Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Silent Ocean mechanical keyboard switches, one noticeable difference lies in their design and key features. The CAP Anniversary stands out for its innovative CAP structure, providing incredibly smooth keystrokes due to its aerodynamic stem with tiny holes for air release. This design reduces resistance and wobble, resulting in a 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished' typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean lacks a distinct feature but is known for its silent operation. While both switches offer unique advantages, deciding between them comes down to personal preference. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Silent Ocean switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting. This similarity in housing material ensures that both switches offer a clear and resonant sound profile, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts looking for a distinctive typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both switches utilize nylon, a classic housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon's relatively softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches offer a satisfying typing experience with a rich and immersive sound profile, thanks to the nylon bottom housing material that enhances the overall acoustics of the switches.
While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches may differ in material, the qualities brought by each material complement each other to create a well-rounded sound profile during typing. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material impacts the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the two housings ensures that both switches deliver a dynamic and engaging typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, which comes in at 45 grams. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 65 grams, making them equally medium-heavy in that aspect. Individuals who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions may lean towards the Outemu Silent Ocean, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Gateron CAP Anniversary. Overall, the slight difference in actuation force between the two switches provides users with the opportunity to choose based on their preferred typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on either switch, they will travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. This ensures that you will get similar results in terms of feeling the keypress with either switch. Whether you choose the CAP Anniversary or the Silent Ocean, you can expect a consistent travel distance between the two switches.
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 Silent Ocean 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 linear switch is known for providing a quiet typing experience with minimal noise compared to traditional mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is designed to reduce the sound of key presses to near silence, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches offer a unique sound profile that can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycap material.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the CAP Anniversary linear switch is praised for its snappy and creamy typing experience, offering a responsive feel with a smooth and buttery sensation that enhances the overall typing performance. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch ensures reduced friction and a sleek key travel. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is not explicitly described, but it likely offers a quiet and smooth typing experience given its silent design.
Overall, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Outemu Silent Ocean linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The CAP Anniversary excels in providing a smooth and stable typing experience with minimal wobble, while the Silent Ocean focuses on reducing typing noise to near silence. Depending on whether you prioritize smoothness or quietness in your typing experience, either switch can provide a satisfying result. Consider your own preferences and the overall build of your keyboard when selecting between these two switches to ensure the best typing experience for your needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, you should choose the CAP Anniversary if you prioritize smooth keystrokes and stability. The unique CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design of the CAP Anniversary provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal wobble. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a silent operation, the Outemu Silent Ocean would be the better choice. The Silent Ocean offers a similar bottom out force but with a silent operation compared to the CAP Anniversary. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value smoothness and stability or silent operation in your mechanical keyboard switches.
Mentioned in this article
