Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Haimu Orange Sea both present unique advantages for different typing preferences, despite their shared classification as linear switches. The Gateron CAP Anniversary is celebrated for its innovative CAP structure, which incorporates aerodynamic design elements to produce exceptionally smooth keystrokes with reduced resistance, thanks to its cleverly engineered stem featuring tiny air release holes. With its categorization as "Snappy," "Creamy," and "Polished," users can expect a delightful balance of responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea boasts an impeccably smooth typing feel paired with a neutral sound signature, which can be particularly appealing for those who prioritize a silent yet satisfying experience without any distracting noise. While both switches offer appealing characteristics for typing enthusiasts, they cater to different 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
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Haimu Orange Sea both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which imparts a similar sound profile to each switch. This shared material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience when typing, attributable to polycarbonate's rigidity. The translucence of polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetic appeal of both switches, making them particularly well-suited for setups featuring RGB lighting. Hence, both the CAP Anniversary and Orange Sea exhibit harmonious sound characteristics when it comes to the release of a key, thanks to the resonant properties of their polycarbonate tops.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches diverges in its material, as both utilize nylon. This selection fosters a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The nature of nylon, being a softer plastic, results in sound absorption that produces a more muted and rounder auditory experience. Consequently, while both switches offer a crisp release due to their polycarbonate tops, the bottom-out sound and sensation will differ slightly since they each utilize the same nylon material. This divergence means that while the sound profiles for key releases will be similar, the feeling and acoustics when bottoming out the keys will benefit from the differing acoustic properties influenced by nylon.
In essence, while both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Haimu Orange Sea are composed of identical materials for their top and bottom housings—polycarbonate and nylon, respectively—they achieve a distinctive overall sound and feel due to their varying material compositions. The interplay between the rigid polycarbonate top and softer nylon bottom creates a unique auditory landscape for typists, where the high-pitched clarity is harmonized with deeper, fuller bass. Therefore, while the switches will present a cohesive experience in key release, their tactile feedback when bottomed out will evoke different sensations due to the nature of the nylon material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, distinct differences in weight and feel emerge. The Gateron CAP Anniversary has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea is lighter, with an actuation force of only 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter switch may find the Orange Sea more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who lean towards a stronger push for a more substantial typing experience might opt for the heavier CAP Anniversary switch. Overall, if you desire a lighter feel, the Haimu Orange Sea would serve you well, whereas the Gateron CAP Anniversary offers a more deliberate and weighted keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there are notable differences. The CAP Anniversary has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option that offers a deeper press suitable for those who appreciate a hearty depth in their typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, which caters to those who prefer quicker response times, often favored by gamers. The shorter travel distance of the Orange Sea allows for a more responsive feel, though some users might find it too abrupt compared to the more gradual actuation of the CAP Anniversary. Ultimately, if you're looking for an engaging typing experience with more resistance, the CAP Anniversary is the way to go, while the Haimu Orange Sea would be better suited for those prioritizing swift key presses.
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 Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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 CAP Anniversary switches possess a sound profile that is notably neutral, allowing for an unobtrusive typing experience, while the Haimu Orange Sea switches are also characterized by their neutral sound signature. This means that both switches facilitate a quiet environment, making them suitable for shared spaces or office settings. However, it's important to note that the final sound can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard construction, plate material, and choice of keycaps, ensuring that users can customize their auditory experience regardless of which switch they choose.
When we compare the feel of each switch, the CAP Anniversary excels with descriptors such as "snappy," "creamy," and "polished." This variety indicates a highly responsive typing experience that is not only smooth but can also provide a luxurious sensation with each keypress. The "snappy" aspect contributes a lively feedback that feels almost electric, while the "creamy" quality enhances that buttery smoothness. The "polished" finish ensures minimal friction during typing. Unfortunately, the specifics of the Haimu Orange Sea's feel are not detailed, leaving some ambiguity. However, it is noted that it boasts an impeccably smooth type feel, suggesting that it may share some of the desirable qualities of the CAP Anniversary in terms of smoothness and responsiveness.
In conclusion, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch cater to users seeking a pleasurable typing experience characterized by smoothness and a neutral sound profile. The CAP Anniversary stands out with its array of descriptive features that exemplify a refined and engaging typing sensation, while the Orange Sea’s unknown specifics create an intriguing comparison. Ultimately, whether one opts for the CAP Anniversary or the Haimu Orange Sea, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience, with the potential for similar smoothness and sound characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your personal typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you enjoy a heavier key feel and appreciate exceptional smoothness, the CAP Anniversary, with its 65-gram bottom-out force, may be your ideal option. This switch is designed for stability and features a unique CAP structure that enhances both responsiveness and smoothness, making it appealing for those who want a snappy and polished typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch for rapid typing or gaming sessions, the Haimu Orange Sea, with its 45-gram bottom-out force, would be a better fit. It provides an impeccably smooth type feel and a more neutral sound signature, which can be appealing to those who favor a softer keystroke with less resistance. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the typing experience you prioritize—whether it’s the substantial, smooth feel of the CAP Anniversary or the light, effortless typing of the Orange Sea.
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