Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Ragdoll both present distinct advantages that cater to different user preferences. The Gateron CAP Anniversary stands out with its innovative design, which employs a unique CAP structure that allows for exceptionally smooth keystrokes. The aerodynamic principles of its specially designed stem, featuring tiny holes for air release, significantly reduce resistance and enhance the typing experience, making it a stellar choice for those who prioritize a snappy, creamy, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll boasts a Y3 stem that facilitates smooth travel paired with nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that produces a satisfying clacky sound, catering to users who enjoy auditory feedback with each keystroke. While the CAP Anniversary emphasizes smoothness and stability, the Ragdoll focuses on sound and tactile feedback. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that will elevate your typing experience.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Ragdoll switches, significant differences emerge, particularly in the composition of the top housings. The CAP Anniversary features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer structure that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's translucency allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice among users who prioritize visual aesthetics alongside auditory experience. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll uses a nylon top housing that offers a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer and sound-absorbing qualities. This difference in material impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches, qualities that can cater to different preferences when typing or gaming.
On the other hand, both the CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Ragdoll feature nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material selection means that the bottom-out sound and feel for both switches will exhibit similar characteristics, leaning towards a deeper and rounder auditory experience. The nylon’s sound absorption properties contribute to a more muted and soft typing sensation, creating an overall sound profile that may feel consistent across both switches in terms of bottom housing performance. Thus, despite the contrasting characteristics of their respective top housings, both switches will provide a similar tactile experience during key presses due to the unique qualities of nylon present in their lower sections.
In summary, the key differences between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Ragdoll arise from their top housing materials, affecting their sound profile and aesthetic qualities significantly. The crisp and bright performance of the polycarbonate top contrasts with the deeper and rounder tones attributed to the nylon top of the Ragdoll. However, the shared nylon material in the bottom housings ensures that users will have a similar experience when pressing down on the switches, as both will exhibit the desirable qualities of sound absorption and tactile comfort typical of nylon. Ultimately, those seeking a vivid RGB experience with sharper sound may prefer the CAP Anniversary, while those looking for a fuller and more muted typing experience might gravitate toward the Ragdoll.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch present a noticeable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The CAP Anniversary features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Ragdoll has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This difference means that those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming will find the Ragdoll more suitable, while users who appreciate a more substantial feel and feedback in their keystrokes may opt for the heavier CAP Anniversary switch. Overall, the Gateron switch is the heavier option, while the Bsun switch is the lighter one, resulting in distinct tactile experiences for the user.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, the GAP Anniversary stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ragdoll features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the CAP Anniversary offers a more traditional depth, which can be preferable for those who enjoy a hearty keypress, providing a more substantial tactile experience. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll, with its shorter travel distance, might be more appealing to gamers seeking quicker responsiveness during gameplay. While both switches offer a similar linear feel, the shorter travel distance of the Ragdoll makes it a better choice for those who prefer faster actuation times, though some users might find the deeper keypress of the CAP Anniversary more satisfying.
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 Bsun Ragdoll has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ragdoll for $3.29.
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
The sound produced by the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is characterized by a muted profile, which allows for a relatively quiet typing experience, making it suitable for office settings or shared environments. This subtlety is complemented by the switch's design that minimizes acoustic feedback, resulting in a gentle sound without pronounced clicks or sharp noises. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is known for its clacky sound, which is attributed to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This housing contributes to a more prominent acoustic signature, offering a satisfying sound that many typists enjoy, although it may not be as discreet as the CAP Anniversary.
When it comes to the feel, the CAP Anniversary switch excels in delivering a snappy, creamy, and polished typing experience. The snappy response makes each keystroke feel dynamic and engaging, while the creamy texture offers a smooth glide reminiscent of effortlessly sliding fingers across a silky surface. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch enhances this sensation, further reducing friction and providing an overall refined feel during use. In contrast, information regarding the feel of the Ragdoll switch isn't specified, leaving some uncertainty about how it compares in this regard. However, the CAP Anniversary's well-rounded tactile qualities promise an exceptional typing experience.
In summary, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The CAP Anniversary provides a quiet yet smooth and responsive experience, perfect for those who value discretion and elegant keystrokes. Conversely, the Ragdoll appeals to users who might enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback with its clacky sound. While the CAP Anniversary shines with its multifaceted tactile qualities, the lack of detailed information on the Ragdoll's feel means that users may need to seek out firsthand experiences to determine its full typing dynamics. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize smoothness and quietness or a more vivid acoustic profile in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switches and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for actuation force, typing experience, and sound profile. If you prefer a more robust and tactile feel, the CAP Anniversary switches, with their medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, offer a snappy and creamy typing experience thanks to their innovative design and smooth keystrokes. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a stable and reliable feeling while typing, and the polished finish contributes to an overall refined experience. On the other hand, if you lean toward a lighter touch, the Ragdoll switches, with a bottom out force of 52 grams, provide a playful, clacky sound and a smoother travel due to their Y3 stem and nylon-fiberglass construction. These switches cater to users who seek an easier keypress and enjoy a more lively auditory feedback, making them ideal for gaming or intensive typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what you find most comfortable and satisfying, whether that's the solid, smooth nature of the CAP Anniversary or the lively, light feel of the Ragdolls.
Mentioned in this article
