Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and KTT Orange both offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences. The CAP Anniversary boasts a smooth keystroke experience with its innovative CAP structure designed for reduced resistance and minimal wobble. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch provides a bouncy feel with its long spring and frictionless typing experience due to its factory-lubed components. While the CAP Anniversary is known for its snappy and polished feel, the Orange switch stands out for its bouncy and low-pitched characteristics. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct advantages depending on individual preferences. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the KTT Orange, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate is also beneficial for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboards. However, the CAP Anniversary features a nylon bottom housing, which brings a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Orange maintains a consistent polycarbonate construction throughout, emphasizing a clear and resonant sound profile across the entire switch.
While both the CAP Anniversary and the KTT Orange offer similar sound profiles with their polycarbonate top housings, the difference in bottom housing materials sets them apart in terms of sound characteristics. The nylon bottom housing of the CAP Anniversary provides a deeper and fuller typing experience, with a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound of the polycarbonate bottom housing in the KTT Orange. This demonstrates how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing feel and sound output of a switch, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and KTT Orange showcase the importance of housing materials in creating distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, the differentiation in bottom housing materials leads to unique acoustic properties. Whether one prefers a sharper and crisper sound with polycarbonate throughout or a deeper and fuller sound with a nylon bottom housing, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience tailored to individual preferences. The careful consideration of housing materials highlights the attention to detail in mechanical keyboard design and the impact it has on user experience.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The CAP Anniversary has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Orange's 46 grams, making it better suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Similarly, the CAP Anniversary's bottom out force of 65 grams is also higher than the Orange's 53 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Orange switch offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force, making it ideal for users who type for extended periods and prefer a lighter touch. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately boils down to personal preference, with the CAP Anniversary offering a heavier typing experience and the Orange providing a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the KTT Orange switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the CAP Anniversary switch. The 4.0mm distance of the CAP Anniversary is more traditional, providing a deeper feel when pressing the keys, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the 3.5mm travel distance of the KTT Orange switch is shorter, making it ideal for those who prioritize quicker response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, catering to individual preferences, with the KTT Orange switch being shorter and the CAP Anniversary switch being longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance in a keyboard switch.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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 linear switch provides a smooth and quiet typing experience, with the unique CAP structure reducing any excess noise from the keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Depending on personal preferences and the setup of your keyboard, both switches can deliver enjoyable auditory feedback during typing sessions.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch is known for its snappy and creamy typing experience, offering a super responsive and smooth keystroke feel. The switch's aerodynamic stem design and enlarged stem post ensure stability and minimal wobble, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch is bouncy and frictionless, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and extremely smooth key travel. The combination of materials and factory lubing of the Orange switch results in a slick and effortless typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the CAP Anniversary switch focuses on smoothness and stability with a quiet typing experience, the KTT Orange switch emphasizes a bouncy and frictionless feel with a low-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, with the choice between them depending on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a smoother and more stable typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the CAP Anniversary may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bouncy and frictionless typing feel with a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Orange switch could be more fitting. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Regardless of which switch you choose, both the CAP Anniversary and Orange offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
