Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary, a linear switch, to the Outemu Maple Leaf, a tactile switch, there are some key differences to consider. The CAP Anniversary switch stands out for its unique CAP structure that results in exceptionally smooth keystrokes. It features a stem designed with aerodynamic principles, including tiny holes to release excess air, ultimately reducing resistance and enhancing smoothness. With an enlarged, hollowed-out stem post for stability and minimal wobble, the CAP Anniversary switch offers a typing experience characterized as snappy, creamy, and polished. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch lacks standout features but is generally categorized as average. If you're looking for a switch that provides a smooth and stable typing experience, the Gateron CAP Anniversary may be the way to go. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches, the most significant difference lies in the materials used for the top housing. The CAP Anniversary features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, especially ideal for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf uses a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than polycarbonate. This contrast highlights how different housing materials can greatly impact the overall sound and typing experience of a switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the CAP Anniversary and the Maple Leaf switches utilize nylon for this component. Nylon is known for its softer nature, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that both switches may offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when it comes to bottoming out keys. The use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a consistent typing experience across both switches, with a focus on producing a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics.
In considering the overall impact of top and bottom housing materials on switch performance, it becomes apparent that the choice of materials can influence specific aspects of the typing experience. The split between top and bottom housing qualities means that the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities showcases how manufacturers carefully consider housing materials to achieve the desired sound profile and typing feel for their switches, ultimately providing users with a customizable and immersive typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, we see some differences and similarities. The CAP Anniversary has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Maple Leaf's 55 grams, making the former slightly easier to trigger. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of pressure required to fully press the key. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the CAP Anniversary for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a slightly heavier push feel may appreciate the Maple Leaf for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a medium-heavy feel, making them suitable options for various typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The CAP Anniversary offers a longer travel distance, providing a slightly deeper key press that some users may find more satisfying. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf's shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking a faster response time, particularly gamers who value quick reflexes. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the CAP Anniversary leaning towards the longer end and the Maple Leaf towards the shorter end. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Maple Leaf 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 Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is known to produce a smooth and relatively quiet typing experience, with a muted sound profile that is not overly loud or distracting. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch offers a crisp and satisfying sound with a tactile bump upon actuation, providing audible feedback to the user. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is lauded for its snappy and responsive keystrokes, thanks to its unique aerodynamic stem design that reduces resistance and promotes smoothness. It also features enhanced stability and minimal wobble, contributing to a more consistent typing experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch offers a tactile bump during actuation, providing a noticeable physical feedback to the user. This can result in a more pronounced and tactile typing experience, giving users a sense of key actuation with each press.
In conclusion, while the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch offer different sound and feel profiles, they both have unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The CAP Anniversary switch provides a smooth and stable typing experience with a focus on responsiveness, while the Maple Leaf switch offers a tactile bump for users who prefer a more pronounced feedback while typing. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preference for sound, feel, and typing style. Both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different characteristics, so users can expect similar results in terms of performance and quality.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, you should choose the CAP Anniversary if you prioritize smooth keystrokes and stability. The unique CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stem of the CAP Anniversary provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal wobble. On the other hand, you should opt for the Maple Leaf if you prefer a tactile feedback while typing. The Maple Leaf offers a medium-heavy bottom out force and provides a tactile bump that enhances the typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer smooth linear switches or tactile switches with a bit of feedback.
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