Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Bsun Jade Rosales
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that offer unique features and distinct typing experiences. The Gateron CAP Anniversary switches stand out with their innovative CAP structure that promises smooth keystrokes, enhanced by an aerodynamic stem design that reduces resistance and wobble. This makes the CAP Anniversary a compelling choice for users seeking a snappy and polished typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Jade Rosales switches, crafted by XY Studio, showcase a year-long refinement process culminating in custom housings and lubrication techniques that deliver exceptional smoothness. While both switches fall under the linear category and are designed to provide fluid keypresses, the CAP Anniversary offers a more dynamic feel with its unique design elements, whereas the Jade Rosales focuses on a meticulously refined typing 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Y3X
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Custom Milky Material
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Jade Rosales utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a distinctive sound profile that enthusiast keyboard users often seek. The characteristics of polycarbonate, including its rigidity and translucency, lead to a sharper, higher-pitched, and clearer sound when keys are pressed. This shared material trait not only enhances acoustic resonance but also serves a practical purpose for RGB lighting, as the transparent nature of polycarbonate allows light to shine through effectively. Thus, users of both switches can expect similar visual aesthetics and sound quality due to the use of this material in the top housing.
In contrast, the bottom housing of these two switches presents a notable difference that influences their overall sound profile and tactile feedback. The CAP Anniversary features a nylon bottom housing known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer composition, which absorbs sound more effectively. This leads to a rounder and more muted sound when bottoming out compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Jade Rosales uses a proprietary custom milky material for its bottom housing, details of which remain ambiguous but suggest a different tactile experience. Depending on the sound dynamics of this custom material, it may either absorb sound similarly to nylon or potentially present a varied character entirely, making it difficult to predict the exact auditory feedback users will receive.
When it comes to the interaction of these materials during use, the combined qualities of both the top and bottom housings will result in different sensory experiences for each switch. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches will emit a bright tone during key releases, while the contrasting bottom materials will dictate the overall feel and sound when the keys bottom out. Users seeking a balance between crispness on release and depth on the bottom out may find the differences between the CAP Anniversary's nylon bottom and the Jade Rosales's custom blend to be significant. Ultimately, while the top housings align in material and expectations, the bottom housings present a pivotal divergence that can create distinctly different sound profiles and tactile sensations in practice.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The CAP Anniversary switch features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Jade Rosales switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light range. This distinction means that the Jade Rosales switch is easier to press down, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Conversely, those who favor a more substantial typing experience might opt for the heavier CAP Anniversary switch, which offers a firmer push. Overall, the Gateron CAP Anniversary is the heavier switch while the Bsun Jade Rosales is lighter, providing distinct tactile experiences for differing user preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch measures 4 mm, while the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference indicates that the Gateron CAP Anniversary provides a more substantial travel experience, which may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Jade Rosales may be preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times, as shorter travel distances allow for swifter actuation. Ultimately, if you prioritize a more tactile sensation during key presses, the Gateron CAP Anniversary would be the better choice, while the Bsun Jade Rosales may cater to players seeking enhanced speed in their actions.
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 Bsun Jade Rosales has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jade Rosales for $5.39.
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 switches have not been explicitly described, which leaves their acoustic profile somewhat open to interpretation based on personal setup and preference. The sound of any mechanical switch can greatly depend on factors such as the keyboard's construction, switch plate materials, and the type of keycaps used. As for the Bsun Jade Rosales switches, their sound is also unspecified, leading to a similar conclusion: users can expect that environmental factors will play a significant role in the final auditory feedback of both switch types.
Regarding feel, the CAP Anniversary switches stand out with three distinct qualities: they are snappy, creamy, and polished. The snappy nature of these switches ensures responsiveness, likely due to longer or dual-staged springs enhancing the typing dynamism. The creamy aspect offers a smooth and buttery touch, which is attributed to either factory lubrication or specific materials, making each keystroke feel effortless. Finally, the polished characteristic indicates that these switches have a refined finish, thus reducing friction and providing a sleek typing experience. In contrast, the feel of the Jade Rosales switches remains unspecified, which does leave a gap in directly assessing their tactile aspects.
In summary, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Bsun Jade Rosales linear switches offer distinct auditory experiences influenced by external factors, making it challenging to define their respective sounds without additional details. The CAP Anniversary is well-regarded for its snappy, creamy, and polished tactile qualities, fundamentally enhancing user experience. On the other hand, the tactile characteristics of the Jade Rosales remain unknown, leaving potential users curious. If you're looking for a more dynamic typing experience with smooth keystrokes, the CAP Anniversary switches provide a compelling choice, whereas the Jade Rosales could still hold potential virtues that are yet to be explored.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a medium-heavy keystroke that provides a snappy, responsive feel, coupled with exceptional smoothness and stability due to the CAP structure and aerodynamic design, then the CAP Anniversary would likely suit you well. This switch is particularly appealing if you spend a lot of time typing or gaming, where precision and feedback are essential for an engaging experience. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a softer touch and a medium-light actuation with a typing experience refined over a year with custom housings and lubrication, the Bsun Jade Rosales switches could be your go-to. These are ideal for those who enjoy a silky and buttery feel, allowing for an effortlessly smooth keystroke without much resistance. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your tactile preferences—whether you favor a more pronounced responsiveness and weight or a lighter, soothing typing experience.
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