Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch to the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, it becomes evident that both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The CAP Anniversary is praised for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes thanks to its novel CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stem with tiny holes to reduce resistance. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange stands out for its gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, providing a softer typing experience. While the CAP Anniversary is 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', the Meteor Orange is 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. Ultimately, each switch offers distinct qualities that may appeal to different users based on their typing preferences and needs. 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
57g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP Anniversary's polycarbonate top housing is designed to create a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more clear and resonant typing experience. In contrast, the SP-Star Meteor Orange's nylon top housing is meant to produce a deeper and fuller sound, offering a different auditory sensation than the polycarbonate top housing. While the polycarbonate top housing is best suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the nylon top housing provides a classic switch housing material that absorbs more sound for a rounder sound profile.
Both the CAP Anniversary and the Meteor Orange feature nylon bottom housings that aim to provide a deeper and fuller sound, making typing on these switches a more immersive experience. However, the Gateron CAP Anniversary's nylon bottom housing may offer a slightly different feel than the SP-Star Meteor Orange's nylon bottom housing due to potential variations in the manufacturing process. Nonetheless, both switches employ the same material for their bottom housings, ensuring a consistent sound profile and overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the SP-Star Meteor Orange will depend on personal preferences regarding sound profiles and typing feel. While the CAP Anniversary's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, the Meteor Orange's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, both switches utilize nylon bottom housings to create a consistent typing experience, emphasizing a deep and immersive sound profile. Whether you prefer a stiffer polycarbonate top housing for a clear and resonant sound or a softer nylon top housing for a rounder sound, both switches cater to different typing preferences while ensuring quality construction and reliable performance.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, it is evident that the CAP Anniversary has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, compared to the Meteor Orange which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force for the CAP Anniversary is 65 grams, while the bottom out force for the Meteor Orange is 57 grams. This means that the CAP Anniversary is heavier to press overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange provides a lighter touch, which may be more suitable for those who need to type for extended periods without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance from the top to the bottom. In terms of comparing and contrasting the travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches as they offer identical results in terms of key press travel. This makes them both suitable options for individuals who prefer a consistent and predictable travel distance when typing or gaming.
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 SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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 linear switch is known for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes, thanks to its unique stem design that includes tiny holes to release excess air and reduce resistance. This results in a stable typing experience with minimal wobble. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offers a soft and gentle tactility, providing a more subtle typing feel. In terms of sound, the CAP Anniversary has a neutral profile, while the Meteor Orange offers a thocky sound with a deep and satisfying tone. When it comes to the feel, the CAP Anniversary switch is described as snappy and creamy, offering a lively and smooth typing experience. The Meteor Orange, on the other hand, is mild and polished, providing a gentle and refined typing sensation. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Depending on whether you prefer a smoother linear switch or a tactile switch with a softer feel, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offer great options that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force that provides a smooth keystroke experience with minimal wobble, then the CAP Anniversary switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force that offers gentle tactility and a neutral sound profile, the Meteor Orange switch would be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on factors such as bottom out force, typing experience, and sound profile to ensure that you select the switch that best aligns with your typing needs and preferences.
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