Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Akko Penguin stand out as unique options with their own set of characteristics. The CAP Anniversary switch is praised for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes due to its novel CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design. This linear switch is known for being 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', providing a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin offers a tactile typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying feedback with each press. Classified as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle', these switches are ideal for office environments where noise reduction is crucial. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, offering a different typing experience to suit individual preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Akko Penguin, we see that the CAP Anniversary features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Penguin utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both materials excel in enhancing the sound of the switches, the polycarbonate top housing of the CAP Anniversary is more likely to be used with RGB lighting due to its translucency, offering a visually striking component to the keyboard.
Looking at the bottom housing of the switches, both the CAP Anniversary and the Penguin employ nylon for this component. This material choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite the similarity in the bottom housing material, the overall typing experience may differ slightly between the two switches due to the varying impacts of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel. The Nylon bottom housing of the switches provides a comfortable typing experience.
Overall, while both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Akko Penguin utilize nylon for their bottom housing, they differ in the top housing material. The CAP Anniversary's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Penguin's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Regardless of the differences, both switches provide tactile and auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience for users. Whether you prefer a more resonant sound profile of the CAP Anniversary or a deeper tone of the Penguin, both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams, making the Penguin the lighter option in this comparison. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the CAP Anniversary requires 65 grams compared to the Penguin's 60 grams, making the CAP Anniversary the heavier option for bottoming out. Both switches provide a medium feel overall, with the CAP Anniversary leaning towards the heavier side and the Penguin being slightly lighter. This difference in weight can affect typing comfort and fatigue levels for users, with lighter switches being preferred for extended typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Penguin switch has a shorter travel distance, making it more suitable for those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the CAP Anniversary switch provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more satisfying key press with a bit more depth. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the Penguin offering a quicker, shallower experience and the CAP Anniversary providing a slightly deeper key press.
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 Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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 switch is known for producing a muted sound, creating a softer and quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch is characterized as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for different environments and preferences. Both switches offer a less disruptive typing experience compared to louder switches, ensuring a more subtle auditory feedback while typing.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch is described as snappy, providing a super responsive typing experience. Additionally, it is also known for its creamy and polished feel, offering a smooth and refined keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch is also described as polished, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, it offers a mild and feathery feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience with their smooth and polished keystrokes, making them suitable for different typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the CAP Anniversary switch provides a muted sound and a snappy, creamy, and polished feel, the Akko Penguin switch offers a neutral sound profile and a polished, mild, and feathery feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, both switches offer a high-quality option for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile, tactile feedback, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize smooth keystrokes and stability with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the CAP Anniversary may be the right choice for you. Its unique CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design create a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you work in an office setting where noise reduction is essential and prefer a medium bottom out force for prolonged typing sessions, the Akko Penguin might be more suitable. With its silent tactile feedback and balance between responsiveness and ease of use, the Penguin offers a quiet and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and intended usage environment. Choose the switch that best aligns with your needs and enjoy a personalized typing experience.
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