Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Silent White both offer unique features for different typing preferences. The Gateron CAP Anniversary, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes thanks to its innovative CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design. Described as 'snappy', 'creamy', and 'polished', this switch promises stability, minimal wobble, and reduced resistance for an elevated typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White, also a linear switch, does not have specific standout features but is known for being silent while typing. Choosing between these switches may come down to individual preferences for typing feel and sound. 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
1.60 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Silent White switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, despite these similarities, the two switches may have different overall sound profiles due to the combination of the top and bottom housing materials.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both switches utilize nylon, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. This means that when typing on either the Gateron CAP Anniversary or the Outemu Silent White switches, the nylon bottom housing will have a significant impact on the sound and feel of the switches. Despite having the same bottom housing material, the overall typing experience may vary due to the different top housing materials used in each switch.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Silent White switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. While both switches share similar qualities in their housing materials, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings may result in subtle differences in sound and feel. Ultimately, whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile from polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound from nylon may influence your decision between these two switches.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, we can see that the CAP Anniversary has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the 45 grams of the Silent White. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the CAP Anniversary requiring 65 grams and the Silent White requiring 60 grams. This means that while the Silent White may offer a slightly lighter typing experience, both switches provide a medium force overall. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Silent White, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance might opt for the CAP Anniversary. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The CAP Anniversary offers a slightly longer travel distance, making it a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. On the other hand, the Silent White provides a shorter travel distance, ideal for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. Both options offer a different tactile experience, and choosing between them depends on personal preference for travel distance. Ultimately, while the CAP Anniversary has a longer travel distance than the Silent White, they both provide unique benefits that cater to different user needs.
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 White 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 is known for being relatively quiet compared to other linear switches, thanks to the unique CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design that reduces excess air release. The Silent White switches, on the other hand, are specifically engineered to be silent, providing a much quieter typing experience overall. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
As for the feel, the CAP Anniversary switches are described as having a snappy, creamy, and polished typing experience. The super responsive nature of these switches, combined with the smooth and refined finish, results in a tactile sensation that is both satisfying and enjoyable. On the other hand, the feel of the Silent White switches is not provided, but one can assume that they offer a smooth and quiet typing experience.
Overall, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the CAP Anniversary is known for its smooth keystrokes and stability, the Silent White emphasizes silence and potentially a smooth typing experience as well. Depending on whether you prioritize a quiet typing experience or a snappy and polished feel, you can choose between these two switches to cater to your individual preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, typing experience, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and value exceptionally smooth keystrokes with a stable typing experience, then the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and are looking for a silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent White switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
