Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often narrows down to personal preference and typing style. Two popular options in the realm of linear switches are the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Huano Sakura. The CAP Anniversary switches set themselves apart with their innovative CAP structure, providing exceptionally smooth keystrokes due to the unique aerodynamic stem design, which includes tiny holes for air release, reducing resistance. This results in snappy, creamy, and polished feedback that enhances overall typing stability and minimizes wobble. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switches excel with their feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making them particularly suitable for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. While the CAP Anniversary may appeal to those seeking a sublime tactile feel, the Sakura may attract users looking for comfort and ease over longer durations. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Huano Sakura switches, one can observe notable distinctions in the chosen materials for their top housings. The CAP Anniversary utilizes polycarbonate for its upper part, which is renowned for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This characteristic helps enhance the clarity of the keystrokes, making each press more defined. Moreover, the polycarbonate's translucency makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting enthusiasts, as it allows the illumination to shine through effectively, creating an aesthetically pleasing effect. In contrast, the Huano Sakura employs POK material for its top housing, which, although also offering smoothness and durability, tends to produce a different sound signature. The higher coefficient of friction compared to polycarbonate may result in a slightly different tactile sensation while typing, contributing to a distinct auditory profile that can be described as more "clacky."
As for the bottom housing, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Huano Sakura feature nylon, which is a well-established and classic material choice for switch housings. Nylon's inherent softness allows it to absorb sound effectively, contributing to a deeper and more resonant typing experience. This shared characteristic results in a fuller sound when bottoming out, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials. The similar use of nylon in both switches establishes a baseline for the sound profile of each switch, indicating that when typing, one may expect a consistent depth and warmth from both the Gateron and Huano products.
Ultimately, the combination of the different top housing materials in the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Huano Sakura creates a diverse experience for users, particularly when considering the individual sound and tactile feedback while typing. The contrasting impacts of polycarbonate and POK plastic at the upper end of the switches will influence the immediate auditory response upon pressing keys, but the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches retain a commonality in the richness of the sound when bottoming out. Thus, while the sound profiles diverge at the top, the foundational properties of the nylon bottom guarantee a shared depth and fullness that define the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The CAP Anniversary features a medium-heavy actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sakura switch offers a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a more effortless typing feel that benefits long periods of use, such as during extensive gaming sessions or work tasks. As a result, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch will appeal to users who appreciate a firmer push, while the Huano Sakura switch caters to those who favor a lighter touch. Overall, the CAP Anniversary is the heavier option, while the Sakura is the lighter choice, allowing users to select a switch that aligns with their individual preferences for typing feel and exertion.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the CAP Anniversary features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sakura has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the CAP Anniversary offers a more traditional and deeper feel, which some users may prefer for a satisfying keypress. On the other hand, the Sakura's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, if you're after a more responsive experience, the Sakura would be the choice, but if you favor a more substantial depth in your typing experience, the CAP Anniversary would better suit your needs. Thus, the CAP Anniversary is the longer travel switch, while the Sakura is the shorter one.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the CAP Anniversary switch is known for its tonal quality, although the specifics weren't provided. The Sakura switch, on the other hand, is noted for its medium acoustics, suggesting a balanced sound that is neither too loud nor too muted. This makes the Sakura suitable for a variety of environments, particularly for long typing sessions where noise levels may be a concern. While both switches exhibit a distinct sound character, the actual acoustic experience will heavily depend on the keyboard construction and keycap selection used with either switch.
In terms of tactile feel, the CAP Anniversary switch is lauded for its snappy response, creamy smoothness, and polished finish. This combination results in a typing experience that feels alive and engaging, allowing for quick and precise keystrokes. The unique stem and aerodynamic design contribute to a creamy sensation, making each keystroke feel luxurious. In contrast, the tactile description of the Sakura switch has not been provided, leaving its specific feel ambiguous. Given the feather-light touch noted for the Sakura, it may offer a less pronounced tactile response compared to the CAP Anniversary, which emphasizes a richer typing feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch presents itself as a high-performance option with smooth, responsive keystrokes and a vibrant tactile sensation, while the Huano Sakura switch offers a lighter touch with medium acoustics that can cater well to lengthy typing sessions. While their sound profiles may differ, both can provide satisfying results depending on the user's preference for tactile feedback and acoustic preferences. Ultimately, if smoothness and engagement are key priorities, the CAP Anniversary may be the go-to choice, while the Sakura could be perfect for those who seek a lighter, more subtle experience during extended use.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a medium-heavy feel combined with exceptional smoothness and stability, the CAP Anniversary is an excellent choice. Its novel design and features make it ideal for users who value a snappy and creamy typing experience, especially during intensive typing sessions where feedback and precision are paramount. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter keystroke for prolonged typing comfort, the Sakura switches would suit you well. With a bottom-out force that is considerably lighter, they provide a more effortless touch, making them perfect for casual typing and those who may suffer from finger fatigue over time. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style; whether you desire a more tactile experience with a solid feel or a lightweight, easy-touch option for longer sessions will guide you toward the switch that enhances your keyboard experience best.
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