Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Keygeek Keygeek Raw
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Keygeek Keygeek Raw offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The CAP Anniversary is known for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes due to its innovative CAP structure, while the Keygeek Raw stands out with its unique material blend that provides a creamy yet lightweight feel. The CAP Anniversary is categorized as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', making it a great choice for those who prioritize smooth typing. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw falls into categories such as 'Textured', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Subtle', appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy a slightly textured feel and prefer hand-lubing their switches. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches both offer unique housing materials that cater to different sound profiles and aesthetic preferences. The CAP Anniversary features a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiff nature. This makes it ideal for those looking for a high-pitched sound with RGB lighting capabilities. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw utilizes a Nylon & UPE blend for its top housing, which offers a different sound profile that is deeper and fuller compared to polycarbonate. The exclusive blend used in the Keygeek Raw switches provides a unique typing experience that may appeal to those seeking a softer and more absorbent sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the CAP Anniversary utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that differs from the stiffer polycarbonate used in the top housing. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw employs a UMPE & Si blend for its bottom housing, offering yet another unique sound profile exclusive to these switches. The blend's characteristics will impact the overall typing experience, providing a different feel and sound compared to the nylon used in the CAP Anniversary.
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches, it is clear that each offers a distinct typing experience tailored to individual preferences. While both switches focus on providing unique sound profiles through their top and bottom housing materials, the choice between polycarbonate and Nylon & UPE blend hinges on the desired sound and typing feel. Whether opting for the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the CAP Anniversary or the deeper and fuller sound of the Nylon & UPE blend in the Keygeek Raw, users can expect a customized typing experience based on their housing material preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, it is clear that the CAP Anniversary is the heavier option with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw is lighter with a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, although its actuation force is unknown. Both switches fall into the medium category in terms of force required, with the CAP Anniversary leaning towards the heavier side. People who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Keygeek Raw more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may opt for the CAP Anniversary. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Keygeek Raw has a shorter travel distance compared to the CAP Anniversary. The difference in travel distance can impact the typing experience, as a shorter travel distance can provide quicker response times, which is preferred by gamers. On the other hand, a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and tactile feel for those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of which one is the best fit for individual typing needs.
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 Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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
In terms of sound, the CAP Anniversary switch offers a unique typing experience with a sound profile that varies depending on the board and keycaps used. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw switch is classified as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the CAP Anniversary is renowned for its snappy and creamy typing experience, providing a responsive and smooth feel that enhances the overall typing sensation. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw switch is described as having a textured feel right out of the box, offering a slightly different tactile experience that may be preferred by some users.
Considering the information available, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the CAP Anniversary provides a smooth and stable typing experience with a sound profile that depends on external factors, the Keygeek Raw switch offers a creamy and slightly textured feel that can be further enhanced through hand-lubing. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on personal preference for sound and feel, ensuring that both options deliver satisfying typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and stable typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch with its unique CAP structure and aerodynamic design may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a creamy yet lightweight switch that allows for customization through hand-lubing and provides a slightly textured feel, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch with its unique material blend could be the perfect fit. Consider your preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles, so choose based on what matters most to you in your keyboarding experience.
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