Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may be considering the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch or the Outemu Brown tactile switch. The CAP Anniversary switch is praised for its exceptional smoothness thanks to the unique stem design, which reduces resistance and minimizes wobble during typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch offers a tactile bump for precise feedback while typing. Each switch has its own unique qualities that may appeal to different types of typists. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Brown both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This material is especially useful for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for stunning visual effects. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences in material for the bottom housing, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their combination of polycarbonate and nylon materials.
One key distinction between the two switches lies in their housing materials. While the Gateron CAP Anniversary features a polycarbonate top housing, the Outemu Brown utilizes a different type of plastic for the same purpose. However, both switches' nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall sound profile, with nylon's softer nature impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. This split in housing materials highlights how each component plays a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience, showcasing the importance of material selection in switch design.
In terms of sound and feel, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Brown offer similar results due to their shared use of polycarbonate and nylon materials. Both switches provide a distinctive typing experience, with the polycarbonate top housing creating sharp and crisp sound profiles, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the overall sound. This balance of materials in each switch demonstrates the intricate design process behind creating a satisfying typing experience, showcasing how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch to the Outemu Brown tactile switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is clear that both switches have a similar bottom out force of 65 grams, which makes them both fall into the medium-heavy category. However, the CAP Anniversary is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, requiring 50 grams compared to the 53 grams of the Outemu Brown. This means that the CAP Anniversary may provide a slightly lighter typing experience compared to the Outemu Brown. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the lighter actuation force of the CAP Anniversary could be beneficial, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Outemu Brown. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium-heavy typing experience, with the slight difference in actuation force creating a nuanced distinction between the two.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom is the same. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance with both switches. Overall, both switches offer a consistent and balanced feel when it comes to 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 Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 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 is generally considered to have a quieter typing experience compared to the Outemu Brown switch, which tends to have a more audible tactile bump. The unique design of the CAP Anniversary switch, with its CAP structure and aerodynamic stem, contributes to a smoother and quieter keystroke overall. However, sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycap material used, so individual experiences may vary.
When it comes to feel, the CAP Anniversary switch is often described as snappy, creamy, and polished, providing a responsive and smooth typing experience. The combination of a stable stem post and reduced air resistance results in a keystroke that feels lively and fluid. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch offers a tactile bump for feedback, leading to a more pronounced tactile feel during typing sessions. The choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and desired level of tactile feedback.
Overall, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch stands out for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes and stable typing experience, while the Outemu Brown tactile switch offers a more pronounced tactile bump for those who prefer a tactile typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choosing between them would depend on whether you prioritize smoothness and stability or tactile feedback. Regardless of the choice made, both switches are of high quality and will offer a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, consider the typing experience you are looking for. If you value exceptionally smooth keystrokes with minimal wobble and stability, the CAP Anniversary switch with its unique CAP structure and aerodynamic design may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Brown switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
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