Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Cherry MX Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The CAP Anniversary stands out for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes, thanks to its novel CAP structure that reduces resistance and wobble, promising a 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished' typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red maintains the classic characteristics of the MX Red but operates silently, making it 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured'. While both switches offer their own set of advantages, such as smoothness and silence, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches both offer unique characteristics that impact the sound and feel of typing. The CAP Anniversary features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. In contrast, the MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its softer and more sound-absorbent properties. Despite their differences, both materials offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences - whether you prefer a crisp and clear sound or a duller and rounder tone.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the CAP Anniversary and the MX Silent Red switches use nylon material. This results in a consistent typing experience in terms of the sound profile, as nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound overall. The difference in top and bottom housing materials highlights how each component can contribute unique characteristics to the overall typing experience. While the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is fully pressed down, allowing for a tactile and satisfying typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. The polycarbonate top housing of the CAP Anniversary provides a distinct and clear sound profile, ideal for those who enjoy a sharp and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red offers a deeper and fuller sound, catering to those who prefer a more muted and rounder tone. Both switches showcase how housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience, offering a range of options for enthusiasts seeking a specific sound and feel in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Cherry MX Silent Red the lighter option in terms of actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gateron CAP Anniversary requires 65 grams of force while the Cherry MX Silent Red force is unknown. In terms of weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Cherry MX Silent Red switch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Cap Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Silent Red has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gateron Cap Anniversary. The 0.3 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a noticeable difference in the feel of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Cherry MX Silent Red for its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper key press may prefer the Gateron Cap Anniversary. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, but the slight difference in travel distance can cater to different preferences.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 switch provides a unique typing experience with its novel CAP structure designed to reduce resistance and create smooth keystrokes. While the sound characteristics of the CAP Anniversary switch are not explicitly described, its smooth operation may result in a quieter typing experience compared to traditional switches. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is specifically designed to operate silently, offering a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile. This makes the MX Silent Red ideal for noise-sensitive environments where a quieter typing experience is desired.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch is known for its snappy, creamy, and polished characteristics, offering a responsive and smooth typing experience. The longer or dual-staged springs of the CAP Anniversary switch contribute to its snappier feel, while the smooth and buttery sensation of the switch provides a polished typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as having a textured feel, which may indicate some friction when pressed. This textured feel can vary in preference among users, with some preferring a smoother, friction-free typing experience.
Overall, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch may be the optimal choice for you. Its unique design aims to enhance smoothness and stability, resulting in a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent operation with a slightly heavier feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider your typing needs and preferences when selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize smooth keystrokes and stability with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the CAP Anniversary would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience with the classic feel of MX Red switches, the MX Silent Red would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique features such as the aerodynamic stem design of the CAP Anniversary and the silent operation of the MX Silent Red, so ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel while typing.
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