll find that each switch caters to very different auditory preferences.
In terms of feel, the CAP Anniversary switches excel with a trifecta of descriptors: snappy, creamy, and polished. They are designed to provide a responsive typing experience, thanks to their innovative spring design that enhances feedback and makes typing feel more lively. The smoothness, attributed to their unique construction and potential factory lubrication, allows for a buttery glide across the keys that many typists cherish. Meanwhile, the characteristics of the Hibiscus switch remain undefined in this context; however, based on its reputation for smoothness, one might anticipate a delightful feel, possibly achieved through materials or design that isn’t explicitly detailed. Without further information on how the Hibiscus switch feels under the fingers, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison.
In summary, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch offers a more subdued sound profile alongside a dynamic and smooth feel, making it ideal for those who prioritize a refined auditory experience and responsive tactility. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus provides a lively sound signature, although its tactile qualities remain less defined. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will hinge on your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, and both switches promise to deliver an exceptional typing experience in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switches and HMX Hibiscus linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a more substantial, medium-heavy feel with a bottom-out force of 65 grams, the CAP Anniversary switches would be an excellent choice, especially if you appreciate a smooth, polished keystroke accompanied by a snappy and creamy sensation. These switches are particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a tactile and stable typing experience, whether for gaming or extensive typing sessions. On the other hand, if you crave a lighter actuation force at 48 grams and enjoy a clacky, poppy sound signature, the HMX Hibiscus switches might be your best option. They offer an ultra-light feel that can enhance speed and agility during typing, making them ideal for fast-paced environments or if you prefer a more effortless touch while typing. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and the type of feedback you desire as you decide which switch aligns with your needs best.
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