Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the characteristics of various options. The Gateron CAP Anniversary and Gateron Mars switches, both linear in design, offer distinct advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The CAP Anniversary is celebrated for its innovative CAP structure, which ensures exceptionally smooth keystrokes through its aerodynamic stem that features tiny holes to alleviate air resistance. This unique design, along with its enlarged hollowed-out stem post, guarantees stability and minimal wobble, making it a top choice for those seeking a snappy and polished typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Mars switches introduce a novel blend of materials, utilizing a POK stem and a housing crafted from a composite of Nylon and POM. While its exact categorization remains unspecified, the Mars switch is known for its innovative features that cater to users looking for durability and performance. Both switches present compelling options, catering to different typing experiences—whether you prioritize effortless smoothness or robust construction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP Anniversary and Gateron Mars switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences the auditory experience when typing. The CAP Anniversary features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency. The result is a sharper, clearer sound profile, producing a higher-pitched auditory feedback that many users find crisp and satisfying, especially in scenarios where RGB lighting is employed. In contrast, the Mars is equipped with a nylon top housing that contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer material absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, leading to a rounder auditory experience. Thus, while the CAP Anniversary offers a brighter sound, the Mars’s nylon top presents a warmer tone.
Examining the bottom housing of both switches reveals that the CAP Anniversary also uses nylon, which further enhances the depth and roundness of the sound as it absorbs impacts during keystrokes. On the other hand, the Mars utilizes a POM bottom housing, which works in tandem with its unique design to produce an intriguing sound quality. The POM material has distinct acoustic properties that create an even more muted yet pleasing sound profile. Although both switches use nylon in the bottom housing of the CAP Anniversary and a specialized POM material in the Mars, the combination of properties leads to varied typing experiences. The nylon in the CAP may provide a consistent, softer feel, while the POM in the Mars contributes a unique touch to the sound produced on bottoming out.
Ultimately, the differing materials in both switches do play a role in their sound profiles, resulting in observable variances in typing dynamics. However, if you're looking for a similar auditory experience, it's the top housing characteristics that can be pivotal. The CAP Anniversary’s polycarbonate top and the Mars's nylon top both contribute significantly to the transition in sound upon releasing a key, making them fundamentally similar in that regard. When the two switches are compared in terms of sound production, the combination of top and bottom materials creates a holistic auditory experience, making it possible for users to attain desirable acoustics depending on their preference for sound profiles, whether it be sharp and clear or deep and round.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch provide different experiences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The CAP Anniversary has a medium-heavy actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which gives it a more substantial feel during typing and gaming sessions. In contrast, the Mars switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Mars switch is unknown, leaving uncertainty about how it might compare in terms of the full keystroke experience. As such, users of the CAP Anniversary can expect a heavier and more deliberate typing experience, while the Mars switch caters to those who favor a lighter actuation, although the overall feedback from bottoming out remains unclear. This distinction allows users to choose based on their comfort preferences—whether they lean towards lighter switches for extended use or heavier switches for added tactile satisfaction.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mars linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm means that the CAP Anniversary provides a more pronounced keypress, which some users might find more satisfying if they prefer a deeper feel. On the other hand, the Mars switch, with its shorter travel distance, can deliver quicker response times, making it an appealing choice for gamers who value speed and efficiency in their key presses. For those who prefer a more traditional feel, the CAP Anniversary may be the better option, whereas those who like a snappier experience might lean towards the Mars switch. Overall, users looking for a deeper, more substantial keystroke will likely find the Gateron CAP Anniversary to be preferable, whereas those favoring speed and responsiveness will appreciate the Gateron Mars.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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
The Gateron CAP Anniversary switches produce a sound that is typically characterized as soft and muted, thanks to their innovative design. The CAP structure inherently dampens the acoustic feedback, creating a pleasant noise level that appeals to users who prefer quieter keyboard operation. In contrast, the sound profile of the Gateron Mars switches remains unspecified, but it’s important to note that a switch's sound can be influenced by the specific keyboard plate and keycaps used, so the experience may differ from one setup to another.
When it comes to feel, the CAP Anniversary switches stand out with a combination of descriptors that include snappy, creamy, and polished. These features contribute to an exceptionally responsive and smooth typing experience. The snappy nature of the switches ensures that every key press feels alive and engaging, while the creamy texture makes each stroke glide effortlessly, almost as if your fingers were melting into each keystroke. The polished finish further enhances this smoothness, reducing friction and making for a refined experience. On the other hand, information about the feel of the Mars switches is currently unknown, making it difficult to draw a comparison.
In summary, while the Gateron CAP Anniversary switches are celebrated for their soft sound and versatile tactile feel, highlighted by their smooth and responsive characteristics, details on the sound and feel of the Gateron Mars switches remain elusive. Those who choose the CAP Anniversary can expect a consistently pleasant typing experience, while the Mars model may offer its unique qualities that are yet to be fully explored. This means that while both switches may cater to linear switch enthusiasts, the distinct qualities of the CAP Anniversary provide clearer expectations in terms of sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switches and Gateron Mars linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a medium-heavy actuation with a unique design that elevates stability and smoothness, the CAP Anniversary might be your best bet. Its innovative engineering offers exceptionally smooth keystrokes while providing a snappy and creamy feel, making it optimal for both typing and gaming. The CAP structure reduces resistance and enhances stability, giving you the satisfaction of a refined and polished typing experience. On the other hand, if you are drawn to switches that boast a distinctive design and an unknown bottom-out force, the Mars switches might be more to your liking. They promise a unique blend of performance and feel, which can suit experimental users who enjoy innovative mechanical designs. Ultimately, your decision should align with what feels comfortable for your typing style; whether you lean towards the robust and smooth operation of the CAP Anniversary or the intrigue of the Mars’s design, both switches excel in their own right and can enhance your typing experience significantly.
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