Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch stand out as top contenders. The CAP Anniversary is renowned for its smooth keystrokes, thanks to its innovative CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stem. This switch is ideal for those seeking a snappy, creamy, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold switch lacks a specific standout feature but provides a satisfying clicky sound with each keystroke. This switch may appeal to users who enjoy a traditional mechanical keyboard feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Gold switches use polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the housing material alone doesn't determine the entire sound profile of a switch, as other factors like stem material and switch design also play a role.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the CAP Anniversary and Gold switches use nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing provides a different tactile experience when pressing down on the switch, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the housing materials used in the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Outemu Gold switches contribute to their unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. While both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing, the nylon bottom housing in each switch adds a different element to their sound profiles. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a more nuanced typing experience, with the qualities of each material being felt in different ways when using the switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it is evident that the Outemu Gold has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the 50 grams required by the CAP Anniversary. In terms of bottom out force, the Outemu Gold also requires a lighter force of 60 grams compared to the 65 grams needed for the CAP Anniversary. This means that the Outemu Gold switch provides a slightly lighter typing experience overall. Both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for those who prefer a balance between light and heavy key presses. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preference regarding the desired actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equally tactile in terms of distance traveled when pressing down on a key. The consistency in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users will experience similar results when typing or gaming. Despite their similarities in this aspect, the type of switch (linear versus clicky) will still influence the overall typing experience, with linear switches providing a smooth keystroke and clicky switches offering auditory feedback with each press. Overall, while the travel distance is the same for both switches, the type of switch will ultimately determine the feel and sound of each keystroke.
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 Gold 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 switch is known for its relatively quiet operation, with a soft and muted sound profile that won't disturb those around you. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch produces a distinct and satisfying click with each keystroke, providing auditory feedback that some users find rewarding and enjoyable.
When it comes to feel, the CAP Anniversary switch offers a snappy and responsive typing experience, thanks to its unique design that enhances keypress stability and reduces wobble. Users can expect a lively and precise typing sensation that can help improve typing speed and accuracy. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Gold clicky switch is characterized by a tactile bump and audible click, providing a tactile and auditory response that can be satisfying for users who prefer a more pronounced feedback during typing.
Overall, if you are looking for a smooth and quiet typing experience with minimal wobble and stable keypresses, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy the tactile feedback of a clicky switch and prefer the audible click sound during typing, the Outemu Gold clicky switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value smooth keystrokes with minimal wobble and stable key presses, the CAP Anniversary with its unique CAP structure and aerodynamic design may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky typing sensation and enjoy the sound of the click with each key press, the Outemu Gold switch with its medium bottom out force and distinctive clicky sound may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision should reflect your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you seek in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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