Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron Oil King mechanical keyboard switches, both linear in design, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The CAP Anniversary is renowned for its innovative CAP structure, resulting in exceptionally smooth keystrokes due to aerodynamic principles and reduced resistance. On the other hand, the Oil King offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a sound profile akin to snapping dark chocolate. The CAP Anniversary is categorized as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', while the Oil King is classified as 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Bassy', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP Anniversary features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Gateron Oil King's nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound. The transparent nature of polycarbonate in the CAP Anniversary allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual aesthetic element to the switch. In contrast, the Oil King's nylon top housing absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. While the CAP Anniversary's top housing creates a more resonant sound, the Oil King's top housing produces a more muffled and muted typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both switches utilize nylon but with different blends. The CAP Anniversary's nylon bottom housing produces a similarly deep and full sound profile to its top housing, creating a consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Oil King incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, resulting in a thinner and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. The split between the bottom and top housings allows for different qualities to be felt during key presses - with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Gateron Oil King offer contrasting sound profiles based on their housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the CAP Anniversary provides a clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting, while the nylon top housing of the Oil King offers a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, with the CAP Anniversary maintaining a consistent sound profile and the Oil King utilizing Gateron's INK blend for a clacky typing experience. While the top and bottom housings contribute different qualities to the overall typing experience, both switches showcase the unique sound characteristics that can be achieved through varying housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a bottom out force of 65 grams, making them equally heavy in that aspect. However, the CAP Anniversary has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, whereas the Oil King has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the CAP Anniversary may be more suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the Oil King may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users will get consistent results in terms of key press feel and response. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is equal, making them equally suited for those looking for a linear switch with a 4 mm 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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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 Gateron CAP Anniversary and Gateron Oil King linear switches offer different experiences. The CAP Anniversary switch is known for its smooth keystrokes, but the exact sound profile is not explicitly mentioned. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King switch is described as having a low-pitched and bassy sound, reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the deeper, richer sound of the Oil King switch, while others may appreciate the unknown sound characteristics of the CAP Anniversary.
When it comes to the feel of typing on these switches, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Gateron Oil King linear switches provide a smooth and buttery experience. The CAP Anniversary is described as snappy, creamy, and polished, offering stability and minimal wobble with a smooth keystroke. Similarly, the Oil King switch is also described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished, emphasizing a seamless and effortless typing sensation with reduced friction. Users can expect a luxurious typing experience with either switch, as they both prioritize smoothness and consistency in keystrokes.
Overall, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Gateron Oil King linear switches excel in providing a smooth typing experience. While the sound profile of the CAP Anniversary switch is not explicitly mentioned, it is praised for its novel CAP structure that enhances smoothness. On the other hand, the Oil King switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound, along with its buttery smoothness. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to individual preferences in sound profile and typing feel, but users can expect a premium typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you prioritize a unique and smooth keystroke experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the CAP Anniversary switch with its novel CAP structure and aerodynamic design may be the perfect fit for you. However, if you favor a buttery smooth typing experience with a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, the Oil King switch with its creamy and silky feel could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what aligns best with your typing preferences and overall typing experience.
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