Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Green offer distinct experiences worth considering. The Gateron CAP Anniversary is a linear switch, known for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes thanks to a novel CAP structure that reduces resistance and enhances smoothness. It boasts a 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished' feel, making it a favorite among users seeking a precise and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Green is a clicky switch that offers a tactile feedback and audible click with each press. While not as smooth as the CAP Anniversary, the Green switch provides a different typing experience altogether. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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 main difference between the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Outemu Green switches lies in the top housing material. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency is especially useful for those wanting to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches ensures a unique sound profile and aesthetic appeal.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Gateron CAP Anniversary features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Green also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, offering similar qualities of a deeper and fuller sound. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings provides a different tactile experience compared to switches with polycarbonate bottom housings, showcasing the impact of housing materials on the overall switch performance.
Despite the differences in top and bottom housing materials between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Outemu Green switches, the overall sound profiles delivered by both switches are likely to be quite similar. Both switches prioritize creating a sharp, clear, and resonant sound through their polycarbonate top housing, while also enhancing the sound depth and fullness with their nylon bottom housing. The split between the qualities brought by each housing material to the top and bottom of the switch ensures a well-rounded typing experience, regardless of the specific materials used in each component.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch have notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The CAP Anniversary is lighter, with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Green is heavier, requiring 65 grams to actuate and 80 grams to bottom out, resulting in a heavy and more substantial typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the CAP Anniversary for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a stronger push may opt for the Outemu Green for a more tactile experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, providing a similar typing experience in terms of key press depth. This means that users can expect the same level of tactile feedback and key travel when using either of these switches. However, it is worth noting that the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch may feel slightly smoother due to its linear design, whereas the Outemu Green clicky switch offers a more audible and tactile typing experience. Overall, both switches provide a satisfactory travel distance for users looking for a responsive and comfortable typing experience.
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 Green 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 compared to other switches like the Outemu Green clicky switch. The CAP Anniversary's novel CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design aim to reduce noise and provide a smoother keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Green clicky switch is designed to produce a satisfying click with each key press, which can be louder and more pronounced. Ultimately, the sound produced by a switch is subjective and can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard's build and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the CAP Anniversary switch is praised for its snappy, creamy, and polished typing experience. These descriptors indicate that the switch offers responsiveness, smoothness, and refined key travel. The unique design of the CAP Anniversary switch, with its enlarged, hollowed-out stem post and aerodynamic principles, contributes to a tactile and precise typing feel. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Green clicky switch is not specified in the information provided. Clicky switches are typically known for providing tactile feedback and audible clicks, which can enhance the typing experience for users who prefer a more pronounced feel with each key press.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CAP Anniversary switch is characterized by its smooth and quiet operation, with a focus on stability and minimal wobble. On the other hand, the Outemu Green clicky switch is known for its audible click and tactile feedback, which can appeal to users seeking a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Users can expect similar results in terms of smoothness and responsiveness with the CAP Anniversary switch, while the Outemu Green clicky switch may provide a different tactile and audible experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, consider your preference for actuation force, smoothness, and typing sound. If you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams and exceptionally smooth keystrokes with minimal wobble, the CAP Anniversary may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier actuation force of 80 grams and a clicky typing experience, the Outemu Green switch might be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you desire.
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