Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. HMX KD200
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX KD200 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX KD200 both offer exceptional tactile experiences, yet they cater to different preferences and typing styles. The CAP Anniversary switch stands out for its innovative CAP structure, which delivers exceptionally smooth keystrokes through its aerodynamic stem design that incorporates tiny holes for air release, minimizing resistance. Users can expect a typing experience characterized by snappy, creamy, and polished feedback, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize smoothness and stability. Conversely, the HMX KD200 switch is renowned for its pronounced clack, making it the loudest option in the HMX Film family. This switch appeals to typists who revel in a more auditory feedback, often linked with a satisfying typing rhythm. While both switches fall within the linear category, which typically emphasizes a smooth travel without tactile bumps, their distinct characteristics offer unique advantages. 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
50g
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX KD200, significant differences arise, particularly with their top housings. The CAP Anniversary features a polycarbonate top housing, which lends a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile to the switch. Due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, it generates a more resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for users looking for clarity in their typing experience. Moreover, the translucency of the polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for those who wish to utilize RGB lighting, as it enhances the visual aesthetic of the switches when light passes through. In stark contrast, the KD200 employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and promotes a deeper, fuller sound profile. The sound characteristics of nylon absorption lead to a more muted and rounded auditory experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a softer and less mechanical sound when typing.
While the top housings differ significantly, the bottom housings of both switches share the same material: nylon. This commonality contributes to a similar underlying typing feel and sound profile when pressing down on the switches. Both the CAP Anniversary and KD200 utilize nylon for their bottom housings, providing a deeper and fuller sound experience thanks to nylon's inherent properties. The bottom housing generally exerts a stronger influence on the overall bottom-out sound and tactile feel when the switch is fully pressed, meaning that despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches will result in a solid and comfortable typing experience attributable to their nylon bottom housings.
In terms of overall performance, the combination of distinct top and identical bottom housings for each switch can lead to unique sound profiles. The CAP Anniversary's polycarbonate top will enhance the brightness of keystrokes, particularly when releasing the keys, while the nylon bottom maintains a muted resonance and stability during typing. Conversely, with the KD200, users will experience a warmer and softer auditory feedback primarily shaped by its nylon top housing. Therefore, while both switches may attract different preferences based on their top housing materials, they both capitalize on the advantages of nylon in their bottom construction, offering users a robust and satisfying typing experience regardless of the model they choose.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, distinct differences emerge, particularly in their weight classifications. The CAP Anniversary features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the KD200 is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter weighting of the KD200 can enhance typing comfort during prolonged sessions, making it an appealing choice for users who prefer less resistance when typing or gaming. Conversely, the heavier feel of the CAP Anniversary may be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, providing a tactile feedback that some find satisfying. Overall, the KD200 is the lighter switch, whereas the CAP Anniversary delivers a heavier push, catering to different preferences in user experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX KD200 linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference highlights a key distinction between the two switches: the CAP Anniversary provides a more traditional and deeper experience, making it suitable for those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke. In contrast, the KD200, with its shorter travel distance, caters to a more responsive feel, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker actuation times. Therefore, if you prefer the hearty depth of a longer travel, the CAP Anniversary would be your choice, while the KD200 serves those who favor a faster and more immediate response.
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 HMX KD200 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the KD200 for $3.29.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch is not specifically detailed, but it is generally associated with a linear design, which tends to produce a quieter and more muted sound compared to tactile or clicky switches. In contrast, the HMX KD200 is characterized as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, suggesting that it offers a prominent audible feedback with each keystroke, likely producing a more resonant and lively sound. Therefore, if you're looking for a quieter typing experience, the CAP Anniversary would be preferable, while the KD200 will appeal to users seeking a more pronounced sound during their typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the CAP Anniversary linear switch is noted for its snappy, creamy, and polished characteristics. This means that the switches are very responsive and provide a smooth and buttery typing experience, often enhanced by factory lubrication and refined materials. Snappy switches deliver immediate feedback, making them feel lively, while the creamy and polished attributes offer a gliding sensation that enhances overall comfort during extended typing sessions. Unfortunately, the feel of the KD200 is not specified, so we can't directly compare its tactile responsiveness, smoothness, or overall typing sensations with those of the CAP Anniversary.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch provides a quieter sound profile and a richly textured typing experience, emphasizing snappiness, creaminess, and polish. On the other hand, the HMX KD200 stands out for its distinctively loud auditory feedback. Given these attributes, the CAP Anniversary would likely suit those in search of a smooth and quiet experience, while the KD200 would cater to enthusiasts who enjoy pronounced acoustics. Due to the unknown nature of the KD200's feel, this switch's tactile characteristics remain a mystery, but it would still be essential for users to consider their priorities in sound and feel when making a decision between the two.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch should be guided by your typing preferences and intended use. If you are looking for a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium-heavy feel, the CAP Anniversary is an excellent choice. Its 65-gram bottom-out force combined with the unique CAP structure ensures snappy, creamy, and polished keystrokes, making it ideal for long typing sessions or focused work where responsiveness and stability are critical. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keystroke with an engaging sound profile, the HMX KD200, with its 50-gram bottom-out force and notably clacky sound, will likely suit you better. It’s perfect for gaming or casual typing, where you might appreciate immediate feedback and a bit of auditory enjoyment. Ultimately, consider your key usage preference—smooth and stable for the CAP Anniversary, or something more dynamic and light like the KD200—as this will significantly enhance your typing or gaming experience.
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