Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile switch offer unique typing experiences. The CAP Anniversary switch is praised for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes due to its innovative CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a gentle tactility that is a refreshing change from sharper tactile switches on the market. While the CAP Anniversary is categorized as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', the Light Tactile is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, offering a different typing experience for users. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Durock Light Tactile both feature polycarbonate top housings, which offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. Therefore, both switches offer a visually appealing and distinct sound experience with their polycarbonate top housings.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the CAP Anniversary and the Light Tactile feature nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, providing a different tactile experience compared to the top housing material. Despite having different top housing materials, both switches offer a similar typing experience with their nylon bottom housings, creating a consistent sound profile across the board.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Durock Light Tactile switches provide a unique typing experience. While the top housings contribute to a sharper and crisper sound profile, the bottom housings offer a deeper and fuller sound, resulting in a well-rounded auditory and tactile experience. Despite the differences in materials between the top and bottom housings, both switches deliver consistent and satisfying typing experiences that cater to different preferences and usage scenarios.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Durock Light Tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 52 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the CAP Anniversary requires 65 grams, while the Light Tactile needs 67 grams. Both switches fall under the medium-heavy category in terms of force required. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the CAP Anniversary may be the better choice, as it has a slightly lighter actuation force. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Durock Light Tactile switches both have the same travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity allows for a consistent typing experience across both switches, as the distance traveled when typing on either switch will feel the same. Overall, the travel distance of both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Durock Light Tactile switches is equal, providing a comparable typing experience for users.
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 Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 linear switch is known for its smooth and quiet typing experience, with a lack of specific descriptors indicating it may have a neutral sound profile suitable for a variety of environments. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch offers a gentle and jelly-like sound signature, providing users with a unique and softer auditory feedback during typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is described as snappy, creamy, and polished, offering a highly responsive and smooth typing experience with minimal wobble. The Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, on the other hand, is characterized as mild and polished, providing users with a more gentle typing sensation while still maintaining a smooth key travel and reduced friction.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a smooth and quiet sound profile, along with a snappy and polished feel, the Gateron CAP Anniversary would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a unique and softer sound signature, coupled with a gentle and polished typing experience, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be the ideal option for you. Both switches offer different qualities that cater to specific preferences, ensuring that you can achieve a satisfying typing experience based on your individual needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize smooth keystrokes with minimal wobble and enhanced stability, the CAP Anniversary with its unique CAP structure may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactility and a softer typing experience, the Light Tactile switch from Durock could be more suitable. Both switches offer medium-heavy bottom out forces, but the CAP Anniversary provides a snappier, creamy, and polished feel, while the Light Tactile offers a mild and polished typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for key feel and sound profile.
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