Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gazzew LT mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The CAP Anniversary is renowned for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes due to its innovative CAP structure, aerodynamic stem design, and minimized wobble, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a snappy, creamy, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switches stand out with their striking lilac hue and the satisfying deep thockiness produced with each key press, offering a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
In comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gazzew LT housing materials, both switches feature unique proprietary plastic blends in their top housings. The CAP Anniversary utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, providing a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. On the other hand, the LT's top housing is made of Gazzew blend, which is softer and delivers a rich and deep sound profile. While both materials offer distinctive sound profiles, the polycarbonate in the CAP Anniversary creates a sharper sound, whereas the LT's Gazzew blend gives a fuller and more resonant sound.
When it comes to the bottom housings, the CAP Anniversary uses nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature helps absorb sound, resulting in a more rounded sound. Similarly, the Gazzew LT features a proprietary plastic blend in the bottom housing, known as "boba plastic," which also delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. Both switches benefit from the characteristics of their bottom housing materials, offering a deeper sound experience for users. While the nylon in the CAP Anniversary provides a duller sound, the LT's Gazzew blend offers a deeper and more resonant sound profile.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gazzew LT play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of each switch. While the CAP Anniversary uses polycarbonate for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing, the LT features proprietary Gazzew blend in both the top and bottom housings. The differences in material composition result in unique sound profiles for each switch, with the polycarbonate in the CAP Anniversary creating a sharper sound and the Gazzew blend in the LT delivering a rich and deep sound. However, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their carefully chosen housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, it is clear that the CAP Anniversary is lighter in actuation force at 50 grams compared to the LT which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 65 grams, making them medium-heavy in that aspect. When it comes to actuation force, the lighter option may be preferred by those looking for a smoother typing experience that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the CAP Anniversary may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew LT linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Gazzew LT is the shorter option compared to the CAP Anniversary. The difference of 0.8 mm may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prefer faster response times may opt for the Gazzew LT with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more tactile and deep keypress experience may lean towards the CAP Anniversary with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer unique experiences based on individual preferences, providing users with a choice to tailor their typing or gaming experience to their liking.
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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 Gazzew LT linear switch is renowned for its deep and resonant thockiness, providing a satisfying auditory experience with each key press. The bassy and low-pitched sound profile of the LT further enhances the typing experience, offering a rich and immersive sound. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is known for its smooth keystrokes and minimal wobble, but the specific sound characteristics of this switch are unknown. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches based on sound preferences will depend on whether you prefer a deep and bassy thockiness or a yet-to-be-determined sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the CAP Anniversary linear switch is praised for its snappy and creamy typing experience, offering a super responsive feel with a smooth and buttery sensation. The polished finish of the CAP switch results in reduced friction and sleek key travel, further enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, information on the feel of the Gazzew LT linear switch is currently unavailable. Considering the qualities attributed to the CAP Anniversary, users looking for a combination of responsiveness, smoothness, and refined key travel may find the CAP switch to be a suitable choice.
In conclusion, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the CAP switch excels in providing exceptionally smooth and stable keystrokes with a creamy and polished feel, the LT switch stands out for its deep, resonant thockiness and lilac color aesthetic. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience in their own distinct ways.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a unique typing experience with exceptionally smooth keystrokes and stability, the CAP Anniversary with its CAP structure may be the ideal choice for you. Additionally, if you appreciate a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a particular focus on the auditory experience, the LT's deep, resonant thockiness and seamless glide may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and enhances your typing pleasure.
Mentioned in this article
