Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the PH Studio Jacaranda mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The CAP Anniversary switch is praised for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes due to its unique aerodynamic stem design, while the Jacaranda stands out for its gentle bottom-out and bouncy sensation provided by the extended spring. The CAP Anniversary is described as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', offering a refined typing experience, whereas the Jacaranda is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Resonant', providing a more tactile and audible feedback. Both switches have their own unique advantages, and the choice ultimately depends on 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
39g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the PH Studio Jacaranda, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. Despite both switches using the same material for their top housings, they may differ in their overall design and aesthetics.
When looking at the bottom housing material, the CAP Anniversary and the Jacaranda both utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While the bottom housing material may have a larger impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing material will play a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This split between the top and bottom housing materials can lead to a unique typing experience for each switch.
Overall, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the PH Studio Jacaranda offer similar qualities in terms of their housing materials, with both switches featuring polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound profile and nylon bottom housings for a deeper sound profile. This results in a typing experience that combines the benefits of both materials, creating a well-rounded and pleasing sound for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether choosing the CAP Anniversary or the Jacaranda, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with the use of these premium housing materials.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch differ significantly. The CAP Anniversary has a heavier actuation force at 50 grams compared to the Jacaranda's lighter 39 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the CAP Anniversary is also heavier at 65 grams, while the Jacaranda has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the CAP Anniversary provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, ideal for those who prefer a heavier key press. On the other hand, the Jacaranda offers a lighter touch, making it easier to type for longer periods of time without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The CAP Anniversary linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more traditional and deeper key press feeling. On the other hand, the Jacaranda linear switch has a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those who prefer a quicker and more responsive typing experience, particularly favored by gamers. Both options offer unique benefits depending on personal preference, with the shorter travel distance of the Jacaranda catering to those seeking faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the CAP Anniversary may appeal to individuals who enjoy a more pronounced key press depth. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on what type of typing experience the user prefers.
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 PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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 offers a unique experience with its smooth keystrokes resulting from the aerodynamic stem design. While the sound characteristics of this switch are unknown, it is likely to produce a smoother and quieter sound due to its reduced friction and minimal wobble. On the other hand, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch stands out for its clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and crisp feedback with every press. The extended 22mm spring in the Jacaranda contributes to a bouncy sensation, adding to the overall auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches for sound will depend on personal preference for a smoother and quieter typing experience with the CAP Anniversary, or a more pronounced and tactile sound with the Jacaranda.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch is renowned for its exceptional smoothness and stability during keystrokes, described as snappy, creamy, and polished. With a focus on reducing resistance and enhancing stability, typing on the CAP Anniversary switch is likely to feel responsive, smooth, and refined. Conversely, the PH Studio Jacaranda switch boasts a silky typing experience, minimizing resistance and providing a smooth feel with each key press. The extended spring in the Jacaranda contributes to this silky sensation, offering a uniquely bouncy feel that can enhance the overall typing experience. When it comes to feel, the decision between these switches will come down to whether one prefers a responsive, polished feel with the CAP Anniversary, or a silky, smooth sensation with the Jacaranda.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CAP Anniversary excels in providing smooth and stable keystrokes with minimal wobble, potentially resulting in a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Jacaranda stands out for its clacky sound profile and silky typing feel, enhanced by the extended spring for a bouncy sensation. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the CAP Anniversary focusing on smoothness and stability, and the Jacaranda emphasizing audible feedback and a smooth, responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, smoothness, typing feel, and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force for added stability and minimal wobble, along with a smooth typing experience, then the CAP Anniversary may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force for a fatigue-free typing experience, along with a bouncy sensation and a clacky sound profile, then the Jacaranda could be the better choice. Both switches have their own unique features and characteristics, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you value the most. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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