Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, both of which offer distinct advantages for typists and gamers alike. The CAP Anniversary switch is renowned for its innovative CAP structure, designed for exceptional smoothness and stability with minimal wobble, making it a favorite for those seeking a refined and polished typing experience. Its unique stem design employs aerodynamic principles to enhance keystroke fluidity, appealing to users who prioritize a satisfying and effortless feel while typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch excels in speed, crafted specifically for gamers who need rapid response times to stay competitive. With a low spring resistance that allows for instant actuation, the Speed Silver ensures that every keystroke is registered without delay, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios. Both switches cater to different preferences and use cases, with the CAP Anniversary offering a creamy and snappy feel for typing enthusiasts, while the MX Speed Silver delivers a textured, low-pitched experience for gamers. 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
3.40 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 Speed Silver, a significant difference can be observed in their respective top housings. The CAP Anniversary utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic is particularly beneficial in setups featuring RGB lighting, as the clear housing allows light to pass through more vividly, enhancing the aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver features a nylon top housing, which is softer and tends to absorb sound more effectively. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that can feel more rounded, providing a different auditory experience when typing. As a result, users can expect more resonance and brightness from the CAP Anniversary, while the MX Speed Silver offers a more subdued and mellow sound.
Interestingly, both switches feature nylon as the material for their bottom housing, creating a commonality in how both will perform in terms of audible feedback. The nylon bottom housing used in both switches contributes to a deeper sound profile, with a cushioned feel during bottoming out. This shared characteristic suggests that while the top housings influence distinct tonal qualities, the uniformity in the bottom housing allows for a cohesive bottom-out experience across both switches. Therefore, regardless of the specific sound profile projected by the top housing, users can expect a similar depth and feel from the bottom housing in both models.
Ultimately, the combined effects of the differing top housing materials will dictate the overall auditory experience despite the shared nylon bottom housing. When a user actuates each switch, the CAP Anniversary will produce a crisper and brighter sound upon key release, while the MX Speed Silver will deliver a rounder and more muted auditory feedback. This divergence in top housing properties allows users to have different tactile and auditory experiences while typing, making each switch unique. However, the softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing will ensure that both switches provide a satisfying and consistent bottom-out feel, making them appealing choices for various preferences in tactile feedback and sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation forces. The CAP Anniversary requires a moderate actuation force of 50 grams, while the MX Speed Silver has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This difference means that users might find the MX Speed Silver more accessible for longer typing sessions, catering to those who prefer a lighter touch. However, the bottom out force for the MX Speed Silver remains unspecified, which makes it difficult to fully assess how it compares in terms of overall keystroke experience. The CAP Anniversary switch features a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a more substantial feel upon pressing down, which some users might prefer for a firmer response. Overall, the Gateron CAP Anniversary is the heavier option due to both its greater actuation and bottom out forces, while the MX Speed Silver is lighter but leaves some ambiguity regarding its bottom out force. Such characteristics will largely influence a user's preference based on whether they value a softer touch or a more robust keystroke experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, a clear distinction arises. The CAP Anniversary switch boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional feel and is preferred by users who enjoy a deeper, more substantial keypress. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, catering to gamers who prioritize quick response times and rapid key actuation. This shorter distance may feel more abrupt to some users, but it allows for faster gameplay. Consequently, for those who favor the depth and weight of a more traditional switch, the Gateron CAP Anniversary is the better option. However, for those seeking agility and swift reactions, the Cherry MX Speed Silver provides a compelling choice with its shorter travel distance.
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 Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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
The sound profile of the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch is not specifically defined, but it’s likely to provide a subdued experience due to its design aimed at enhancing smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch offers a low-pitched sound that is characterized by its bass-heavy and mellow tone. The difference in sound could suggest that the Speed Silver may be more audible and noticeable in a quiet environment, while the CAP Anniversary is designed to be more refined and potentially quieter, depending on the factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap materials.
In terms of feel, the CAP Anniversary switches excel with their snappy responsiveness, creamy smoothness, and polished finish, offering a rich typing experience that feels lively and fluid. The unique design of the CAP Anniversary switch contributes to its buttery typing sensation, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is described as having a textured feel, indicating some noticeable friction which might detract from the smooth experience that many users prefer. This texturing can lead to a more tactile feedback, which may be appealing for those who enjoy a hint of resistance while typing.
Overall, when comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch to the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it's evident that each switch caters to different preferences in sound and feel. The CAP Anniversary offers a smoother and quieter experience, which might be suited for typists who favor a refined touch, while the Speed Silver delivers rapid responsiveness with a bolder sound profile, making it a solid choice for gamers. Users looking for a creamy and polished typing experience will likely prefer the Gateron switches, while those who appreciate a bit of texture might lean towards the Cherry MX Speed Silver. Each option presents its unique benefits, ensuring that there is something available for a wide range of tactile preferences and use cases.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you value a smooth, stable typing experience and appreciate the snappy and creamy feel of a switch, the Gateron CAP Anniversary is likely the better fit for you. The medium-heavy force of 65 grams can provide a satisfying tactile feedback, making it suitable for both typing and casual gaming. On the other hand, if you are primarily focused on competitive gaming and require rapid response times with minimal resistance, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is an excellent choice, as it is designed for maximum speed with its low spring resistance and full-height structure. It's ideal for gamers who thrive on quick key presses and need to react swiftly to in-game situations. Ultimately, weigh your priorities between smooth typing feel and rapid response to find the switch that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.