Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two intriguing options emerge: the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Perky, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The CAP Anniversary switches stand out for their innovative CAP structure, which incorporates a unique aerodynamic design and tiny air-release holes to achieve a remarkably smooth keystroke. This design not only minimizes resistance but also enhances stability, making it a favored choice for typists seeking a responsive and polished typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Perky switches, crafted from softer and glittery nylon, offer a more neutral and deeply satisfying feel, featuring a shorter travel distance that promotes a condensed yet enjoyable typing experience. While both switches deliver distinct advantages—be it the snappy and creamy texture of the CAP Anniversary or the soft and satisfying nature of the Perky—each caters to different typing preferences and styles. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Perky switches exhibit notable differences in their top housings, which significantly influence their acoustic profiles and overall typing experience. The CAP Anniversary utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer characteristics that contribute to a sharper and more resonant sound. This material’s transparency not only enhances the aesthetic appeal, particularly when RGB lighting is utilized, but also elevates the auditory feedback by providing a crisper sound. In contrast, the HMX Perky features a nylon top housing, a classic choice that imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. The nylon's ability to absorb sound leads to a more subdued auditory experience, resulting in a rounder sound. This fundamental difference in material presents users with distinct sound signatures, where the CAP Anniversary leans toward a more vibrant acoustic quality, while the Perky offers a richer, warmer typing feel.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, a commonality emerges as both the CAP Anniversary and HMX Perky utilize nylon materials. This shared characteristic means that users will experience similar acoustic and tactile qualities when bottoming out the switches, as both will produce a deeper and more muffled sound profile. The nylon’s inherent dampening properties contribute to the overall typing experience by minimizing harsher noise, leading to a softer impact sound regardless of the top housing's construction. Therefore, while the top housings create a split in sound dynamics between clarity and warmth, the bottom housings harmonize this experience, ensuring that the deeper tones remain constant in both switches.
In summary, while the Gateron CAP Anniversary and HMX Perky switches differ in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—both switches share the same nylon bottom housing that delivers a consistent auditory experience during bottoming out. This blend allows users to enjoy the distinct sound qualities brought by the differing top materials: the sharpness and clarity of polycarbonate in the CAP Anniversary as opposed to the deep resonance of nylon in the HMX Perky. Ultimately, this interplay of materials means that the choice of switch will depend on personal preference for sound characteristics; if a user desires a brighter and more pronounced auditory feedback, the CAP Anniversary may be preferable, while those who favor a warmer, fuller feel may gravitate toward the Perky.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch to the HMX Perky linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The CAP Anniversary has a medium-heavy actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Perky features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to those who favor a softer touch for longer typing sessions, such as during work or extended gaming. This clearly indicates that the Gateron CAP Anniversary is the heavier of the two switches, while the HMX Perky is the lighter option, allowing for a more effortless keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing feel and the desired balance between comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional choice that offers a deeper key press. In contrast, the HMX Perky linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, catering to those who prefer a quicker, more responsive feel, often favored by gamers. This difference in travel distance highlights the contrasting user experiences between the two switches; the CAP Anniversary provides a more pronounced feedback with its longer distance, while the Perky allows for faster actuation with its reduced travel. Consequently, those who enjoy a deeper, more substantial key press should opt for the CAP Anniversary, whereas those seeking rapid responses may find the HMX Perky more to their liking due to its shorter travel distance.
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 HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
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 generally designed to produce a quieter sound profile compared to many other linear switches, thanks in part to its unique structure, which minimizes excess noise during key presses. While the specific auditory characteristics aren't detailed, the overall emphasis on smooth keystrokes suggests a typing experience that’s less likely to be accompanied by the sharp, loud clacks often found in more clicky alternatives. The HMX Perky switch, on the other hand, is expected to deliver a more muted sound as well, given its softer nylon housing, which contributes to a dampened auditory feedback. Like the CAP, the final sound produced will also be influenced by the choice of keyboard plate and keycaps, but both switches aim to provide a satisfying yet relatively quiet experience.
When it comes to feel, the CAP Anniversary switch shines with a variety of descriptors that enhance the typing experience. The switch is noted for being snappy, which means it responds quickly to key presses, often providing a sensation of liveliness due to its optimized spring design. The creamy and polished characteristics further elevate this switch, combining a smooth and buttery feeling with refined key travel, resulting in a luxurious typing experience that offers both pleasure and efficiency. In contrast, the feel of the HMX Perky switch is somewhat unknown, as specific descriptors aren’t provided. However, one can anticipate that it will offer a pleasant typing experience due to its softer construction, which generally leads to a deep sense of satisfaction.
In summary, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and HMX Perky linear switches promise enjoyable typing experiences, albeit with differing characteristics. The CAP Anniversary is particularly favored for its exceptional smoothness, liveliness, and quiet operation, while the Perky's softer housing hints at a cozy, comfortable touch. Ultimately, both switches seem designed to cater to a desires for a satisfying linear typing experience, ensuring that newcomers can expect smooth keystrokes and pleasant tactile feedback regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when selecting between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, consider your typing style and preferences. If you’re someone who appreciates a medium-heavy feel with a bottom out force of 65 grams and desires an exceptionally smooth and stable typing experience, the CAP Anniversary switches are ideal for you. Their unique design not only enhances smoothness but also provides a snappy and creamy feel, making them perfect for both casual typing and gaming where responsiveness is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom out force of 50 grams and appreciate a more condensed typing experience, the Perky switches are a fantastic choice. Their soft nylon housings and satisfying feel lend themselves well to long typing sessions due to their reduced travel distance. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you lean towards a more robust and polished typing experience with the CAP Anniversary or a lighter, neutral feel with the Perky—each switch brings its unique attributes to the table, enhancing your overall keyboard experience.
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