Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron New North Pole V2 mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct features that set them apart. The CAP Anniversary switch is renowned for its novel CAP structure, which enhances smoothness by releasing excess air through tiny holes in the stem. This unique design, along with stability provided by an enlarged stem post, results in a typing experience that is 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 switch provides a crisper typing experience by eliminating the rubber dampener found in its predecessor. Despite this change, Gateron has maintained the frictionless feel that users love, making this switch 'Polished', 'Creamy', and 'Frictionless'. Each switch offers unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, but diving deeper into their specific design and features will help you make the best choice for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The main difference between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron New North Pole V2 lies in their bottom housing materials. The CAP Anniversary features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile characteristic of this stiffer plastic. While both materials have their benefits, nylon provides a more muffled and round sound compared to the clear and resonant sound of polycarbonate.
In terms of the top housing, both the CAP Anniversary and the New North Pole V2 use polycarbonate, creating a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This consistency in material choice ensures that the sound profile of the switches remains clear and resonant. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, as the housing allows light to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the keyboard. Ultimately, the choice of top housing material in both switches contributes to a distinct sound experience with clear articulation and resonance.
When it comes to typing on these switches, the differences in bottom housing material between the CAP Anniversary and the New North Pole V2 impact the overall sound and feel of the keystrokes. The nylon bottom housing of the CAP Anniversary produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 creates a sharper and crisper sound. The qualities of the bottom housing are more noticeable during key presses, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. Overall, the choice of housing materials in these switches provides a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences in sound profile.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch have similar actuation forces, both requiring 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. However, the CAP Anniversary has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the New North Pole V2's 62.5 grams. This means that the CAP Anniversary provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, while the New North Pole V2 is slightly lighter and may be preferred for longer typing sessions or extended gaming. Both switches offer a medium actuation force, but the CAP Anniversary is heavier on the bottom out force, catering to those who prefer a more robust typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to the user's preference for lighter or heavier typing experiences.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear 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 the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. As a result, you can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and key responsiveness with both switches, as the travel distance is identical for both. Overall, both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance, making them equally suitable choices for those who prefer a linear switch with a 4mm 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 Gateron New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 switch is known for its quiet operation with a muffled sound profile, while the New North Pole V2 switch is also relatively quiet but with a slightly crisper sound due to the removal of the rubber dampener. However, the sound of both switches can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the CAP Anniversary switch is often described as having a snappy and creamy typing experience, offering a responsive feel with a smooth and buttery sensation. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 switch is also polished and creamy, providing a refined typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. Both switches maintain a high level of smoothness and glide, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for users.
Taking all the available information into consideration, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and New North Pole V2 linear switches offer exceptional smoothness and stability in typing. While the CAP Anniversary switch boasts a unique CAP structure for enhanced smoothness and stability, the New North Pole V2 switch provides a crisper typing experience without sacrificing the frictionless feel users have come to love from the North Pole lineup. Ultimately, whether you choose the CAP Anniversary or the New North Pole V2, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with minimal wobble and maximum comfort.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a unique CAP structure that enhances smoothness and stability, as well as a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, the CAP Anniversary may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch without a rubber dampener that provides a crisper typing experience, along with a medium bottom out force of 62.5 grams, the New North Pole V2 may be more suitable for your needs. Both switches offer different qualities in terms of feel and sound, so make sure to prioritize what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision. Ultimately, the right choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch will depend on your individual preferences and typing style.
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