Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron Ink Box Pink mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note the distinct features that set them apart. The CAP Anniversary switch is praised for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes due to the novel CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design, providing a 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished' typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switch offers a lighter typing feel and a higher-pitched clack, making it 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished'. While both switches prioritize smoothness and typing experience, the CAP Anniversary may be preferred for its stability and reduced resistance, while the Ink Box Pink may appeal to those seeking a lighter and clackier typing sound. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron Ink Box Pink, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles attributed to their respective materials. The CAP Anniversary features a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, particularly suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink utilizes a proprietary INK blend top housing, offering a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile described as clacky. While both housings contribute to a satisfying typing experience, the CAP Anniversary's polycarbonate top housing provides a more resonant sound, while the Ink Box Pink's INK blend top housing delivers a distinct clacky sound.
When it comes to the bottom housings of these switches, the differences continue to be apparent. The CAP Anniversary features a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend bottom housing complements the top housing with a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. While both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, the nylon housing of the CAP Anniversary provides a duller and rounder sound, while the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink adds to the distinctive clacky sound.
Overall, the unique combination of top and bottom housing materials in both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron Ink Box Pink results in distinct typing experiences for users. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings impact different aspects of the sound and feel of typing on these switches. The bottom housing plays a key role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key. Whether it be the sharp and resonant sound of polycarbonate in the CAP Anniversary or the pointed and clacky sound of the INK blend in the Ink Box Pink, both switches offer unique and satisfying typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, we can see some differences. The CAP Anniversary switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the 60 grams of the Ink Box Pink switch. However, both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams. This means that in terms of triggering a keystroke, users will experience a similar feel with either switch. The slight variation in bottom out force may affect the typing experience for some users, with the CAP Anniversary providing a slightly firmer push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, with those preferring a lighter feel possibly leaning towards the Ink Box Pink, and those looking for a heavier, more substantial typing experience opting for the CAP Anniversary.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Ink Box Pink has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the CAP Anniversary, making it a popular choice for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the CAP Anniversary offers a slightly deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance. Overall, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with the choice between the two ultimately depending on personal preference for travel distance.
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 Gateron Ink Box Pink has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Pink for $7.65.
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 switch is known for its smooth and muted typing experience, with a lack of a prominent click or clack. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch produces a distinctively clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, adding a crisp and bright element to the typing experience. The sound produced by each switch will ultimately depend on the user's personal preference and the accompanying keyboard and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch is praised for its snappy and stable typing experience, characterized by its responsiveness and minimal wobble. The switch offers a creamy and polished feel, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction during typing. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch provides a silky and polished typing experience, enhancing overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer a refined and premium feel, elevating the overall typing experience for users.
In conclusion, while the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches both excel in providing a smooth and stable typing experience, they differ in terms of sound and feel. The CAP Anniversary switch offers a quieter and more muted sound profile, paired with a snappy and creamy typing feel, while the Ink Box Pink switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, accompanied by a silky and polished typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both options guarantee a premium and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a unique CAP structure for exceptionally smooth keystrokes with minimal wobble and stability, the CAP Anniversary switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing feel with a higher-pitched clack sound, the Ink Box Pink switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific attributes that each switch offers in terms of feel and sound.
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