Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch are two popular options to consider. The CAP Anniversary switch is praised for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes, thanks to its unique CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stem with tiny holes for releasing excess air. This results in reduced resistance and enhanced smoothness, providing a typing experience that is both snappy, creamy, and polished. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switch doesn't have a specific standout feature like the CAP Anniversary, but it is known for its satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback. While the CAP Anniversary offers a smooth and stable typing experience, the Milk Blue provides a more audible and tactile typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Milk Blue switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they may still offer unique sound profiles due to other factors such as stem material or lubrication.
On the other hand, both switches also have a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings may provide a different tactile experience compared to switches with other housing materials. Despite this similarity in bottom housing material, the overall sound and feel of the switches can vary based on additional factors like spring weight or keycap material.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly impact the typing experience and sound profile. While both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Milk Blue switches share polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings, the unique characteristics of each switch, such as stem design and spring weight, can still lead to differences in sound and feel. Ultimately, whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound may depend on personal preference and the overall keyboard setup.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, making them light and easy to type on. However, the Gateron CAP Anniversary has a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a slightly heavier feel for those who prefer more resistance while typing. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Outemu Milk Blue is unknown, which may mean that it could offer a lighter typing experience or be similar to the Gateron CAP Anniversary. When considering weight, it is important to note that a lighter actuation force is ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, while a heavier bottom out force can provide a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference for typing experience and the desired level of resistance.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel. This makes them equal in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. So, whether you choose the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch or the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, you can expect to get similar results in terms of key press travel distance.
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 Milk Blue 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 for its quiet and smooth operation, with a soft thock sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch offers a distinctive clicky sound with each actuation, providing an auditory feedback that some users find satisfying. Ultimately, your choice between the two will greatly depend on your preference for typing sound, as well as other factors like the keyboard build and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch offers a range of options such as snappy, creamy, and polished, which all contribute to a smooth and responsive typing experience. These switches are designed for those who prefer a tactile yet buttery feel with each keystroke. On the contrary, the Outemu Milk Blue switch's feel is not specified in the information provided, so it's difficult to directly compare to the CAP Anniversary in this aspect.
Overall, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to specific preferences. The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch excels in providing a smooth and stable typing experience with minimal wobble, along with a quieter sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch offers a satisfying clicky sound that some users prefer, without specific information on its feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. If you enjoy the qualities offered by the CAP Anniversary, you may find similar results with the Milk Blue switch, but with a clicky sound profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it is important to understand your preferences in terms of bottom out force, typing experience, and sound. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with exceptionally smooth keystrokes and minimal wobble, then the CAP Anniversary switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky typing experience and the absence of a bottom out force is not a concern, then the Outemu Milk Blue switch might better suit your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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