Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Silent Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches offering a smooth typing experience. The Gateron CAP Anniversary stands out for its innovative CAP structure, designed for exceptionally smooth keystrokes and reduced resistance. Its unique aerodynamic stem with tiny holes and enlarged, hollowed-out stem post ensures stability and minimal wobble, providing a snappy, creamy, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow is known for its silent operation, making it a great choice for those looking for a quiet typing experience. While the Outemu Silent Yellow may lack the unique features of the Gateron CAP Anniversary, it still offers a smooth typing experience. 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
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
The comparison between the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Silent Yellow reveals some similarities and differences. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This makes them ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a more vibrant display. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite these similarities, the different combinations of top and bottom housings in each switch will impact the overall sound and feel differently.
The CAP Anniversary and Silent Yellow switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a consistent sound profile that is sharper and more resonant. This material creates a pleasing sound when typing or gaming, with the option for RGB lighting enhancing the visual experience. However, the nylon bottom housing of each switch offers a contrasting sound profile that is deeper and fuller, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This combination of housing materials in the two switches showcases how the choice of materials can affect both the auditory and tactile experience of using mechanical keyboards.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches contribute to unique typing experiences. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, the nylon bottom housings offer contrasting qualities that impact the overall sound and feel. Whether you prefer a crisper sound profile with the CAP Anniversary or a deeper sound profile with the Silent Yellow, the choice of housing materials can greatly influence the satisfaction derived from using a mechanical keyboard. Regardless of the differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts seeking a blend of sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch to the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Gateron CAP Anniversary has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Yellow's 65 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with less force. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the CAP Anniversary also requires less force at 65 grams, while the Silent Yellow is heavier at 80 grams. This means that the Silent Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, whereas the CAP Anniversary offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience based on the actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Despite their similarities in travel distance, the feel and sound of the keystrokes may differ due to other factors such as actuation force and bottom-out force. Overall, users can expect a consistent and familiar typing experience with either of these 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 Yellow 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 often praised for its quiet operation, producing a minimal amount of noise during typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is also known for its quietness, providing a sound dampening effect that reduces the clatter normally associated with mechanical keyboards. When comparing these two switches, both are likely to offer a similar level of noise reduction, resulting in a quieter typing experience overall. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycap material used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is commended for its smooth keystrokes, thanks to the unique stem design that reduces resistance and wobble. Descriptors like "snappy," "creamy," and "polished" are often used to characterize the typing experience provided by these switches. In contrast, the specific feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is unknown at this time. However, based on the general characteristics of silent switches, it can be inferred that the typing feel might involve a similar smoothness and responsiveness that reduces the tactile feedback and noise typically associated with mechanical switches.
Taking all the available information into consideration, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch exhibit qualities that make them suitable choices for those seeking a quieter typing experience. While the CAP Anniversary switch is known for its smooth keystrokes and minimal wobble, the Silent Yellow switch offers a noise-dampening feature that reduces the clatter associated with mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience desired.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique CAP structure that provides smooth keystrokes with minimal wobble, then the CAP Anniversary may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a silent typing experience, then the Outemu Silent Yellow might be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound, and the overall typing experience you are seeking. So, take these factors into account when making your decision on which switch to go for.
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