Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts often find themselves debating the merits of different switch types, and two popular options that frequently enter the conversation are the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Tom switches. The Gateron CAP Anniversary is a linear switch celebrated for its remarkably smooth keystrokes, thanks to its innovative CAP structure and aerodynamic design that minimizes resistance and maximizes stability. Users can appreciate the effortless typing experience, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike who prefer a snappy and polished feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom switch is classified as a tactile switch, appealing to those who enjoy a noticeable bump during keypresses, providing tactile feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction. While both switches offer unique advantages, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
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
3.30 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Tom, it is noteworthy that both switches employ polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a remarkably similar sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched tone that is crisp and resonant. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes significantly to this clarity, allowing for a vibrant auditory experience when the switch is engaged. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches—particularly in setups that feature RGB lighting—but also ensures that users experience visual effects that complement the sound profile. With both switches utilizing polycarbonate in the same manner, users can expect largely similar sound signatures when typing.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Tom are made from nylon, a material recognized for its unique acoustic properties. Nylon's inherently softer nature allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics like polycarbonate. This aspect leads to a distinctive deeper and fuller sound profile, giving users a more rounded auditory experience while typing. Since both switches incorporate nylon in their bottom housings, users will find that the bottom-out sound and feel is consistent, providing a satisfying tactile feedback that enhances overall performance. Thus, despite the different roles the top and bottom housings play, both switches utilize similar materials to achieve complementary audio characteristics.
Ultimately, while the top housings of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Outemu Tom switches offer comparable sound profiles due to their shared use of polycarbonate, the nylon bottom housings serve to enrich the acoustic experience with a deeper tone. Since both structures are designed to maximize the benefits of their respective materials, users can expect a coherent blend between the sharper notes produced by the polycarbonate top and the fuller sounds resulting from the nylon bottom. This thoughtful combination allows for a versatile and enjoyable typing experience, regardless of which switch one chooses to use.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Tom switch remains unknown. The CAP Anniversary switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Outemu Tom switch has a slightly heavier actuation force at 55 grams, making it the heavier option between the two. This suggests that while the Gateron CAP may allow for longer typing sessions due to its lighter actuation force, the Outemu Tom could provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer greater resistance. However, without a specified bottom out force for the Tom switch, it's difficult to fully assess its performance or comfort in comparison to the CAP Anniversary switch. Thus, those who favor a lighter feel may gravitate towards the Gateron switch, whereas individuals who appreciate more weight may choose the Outemu Tom.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, the CAP Anniversary features a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Tom switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference in travel distance influences the tactile experience: the CAP Anniversary offers a deeper, more substantial feel which may appeal to users who prefer a more traditional and hearty typing experience. In contrast, the shorter 3.3 mm travel of the Tom switch provides faster response times, making it a great choice for gamers who appreciate quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences—those favoring a greater depth will lean towards the CAP Anniversary, while those seeking a snappier feel might opt for the Outemu Tom.
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 Tom 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is designed to provide a subdued and smooth auditory experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter environment while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Tom tactile switch does not have a defined sound profile, which could imply a more varied performance depending on the specific factors such as the keyboard used and keycap material. This may lead to a less consistent sound experience when compared directly to the CAP Anniversary.
Regarding feel, the CAP Anniversary linear switch stands out with its combination of snappiness, creaminess, and polished quality. The snappy response ensures that each keystroke feels energetic and alive, while the creamy texture delivers a buttery smooth sensation that glides your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The polished nature of the switch enhances this experience even further by minimizing friction and providing a refined touch. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch lacks detailed descriptors, which leaves its feel somewhat uncertain and potentially less nuanced compared to the well-rounded characteristics of the CAP Anniversary.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch offers a superior combination of sound and feel, characterized by its smooth operation, snappy responsiveness, and overall polished experience. The Outemu Tom tactile switch, while it may still provide an enjoyable typing experience, does not seem to match the specific qualities that set the CAP Anniversary apart. If you seek a linear switch with proven performance in sound and tactile feedback, the CAP Anniversary is likely the more satisfying choice, whereas the Tom may lead to variable experiences due to its lack of defined characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch ultimately hinges on your preferences for typing experience, feedback, and the task at hand. If you prioritize a smooth and refined feel while typing, the CAP Anniversary is an excellent choice with its medium-heavy 65-gram bottom-out force and innovative CAP structure that ensures consistently smooth keystrokes and minimal wobble. The creamy and polished characteristics make it ideal for those who enjoy a snappy and tactile feedback experience, enhancing both typing and gaming activities. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more traditional tactile experience and enjoy some level of key feedback without extreme resistance, you might consider the Outemu Tom switch, even though specific details about its performance are currently unavailable. Your decision should align with the type of work you do: if you engage in long typing sessions requiring smoothness and responsiveness, the CAP Anniversary is your best bet, whereas the Tom could fit casual use or lighter applications where tactile feedback is appreciated. Ultimately, it’s about which characteristics resonate with your personal typing style and usage scenarios.
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