Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that cater to different typing preferences and styles. On one hand, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch stands out for its innovative design, featuring a unique CAP structure that promotes exceptionally smooth keystrokes. This switch utilizes an aerodynamic stem with tiny holes that release excess air, resulting in reduced resistance and a notably polished feel. Many users appreciate its snappy and creamy character, making it ideal for those who prioritize a fluid typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is a well-established choice known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, delivering a robust typing experience that balances responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. Its thocky and textured feedback makes it a popular preference among gamers and typists alike who enjoy a tactile and rich sound. 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
N/A
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Cherry MX Red switches, the most notable difference lies in the top housing. The CAP Anniversary features a polycarbonate top housing, which is well-regarded for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which contributes to a clearer and more resonant audio experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances aesthetic appeal, particularly for users who intend to employ RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant light diffusion throughout the switch. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red employs a nylon top housing, which is traditionally known for generating a deeper and fuller sound. The softness of nylon contributes to its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a more muted and round profile when typing.
On the other hand, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Cherry MX Red switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a notable consistency between the two switches. This use of nylon in the lower housing plays a pivotal role in shaping the acoustic characteristics, as it inherently absorbs more sound, thereby contributing to a deeper, fuller typing experience. The similarity in bottom housing material means that both switches will deliver comparable results when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. As such, while the top housings significantly influence the overall sound profile, the shared nylon material at the bottom provides a common baseline for tactile sensation and auditory feedback upon bottoming out.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials of the top housings in the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Cherry MX Red switches yield different sound profiles that cater to diverse user preferences. Those who favor a crisper and sharper auditory experience might lean towards the CAP Anniversary due to its polycarbonate top, while enthusiasts seeking a deeper and more muted sound will likely prefer the Cherry MX Red with its nylon housing. However, both switches share the nylon bottom housing, ensuring that the fundamental typing experience remains consistent in terms of depth and resonance, despite the variances brought by the top materials. This duality highlights how significant the choice of housing materials can be in configuring the overall acoustic feedback and aesthetic experience of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch to the Cherry MX Red linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force. The CAP Anniversary switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the MX Red offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Cherry MX Red is easier to press, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming. In terms of bottom out force, the CAP Anniversary reaches a bottom out at 65 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the MX Red is not available, making it difficult to directly compare this aspect of these two switches. However, given the known metrics, those who prefer a lighter switch should gravitate towards the Cherry MX Red, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the heavier Gateron CAP Anniversary.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that the distance you feel when pressing down on a key is identical for both switches. Due to this equal travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of key actuation and responsiveness, leading to a comparable typing experience regardless of which switch is used. Thus, neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, reinforcing their parity in this aspect of design and function.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch has not been explicitly described, leaving its auditory profile somewhat unknown in comparison to the Cherry MX Red. The MX Red, on the other hand, is renowned for its thocky sound, which delivers a deep, rich tone reminiscent of a soft knock or thud upon key actuation. This low-pitched signature provides a satisfying auditory experience, favored by many for its mellow, bass-heavy quality. Overall, if you’re looking for a switch that offers an engaging sound, the MX Red provides a clear advantage, while the CAP Anniversary’s sound remains to be fully explored.
In terms of feel, the CAP Anniversary clearly stands out with its snappy, creamy, and polished characteristics. The snappy response makes every keystroke feel lively and responsive, while the creamy texture adds a buttery smoothness that enhances the typing experience. This is complemented by a polished finish that ensures minimal friction throughout key travel, making it feel effortless to type on. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red is often described as textured, implying a certain amount of friction when pressing the keys. This texture may lend a more tactile experience for some users but could be perceived as scratchy compared to the smoothness of the CAP Anniversary. Therefore, for those who prioritize smoothness and responsiveness, the Gateron switch has the upper hand.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch and the Cherry MX Red switch offer linear performance suited for quiet typing, their subjective qualities differ significantly. The MX Red excels in depth of sound, providing a rich auditory experience, while the CAP Anniversary impresses with its ultra-smooth feel and stability in keystrokes. Those who prioritize a superior auditory sensation might gravitate towards the MX Red, whereas users who seek a buttery and polished typing experience should consider the CAP Anniversary. Ultimately, both switches will provide satisfying results, but your choice will hinge on whether sound or feel carries more weight in your typing preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you value a smooth, snappy typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, the CAP Anniversary switch is likely your best bet. Its unique design enhances stability and reduces resistance, making it perfect for those who enjoy a refined, buttery feel and want to reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more classic and slightly heftier typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound profile, the Cherry MX Red switch might be more aligned with your needs. Its deeper auditory feedback and robust response cater well to both gamers and typists who enjoy that tactile richness. In summary, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize the ultra-smooth, polished experience of the CAP Anniversary or the rich, textured feel of the MX Red; both switches offer distinct advantages that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
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