Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Cherry MX Brown ultimately comes down to personal preference. The Gateron CAP Anniversary is a linear switch known for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes and stable typing experience, categorized as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown is a tactile switch offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subtle audio feedback, categorized as 'Textured', 'Bassy', and 'Low-pitched'. While the CAP Anniversary provides a smooth and stable typing experience, the MX Brown offers a more subtle tactile feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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 housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Cherry MX Brown switches provide unique characteristics in terms of sound profiles and aesthetics. The CAP Anniversary's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to the stiffness of polycarbonate. This makes it ideal for creating a clear and resonant sound when typing. In comparison, the MX Brown's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the CAP Anniversary is more likely to enhance RGB lighting due to its translucency, adding an aesthetic dimension to the switch.
On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deep and fuller sound profile, but in a slightly different way. Both nylon bottom housings absorb sound effectively, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. This similar material choice in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent sound profile when the keys are pressed down, emphasizing the importance of the bottom-out sound and feel. While the top and bottom housings of the switches may differ, the use of nylon in the bottom housing maintains a cohesive sound when typing on either switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Cherry MX Brown switches plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and overall typing experience. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the CAP Anniversary offers a sharper and more resonant sound, ideal for enhancing RGB lighting effects, while the softer nylon top housing of the MX Brown produces a deeper and fuller sound. The shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent sound profile when pressing down on the keys, highlighting the importance of material choices in creating the desired typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch show a difference in weight. The CAP Anniversary has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In comparison, the MX Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as a medium-light switch. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the MX Brown for longer typing or gaming sessions, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the heavier forces of the CAP Anniversary. Ultimately, the weight of the switches will play a significant role in determining the typing experience and comfort level for the user.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equally matched in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, both switches offer a consistent and familiar typing experience with the same level of keypress travel. This means that whether you choose the Gateron CAP Anniversary or the Cherry MX Brown switch, you can expect similar results in terms of feel and responsiveness. Overall, the travel distance of both switches provides a comfortable typing experience for users who prefer linear or tactile switches, respectively.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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 CAP Anniversary linear switch provides a unique and novel typing experience that is yet to be described. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is known for its bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. The sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the CAP Anniversary linear switch is often described as snappy, creamy, and polished, offering a highly responsive and smooth typing experience. The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, on the other hand, is known for its textured feel, which may provide some users with a more distinctive tactile sensation during typing.
Overall, while the sound qualities of the CAP Anniversary and Cherry MX Brown switches differ significantly, the feel of each switch offers a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. Both switches prioritize smoothness in their own way, with the CAP Anniversary focusing on stability and minimal wobble, and the Cherry MX Brown emphasizing subtle tactility. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, ensuring that regardless of choice, a satisfying typing experience can be achieved.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, consider your preference for typing force and smoothness. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal wobble, opt for the CAP Anniversary. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a subtle tactile feedback with subdued audio feedback, the MX Brown would be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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