Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron Jupiter Brown both offer unique features and advantages. The CAP Anniversary is a linear switch known for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes, thanks to its novel CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stem. This switch provides a snappy and creamy typing experience that is polished and free of wobble. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that blends tradition with innovation, featuring a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight. The Jupiter Brown offers a mild and polished typing experience with stepped characteristics. While the CAP Anniversary excels in smoothness and stability, the Jupiter Brown provides a blend of reliability and aesthetic appeal. However, let us dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron CAP Anniversary Linear

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$4.90

$4.10 per 10

$2.80 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the CAP Anniversary's bottom housing is made of nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing on the switch, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown also features nylon in its bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a rounder sound profile.

The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches yields a crisper sound profile and enhances the aesthetic appeal with its translucent properties. This material is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound when the key is released. While both switches share this feature, the differentiation lies in the bottom housing material. The nylon bottom housing of both switches produces a different typing experience, with a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate.

In terms of functionality, the housing materials of the CAP Anniversary and Jupiter Brown switches showcase how the choice of materials can significantly impact the overall sound profile and typing experience. While both switches have polycarbonate top housing for a sharp sound profile, the nylon bottom housing provides a unique aspect to each switch. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings of a switch can be felt when typing, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the housing materials of these switches creates a dynamic and satisfying typing experience for users.

Weight

Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, the CAP Anniversary has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Jupiter Brown's 55 grams, making it slightly easier to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the CAP Anniversary is also lighter at 65 grams compared to the Jupiter Brown's 70 grams, providing a softer landing when fully pressing a key. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy range, offering a balance between ease of typing for extended periods and a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, if you prefer a slightly lighter actuation and bottom out force, the CAP Anniversary would be the ideal choice, while the Jupiter Brown would suit those looking for a slightly heavier typing experience. Overall, using either switch will provide similar results due to their comparable force requirements.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these switches, it is evident that they offer a similar typing experience in terms of keypress feel. This means that whether you choose the CAP Anniversary or Jupiter Brown switch, you can expect to have a consistent and familiar typing sensation. The travel distance being the same for both switches ensures that users will not have to adjust their typing habits when switching between keyboards equipped with either of these switches. Ultimately, the similarities in travel distance make the decision between the two switches a matter of personal preference for linear or tactile feedback rather than the distance traveled by the switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is known for its quiet and smooth keystrokes, with a subtle sound that is not as loud as other switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offers a more pronounced sound with a satisfying click that adds to the overall typing experience. Both switches will provide a unique auditory feedback depending on the user's preference, with the CAP Anniversary being quieter and the Jupiter Brown offering a more audible click.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is described as snappy and creamy, providing a super responsive and smooth typing experience. The Jupiter Brown tactile switch, on the other hand, is characterized as mild and polished, offering a gentle and refined keystroke with a subtle tactile bump. Both switches provide a different tactile feel, with the CAP Anniversary offering a more responsive and buttery typing experience, while the Jupiter Brown provides a softer and more approachable tactile feedback.

Overall, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CAP Anniversary provides a smoother and quieter typing experience with a snappier feel, while the Jupiter Brown offers a more pronounced click and a softer tactile bump. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. Both switches deliver high-quality performance and design features that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the perfect fit for their mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, you should consider the key differences in their features and characteristics. If you prioritize exceptionally smooth keystrokes and stability with minimal wobble, the CAP Anniversary may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a blend of tradition and innovation, with a classic keystroke feel and reliable performance, then the Jupiter Brown could be the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, whether you lean towards a snappy and polished feel or a mild and polished feel with two stages of tactility. Consider the sound and feel descriptions of each switch to determine which one aligns better with your typing style and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CAP Anniversary Linear

$4.90

$4.10 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more