Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience with unique characteristics. The CAP Anniversary switch is known for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes due to its novel CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stem. On the other hand, the Kiki Red switch from BSUN provides a finely-tuned typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky nuance and medium-light weighting for a subtle tactile feedback. While the CAP Anniversary switch is categorized as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', the Kiki Red switch is labeled as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', and 'Easy-to-press'. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Kiki Red, one noticeable difference is in the top housing material. The CAP Anniversary features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Kiki Red has a POM top housing. As described, the polycarbonate top housing of the CAP Anniversary creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature, ideal for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Kiki Red produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. This contrast in sound profiles highlights how the choice of top housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience of a switch.
Another point of comparison lies in the bottom housing material of the two switches. The CAP Anniversary utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Kiki Red also features a POM bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile, aligning with the characteristics of the POM top housing. This similarity in bottom housing materials between the two switches indicates that despite differences in top housing material, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel when bottoming-out keys.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Kiki Red plays a significant role in shaping the sound profiles and typing experiences they offer. The contrast between the polycarbonate and POM top housings highlights how different materials can lead to distinct sound profiles, with the former producing a sharper sound and the latter a deeper tone. Similarly, the similarities in nylon and POM bottom housings suggest that both switches offer a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel when pressing down on keys. Ultimately, the housing materials chosen for a switch can greatly influence the overall user experience and preference for mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it is clear that the Kiki Red is the lighter option. The CAP Anniversary has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Kiki Red only requires 42 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, categorizing it as a light switch. This means that the Kiki Red would be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while the CAP Anniversary would be more suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. It is worth noting that both switches offer different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Kiki Red the shorter option compared to the CAP Anniversary. The 4.0mm travel distance of the CAP Anniversary is more traditional, providing a bit more depth when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Kiki Red makes it a bit shallower, which some users may prefer for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and whether you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance for your typing experience.
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 Kiki Red has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Kiki Red for $3.83.
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 Gateron CAP Anniversary switch is known for its smooth and consistent sound profile, providing a quiet typing experience ideal for those who prefer minimal noise in their environment. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is described as having a high-pitched, clacky sound that offers a satisfying feedback without being overly loud. The Kiki Red switch strikes a balance between audibly tactile and pleasantly subtle, making it a preferred choice for users who enjoy a distinctive yet refined auditory experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Kiki Red switches offer a silky smooth typing experience attributed to their unique designs. The Gateron CAP Anniversary switch is noted for its snappy and creamy feel, providing a responsive and buttery keystroke that enhances the overall typing flow. Similarly, the Bsun Kiki Red switch boasts a creamy and polished feel, offering effortless key presses with minimal friction and smooth key travel. Both switches prioritize comfort and smoothness, catering to users who value a premium typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Kiki Red switches have different sound profiles, they both excel in providing a superior typing experience characterized by smoothness, responsiveness, and comfort. Whether you prefer a quieter typing sound like the CAP Anniversary or a slightly more audible feedback like the Kiki Red, both switches offer a high level of performance and finesse. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences in sound and feel, but rest assured that you can expect a top-notch typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, you should consider the bottom out force and the typing experience you are seeking. If you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and value exceptionally smooth keystrokes with minimal wobble, the CAP Anniversary may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and enjoy a comfortable high-pitched, clacky sound with a medium-light weighting for a subtly tactile experience, the Kiki Red could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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