Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Keygeek Keylin both present compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience, though each offers unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The CAP Anniversary switches stand out with their innovative CAP structure, which enhances typing smoothness through an aerodynamic stem design and strategically placed holes that minimize air resistance—features that contribute to a snappy yet creamy response. Users may appreciate these switches for their polished feel, stability, and reduced wobble, making them ideal for both gaming and typing. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin switches utilize new molds that focus on delivering rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, appealing to those who prioritize a premium auditory and tactile experience. While both switches promise a satisfying linear feel, the CAP Anniversary highlights smoothness and stability whereas the Keylin emphasizes sound and richness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Keygeek Keylin, a distinct contrast emerges in their top housing components. The CAP Anniversary switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its rigidity and translucency, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. This material's ability to resonate sound clearly makes it especially advantageous for users who appreciate the aesthetic appeal of RGB lighting, as the clarity of the polycarbonate enhances the visual experience. In stark contrast, the Keylin employs a nylon top housing—a softer material that absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile that offers a more subdued typing experience. This fundamental difference in material choice reflects differing design philosophies, with the CAP Anniversary pursuing brightness and clarity, while the Keylin opts for warmth and depth.
When we turn our attention to the bottom housings of both switches, an intriguing similarity arises. Both the CAP Anniversary and Keylin switches feature nylon bottom housings, which are recognized for their ability to provide a fuller sound due to their sound-absorbing properties. With both switches sharing this bottom housing material, users can expect a deeper and rounder sound profile when bottoming out on either switch. This means that, despite their different top housing materials, the bottom-out experience retains consistency between the two switches; in both cases, the nylon effectively contributes to a more muted, understated acoustic response.
Overall, the combination of a polycarbonate top housing in the CAP Anniversary and a nylon bottom housing creates a duality of sound characteristics that are more distinct from one another compared to the Keygeek Keylin, which relies entirely on nylon for both top and bottom housings. Because the nylon bottom housing in both switches performs similarly, the CAP Anniversary’s sharper top end provides a contrasting foreground, resulting in a universally appealing sound profile for different preferences. Users seeking a mix of brightness and warmth may find satisfaction in the CAP Anniversary, while those who value a more consistent and softer response may gravitate towards the Keylin.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch present contrasting experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The CAP Anniversary features a medium-heavy actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it suitable for those who appreciate a more substantial typing feel. In contrast, the Keylin switch has a notably lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, catering to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience. As a result, those who favor lighter switches for extended use will find the Keylin more appealing, while typists who enjoy a firmer push should opt for the Gateron CAP Anniversary. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces suggest that the Keylin is the lighter option, while the CAP Anniversary is heavier, providing distinct tactile feedback according to user preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, there is a notable difference. The CAP Anniversary features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option that provides a deeper feel when pressed. In contrast, the Keylin has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who may prefer quicker response times. This shorter distance aligns well with the current trend among gamers, who often opt for switches that allow for more rapid keystrokes. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Keylin would be the better choice, while the CAP Anniversary is ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke experience. Overall, the Gateron CAP Anniversary has the longer travel distance, whereas the Keygeek Keylin is the shorter option.
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 Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin 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
When it comes to sound, the CAP Anniversary linear switch does not offer a detailed description, leaving its acoustic signature somewhat of an unknown factor. However, the Keylin linear switch is noted for delivering rich acoustics, suggesting a well-rounded and pleasant auditory experience during typing. Since the sound produced by mechanical switches can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, it may be possible to achieve a satisfying sound profile with both switches under optimal conditions.
In terms of feel, the CAP Anniversary linear switch stands out with its snappy, creamy, and polished characteristics. The snappy responsiveness contributes to a lively typing experience, while the creamy texture provides a smooth and buttery sensation, making keystrokes feel effortless. The polished nature of the switch enhances its overall smoothness and reduces friction during operation. The feedback from the Keylin linear switch is currently unknown, which leaves a gap in perfecting the comparison based on tactile experience.
In conclusion, while the CAP Anniversary linear switch is characterized by a plush and responsive feel due to its unique design and advanced engineering, the Keylin linear switch promises a premium experience as well, though its specific tactile qualities are not defined. Both switches could potentially deliver satisfying typing experiences, but the CAP's detailed feel attributes give it an edge in crafting a nuanced, smooth experience. Ultimately, factors like your keyboard setup and personal preference will play a significant role in choosing between the two.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use cases. If you prefer a medium-heavy feel and a responsive, snappy typing experience with a creamy, polished finish, the CAP Anniversary is an excellent choice. Its innovative CAP structure enhances smoothness and stability, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile and controlled typing session, especially during gaming or intensive typing tasks. Conversely, if you lean towards a lighter, easy-to-press switch that provides rich acoustics and a premium feel, the Keylin may be the better option for you. The Keylin’s lighter actuation force allows for more rapid keystrokes, making it great for extended typing sessions where fatigue could be a concern. Ultimately, consider what sensations and types of activities are most important to you as you make your decision—whether it's the robust feel of the CAP Anniversary or the effortless touch of the Keylin, both switches offer unique experiences that can elevate your mechanical keyboard journey.
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