Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Bsun Light Sakura

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, and two noteworthy contenders are the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Light Sakura, both of which are linear switches designed to enhance user comfort in different ways. The CAP Anniversary is celebrated for its innovative CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design, which allows for exceptionally smooth keystrokes, minimal wobble, and reduced resistance—perfect for users who appreciate a snappy and polished feel during fast-paced typing. On the other hand, the Light Sakura is engineered for silent operation and an ultra-light touch, making it an excellent choice for long typing sessions and office environments where discretion is key. While the CAP Anniversary offers a refined and smooth sensation that might appeal to enthusiasts who seek a responsive typing experience, the Light Sakura caters to those looking for comfort and quietness without sacrificing performance. However, let's 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

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$4.90

$4.10 per 10

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Light Sakura switches exhibit a notable contrast in their bottom housings, while showcasing similarities in top housing material. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a crisp and sharp sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity of sound produced when the key is pressed and released, making it an excellent choice for users who value auditory feedback in a mechanical keyboard. The transparency of polycarbonate also provides aesthetic advantages for users looking to illuminate their setups with RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through beautifully, enhancing the visual experience.

In contrast, the bottom housing materials differ significantly between the two switches. The CAP Anniversary employs a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and rounder sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing found in the Light Sakura. While nylon is softer and absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a less pronounced typing noise, it still provides a pleasing acoustic experience for users who prefer a fuller sound when bottoming out their keys. This material discrepancy affects how each switch feels and sounds during use; the CAP Anniversary's nylon bottom housing imparts a softer feel, whereas the Bsun Light Sakura's polycarbonate bottom housing continues the high-pitched and crisp sound throughout the keypress.

Ultimately, the housing combination of both switches leads to distinct auditory experiences. While the polycarbonate top housing in both switches ensures a crisp sound when released, the nylon bottom of the CAP Anniversary allows for a warmer and rounder typing experience, contrasting with the purely high-pitched profile of the Light Sakura's polycarbonate bottom. Users looking for a balance between clarity and depth may favor the CAP Anniversary, while those seeking a sharper, more resonant typing experience may be drawn to the Light Sakura. Consequently, each switch provides unique benefits depending on user preference, illustrating how the specific properties of housing materials can influence overall typing feel and sound.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces present distinct characteristics suited to various typing preferences. The Gateron CAP Anniversary requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 65 grams, classifying it as a medium-heavy switch, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial push feel that can enhance the typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura's lighter actuation force of 37 grams and bottom out force of 43 grams make it a more comfortable option for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to register keystrokes. Consequently, the Light Sakura is notably lighter than the CAP Anniversary, making it ideal for users who prioritize longevity and ease during extended use. Overall, while both switches differ significantly in force requirements, they cater to different user preferences, with the Gateron CAP targeting those who prefer a firmer feedback, and the Bsun Light Sakura appealing to users seeking a gentler typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The CAP Anniversary switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Light Sakura measures a shorter 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm indicates that the CAP Anniversary offers a more substantial keypress, which can be appealing to those who prefer a hearty depth in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Light Sakura's shorter travel distance may cater to gamers and users who favor quicker response times for more efficient performance. Ultimately, if you're seeking a switch that provides a traditional feel and deeper keystrokes, the Gateron CAP Anniversary is the better choice, while the Bsun Light Sakura suits those who prioritize speed and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is noted for its quiet operation, making it a great option for those who prefer a less audible typing experience. This quieter sound profile can be attributed to its innovative design that minimizes noise during keystrokes. Similarly, the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch is also designed for silence, aimed at providing a discreet typing experience ideal for shared spaces like offices. While both switches excel in offering a sound-dampened performance, the overall acoustic character may still be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the type of keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the CAP Anniversary stands out with its snappy, creamy, and polished characteristics. The snappy responsiveness ensures that keystrokes feel lively and engaging, while the creamy texture provides an incredibly smooth and buttery typing experience. The polished nature contributes to a refined feel that reduces friction and enhances the smoothness of each key press. On the other hand, the feel of the Light Sakura switch leans toward an ultra-light sensation, focusing on comfort and fatigue reduction during extended typing sessions. The lack of additional descriptors for the Light Sakura means we cannot compare its tactile feedback to the more complex feel of the CAP Anniversary switches.

In conclusion, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Bsun Light Sakura linear switches cater to specific typing needs, with the CAP Anniversary offering a more textured feel alongside a quiet typing experience, while the Light Sakura emphasizes silent operation and comfort. If you're seeking a smooth and engaging typing experience, the CAP Anniversary may be the way to go, while the Light Sakura will serve well in environments where discretion is key. Depending on your priorities—whether they are responsiveness, comfort, or noise level—either switch can deliver satisfying results, albeit in slightly different ways.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch will largely depend on your specific typing needs and preferences. If you prefer a typing experience that feels robust and fluid, with a heavier actuation force of 65 grams offering a snappy, creamy, and polished response, then the CAP Anniversary is the ideal switch for you. This makes it particularly suitable for those who enjoy firm tactile feedback while typing or gaming and appreciate the smoothness it brings to their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prioritize comfort and discretion, especially in office settings or shared environments, the Light Sakura switch is your best bet. Weighing in at a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, it delivers a gentle touch, perfect for prolonged typing sessions, and its silent operation ensures that your typing remains undisturbed by noise. Ultimately, consider how you write or play and the environment in which you do so; your preferences for feel, sound, and the weight of the switch will guide you to the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CAP Anniversary Linear

$4.90

$4.10 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn more