Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron Ink Red both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The CAP Anniversary is lauded for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes due to its novel CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stem. On the other hand, the Ink Red is praised for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. The CAP Anniversary is characterized as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', while the Ink Red is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Silky', 'Chirpy', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. While these general descriptions provide a glimpse into the strengths of each switch, diving deeper into their specific qualities will ultimately help you determine the best switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron Ink Red feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The CAP Anniversary boasts a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound with a higher pitch. This material is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Ink Red utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. While both offer a satisfying sound experience, the polycarbonate material of the CAP Anniversary may provide a clearer and more resonant sound compared to the INK blend of the Ink Red.
In terms of bottom housings, the CAP Anniversary features a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This material absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that is distinct from the top housing's characteristics. Conversely, the Ink Red incorporates the same proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar pointed and high-pitched sound profile as the top housing. This consistency in material across both the top and bottom housings of the Ink Red may contribute to a more cohesive and unified sound experience, compared to the split qualities of the CAP Anniversary's housing materials.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly impact the sound and feel of typing. While the CAP Anniversary's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound, paired with a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, the Ink Red's utilization of the proprietary INK blend for both top and bottom housings provides a consistent, clacky sound experience. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile or a more clacky and pointed sound, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it is evident that the Ink Red is the lighter of the two. The CAP Anniversary has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier compared to the Ink Red, which has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, offering a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions may lean towards the Ink Red, while users seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the CAP Anniversary. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile feel and feedback when pressed. The travel distance of 4 mm for both switches ensures that users will experience a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. Overall, whether you opt for the Gateron CAP Anniversary or the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, you can expect to get similar results in terms of travel distance and typing experience.
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 Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 linear switch provides a unique experience due to its aerodynamic stem design that reduces resistance and enhances smoothness, resulting in a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch offers a crisp and clacky sound profile, making it stand out with a chirpy characteristic. Both switches can provide a satisfying typing sound, but the preference would depend on the individual's taste and the accompanying keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch is known for its snappy and creamy typing experience, offering a responsive and smooth feel that is akin to gliding fingers across the keys effortlessly. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red switch provides a silky and mild typing experience, catering to those who prefer a gentler feel while maintaining a polished and refined finish. Although both switches offer smooth typing experiences, the preference between a more responsive or gentler feel would vary based on personal typing preferences.
Overall, choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would come down to individual preferences in sound and feel. While both switches offer smooth keystrokes and stability, the CAP Anniversary switch leans towards a neutral sound profile with a snappy and creamy feel, whereas the Ink Red switch provides a chirpy sound with a silky and mild typing sensation. Regardless of the choice, both switches promise a quality typing experience that can elevate one's enjoyment and productivity.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch or the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for exceptionally smooth keystrokes with minimal wobble, the CAP Anniversary might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a medium bottom out force and enjoy a crispy and clacky sound profile, the Ink Red could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's essential to consider what features are most important to you when making your decision.
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