Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Everglide Rice Pudding represent two distinct choices, each catering to different typing preferences. The Gateron CAP Anniversary is celebrated for its unique CAP structure, which ensures remarkably smooth keystrokes through an aerodynamic stem design that reduces resistance and enhances stability. Its snappy and polished feel makes it an appealing option for typists who value a responsive and cream-like typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches offer a satisfying blend of smooth operation and a deep auditory experience, ideal for those who appreciate both tactile feedback and sound quality while typing. Their compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards adds another layer of appeal for keyboard enthusiasts seeking versatility and performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your unique needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, it becomes clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This shared material choice leads to a pronounced and crisper sound profile, characterized by its sharper, higher-pitched resonance. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to a more defined auditory experience, making both switches ideal for users who appreciate a clear sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances their compatibility with RGB lighting, showcasing vibrant colors and effects. Consequently, both switches deliver a similar aesthetic appeal and sound quality when it comes to the top housing.
In contrast, the bottom housing of each switch is composed of nylon, which is known for its softer properties. Nylon's inherent ability to absorb sound results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting with the brighter tones produced by the polycarbonate top housing. This material choice enables both switches to blend the crispness from the top housing with the warmth of the nylon bottom, ultimately producing a balanced auditory experience. The use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that the switches evoke a more rounded sound when bottomed out, further enriching the typing experience for users.
Overall, while the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Everglide Rice Pudding switches share similarities in their top housing material, they also exhibit characteristics that enrich a user’s interaction through the different housing combinations. The polycarbonate top and nylon bottom work harmoniously to create a unique sound profile that capitalizes on the advantages of both materials. Users can anticipate a consistent performance in terms of sound and aesthetics across both offerings, while still enjoying distinct acoustic qualities that enhance their overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch to the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, there is a distinct difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron 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 Everglide Rice Pudding switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This difference means that the CAP Anniversary switch requires a stronger push, appealing to users who favor a more substantial typing experience, while the Rice Pudding switch is designed for those who prefer a lighter touch, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, if you are looking for a switch that allows for prolonged use without fatigue, the lighter Rice Pudding is the better choice. However, if you appreciate a firmer key feel, the heavier CAP Anniversary switch may be more satisfying.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distances presents a contrast in tactile feedback and response. The CAP Anniversary, with its traditional 4 mm travel, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing keys, while the Rice Pudding's 3.5 mm distance caters to those seeking quicker response times, which can be especially beneficial for gamers. Overall, if you prioritize a deeper, more deliberate keypress, the CAP Anniversary is the better choice; however, if you prefer a snappier action, the Rice Pudding would be more suitable. Ultimately, the switches provide distinct experiences based on their travel distances—longer for depth and shorter for responsiveness.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 CAP Anniversary switch remains somewhat undefined, leaving its auditory profile open to interpretation. However, the Rice Pudding switch is celebrated for its deep sound, offering a satisfying auditory response that enhances the typing experience. This depth can provide a certain richness that complements the tactile feedback, making every keystroke feel even more rewarding. It’s important to note that the sound produced by either switch can be influenced by the choice of keyboard, as well as the keycaps used, which means that both can potentially offer distinct acoustic experiences depending on the setup.
When it comes to feel, the CAP Anniversary switches deliver a compelling experience characterized by their snappy, creamy, and polished qualities. They are responsive, thanks to their advanced design with longer springs, providing an active typing sensation. The creamy texture adds a silky smoothness, while the polished finish minimizes friction, allowing for effortless gliding across the keys. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding switches are not detailed regarding their tactile feedback, making it difficult to offer a direct comparison. However, it's worth noting that the smooth operation mentioned for the Rice Pudding suggests they may also provide an appealing tactile experience, balanced with precision in each keystroke.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Everglide Rice Pudding switches offer unique qualities in their respective categories. The CAP Anniversary is characterized by its advanced design, promoting a smooth and responsive feel, while the Rice Pudding focuses on delivering a satisfying deep sound. The sound production is less defined for the CAP Anniversary but exhibits potential for customization across setups. Ultimately, choosing between these two will depend on your prioritization of sound versus the refined feel, but each switch promises to deliver an engaging typing experience when incorporated into a thoughtfully selected keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a medium-heavy feel with a bottom out force of 65 grams and appreciate a snappy, creamy, and polished typing experience, the CAP Anniversary switch is the ideal choice. Its unique design enhances smoothness and minimizes wobble, making it perfect for those who appreciate precision and stability during extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch offered by the Rice Pudding’s 48 grams of force and enjoy a typing experience that balances smooth operation with a satisfying rich sound, this switch might be more suitable for you. The Rice Pudding is particularly appealing for users looking for versatility, especially if you plan to use compatible Wooting keyboards. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a heavier, smoother kinaesthetic experience or a lighter, more acoustically pleasing typing sensation.
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