Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Durock Ice King Tactile switches stand out for their unique characteristics. The CAP Anniversary switch offers a linear typing experience with exceptionally smooth keystrokes thanks to its novel CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design, providing a 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished' feel. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switch boasts a tactile typing experience with a creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, offering a 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', and 'Polished' feel. While the CAP Anniversary switch focuses on smoothness and stability, the Ice King Tactile switch excels in providing a satisfying tactile experience. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
68g
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
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Durock Ice King Tactile both offer unique sound profiles based on their differences in composition. The CAP Anniversary's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its relatively stiff nature, enhancing the clarity and resonance of typing. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. While the CAP Anniversary's polycarbonate top housing is best suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing offers a classic sound profile with a rounder and duller sound.
When it comes to the bottom housings of the two switches, both the CAP Anniversary and the Ice King Tactile utilize nylon for a deeper and fuller sound experience. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. While the top and bottom housings of the switches may differ in material, the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Durock Ice King Tactile offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the CAP Anniversary provides a sharp and clear sound, ideal for those looking for a crisper typing experience, especially when coupled with RGB lighting. In contrast, the nylon housing of the Ice King Tactile offers a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more sound for a rounder and duller profile. Whether it's the stiffer polycarbonate of the CAP Anniversary or the softer nylon of the Ice King Tactile, both switches provide unique sound experiences that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Ice King Tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the CAP Anniversary linear switch. The CAP Anniversary has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy range, but the Ice King Tactile requires a slightly stronger push for typing. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the CAP Anniversary may be the better choice. However, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the heavier force of the Ice King Tactile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Ice King Tactile has the shorter travel distance, providing a more responsive feel for those who prioritize speed and quick key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP Anniversary offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial and deliberate key press. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distance, so the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for typing feel 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 Durock Ice King Tactile has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Tactile for $4.20.
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 offers a unique, yet unspecified auditory experience, while the Ice King Tactile switch provides a subdued sound profile, creating a more subtle and dampened typing noise. This difference in sound characteristics can greatly impact the overall typing atmosphere, depending on personal preference and the specific setup of the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the CAP Anniversary switch is described as having a snappy and creamy typing experience, combining responsiveness with smooth key presses. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switch offers a silky and frictionless feel, with a stepped design that provides a two-stage tactile response. Both switches are polished, offering refined finishes that enhance smoothness and reduce friction during typing.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch each bring unique qualities to the table. While the CAP Anniversary focuses on smoothness and stability in keystrokes, the Ice King Tactile emphasizes a harmonious blend of creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, it is worth noting that both switches offer a polished finish for smooth key travel, ensuring a premium typing experience regardless of the option chosen.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch or the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, you should take into account your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy exceptionally smooth keystrokes with minimal wobble and stabilty, the CAP Anniversary would be a great option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile typing experience that blends smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump, the Ice King Tactile would be the better choice. Both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, so it ultimately comes down to whether you prioritize smoothness or tactility in your typing experience. Make your decision based on what type of feel and sound you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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