Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron Luciola both offer unique features and qualities to consider. The CAP Anniversary switch is recognized for its incredibly smooth keystrokes, thanks to its novel CAP structure that reduces resistance and enhances smoothness. On the other hand, the Luciola switch stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature and medium heft, providing a smooth and bouncy typing feel. While the CAP Anniversary is categorized as snappy, creamy, polished, the Luciola offers a variety of characteristics like being snappy, clacky, chirpy, marbly, buttery, high-pitched, and polished. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Luciola switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their different compositions. The CAP Anniversary's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharp, crisp sound profile, while the Luciola's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a slightly higher-pitched and clacky sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the CAP Anniversary allows for RGB lighting to be showcased through its translucency, whereas the Luciola's top housing provides a unique sound experience with its proprietary blend.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials also contribute significantly to the overall sound profile of the switches. The CAP Anniversary's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend bottom housing complements the top housing by offering a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound profile. Despite their differences, both bottom housings enhance the overall typing experience by influencing the sound and feel of the switches.
When considering how the top and bottom housings interact in each switch, it becomes evident that the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. While the CAP Anniversary and Luciola switches may offer different sound profiles due to their housing materials, both switches ultimately aim to enhance the typing experience through unique and innovative design choices.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, we see that the CAP Anniversary has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Luciola's 55 grams. However, the CAP Anniversary has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Luciola has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the CAP Anniversary provides a slightly lighter initial touch but requires more force to fully press down, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Luciola offers a slightly heavier initial touch but a lighter overall feel when fully pressed. Both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy feel, with the CAP Anniversary leaning towards the heavier side and the Luciola being a bit lighter overall. Depending on personal preference, one might prefer the lighter initial touch of the Luciola for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier feel of the CAP Anniversary for a more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches can cater to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it is clear that the Luciola has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the CAP Anniversary. The difference may seem small, but it can significantly impact the overall feel and experience of typing or gaming. The shorter travel distance of the Luciola can provide a faster response time, which is favored by gamers seeking quick and precise key presses. On the other hand, the slightly longer travel distance of the CAP Anniversary may offer a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and 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 Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 boasts a unique design that results in exceptionally smooth keystrokes, minimizing any audible noise during typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is known for its clacky, chirpy, and marbly sound profile, offering a distinct auditory experience with a hint of squeakiness. Depending on personal preference, individuals may gravitate towards the quiet and seamless sound of the CAP Anniversary or the more vibrant and lively sound of the Luciola.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is lauded for its snappy and creamy typing experience, providing a responsive and smooth keystroke sensation. Similarly, the Gateron Luciola linear switch also offers a snappy and polished feel, ensuring a responsive and refined typing experience with reduced friction. Both switches excel in providing a satisfying feel while typing, allowing users to enjoy a comfortable and efficient typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Gateron Luciola linear switches each offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the CAP Anniversary excels in providing a smooth and quiet typing experience with minimal wobble, the Luciola stands out with its eye-catching design and lively sound profile. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer an excellent typing experience that caters to different preferences. Ultimately, whether you choose the CAP Anniversary or the Luciola, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with Gateron's renowned craftsmanship.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, uniqueness in design, sound profile, and typing feel. The CAP Anniversary switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams offers an exceptionally smooth keystroke experience due to its innovative CAP structure. On the other hand, the Luciola switch with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams provides a smooth and bouncy typing feel along with a unique glowing feature. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and are looking for a switch with a special design that enhances smoothness, the CAP Anniversary switch would be a great choice. However, if you enjoy switches with a medium bottom out force and appreciate the visual appeal of a glowing keyboard, then the Luciola switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and priorities in terms of typing experience and aesthetics.
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