Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Gateron CAP Anniversary, a linear switch, and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, also a linear switch. The CAP Anniversary stands out for its exceptional smoothness thanks to its innovative CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stem with tiny holes that reduce resistance. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 is known for its clacky sound and seamless typing experience, with a unique light diffuser enhancing RGB illumination. While the CAP Anniversary is praised for being snappy, creamy, and polished, the Lightning Silver V3 is characterized as clacky, high-pitched, and silky. Each switch offers distinct qualities that may cater to different preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, it is evident that both switches share a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice in the top housing leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users looking for a more distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those who want to enhance their keyboard with RGB lighting. However, the CAP Anniversary features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning with the sharp and clear sound profile found in its top housing.
Despite both switches incorporating polycarbonate in their top housing, the contrasting bottom housing materials set them apart in terms of sound characteristics. While the CAP Anniversary's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and rounder sound profile by absorbing more sound, the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature. This difference highlights the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials when choosing a keyboard switch, as they play a significant role in the overall typing experience. Whether a user prefers a mellower typing sound or a more defined and resonant feel, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate in the bottom housing can make a noticeable difference.
In terms of tactile feedback and sound output, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 showcase how variations in housing materials can impact the overall typing experience. The placement of different materials in the top and bottom housings affects the sound produced when pressing down on a key and when releasing it. While the top housing influences the sound upon key release, the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Understanding these differences allows users to fine-tune their keyboard preferences based on the desired sound profile and typing sensation, ensuring a customized typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is clear that the Lightning Silver V3 is slightly lighter in both categories. The CAP Anniversary has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the CAP Anniversary providing a slightly heavier feel compared to the Lightning Silver V3. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Lightning Silver V3 the shorter option compared to the CAP Anniversary. A 0.6 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can be noticeable in terms of feel and performance. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper key press may lean towards the Gateron CAP Anniversary with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 quiet and smooth operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, which may appeal to users looking for a more distinctive and crisp typing sound. Sound preference is subjective, so choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired auditory experience during typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch is praised for its snappy and creamy typing experience, offering a responsive and smooth feel with reduced friction and minimal wobble. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch provides a silky typing feel, emphasizing smooth key travel and minimal resistance for effortless keystrokes. Both switches boast qualities that enhance the overall typing experience, but individuals may have a preference for either the snappy and creamy feel of the Gateron switch or the silky smoothness of the Everglide switch.
Overall, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the CAP Anniversary switch provides a quiet and smooth typing experience with stability and minimal wobble, the Lightning Silver V3 switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a silky smooth typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as other factors such as keyboard setup and keycaps. Both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, so users can expect similar levels of quality in terms of performance and functionality.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider the unique features of each. If you prioritize exceptionally smooth keystrokes with minimal wobble and stability, the CAP Anniversary may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound signature with a silky and seamless typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. We hope this comparison helps you make an informed decision on selecting the mechanical keyboard switch that best suits your needs.
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