Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Everglide Sakura Pink each offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The CAP Anniversary switches are celebrated for their innovative CAP structure, which results in exceptionally smooth keystrokes and reduced resistance due to their cleverly designed stem with air release holes. This gives them a snappy and polished feel, perfect for users seeking a stable and satisfying typing experience with minimal wobble. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches appeal to typists who prefer a lighter touch, featuring an ultra-light 35g actuation force that makes them incredibly easy to press. Their gliding sensation and muted, poppy sound add a playful element to the typing experience, making them particularly suitable for delicate typists looking for a frictionless operation. While both switches are linear and offer smooth action, their distinct qualities make them suitable for different preferences in typing feel and performance. 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
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Everglide Sakura Pink, a notable similarity can be found in their top housing materials, as both utilize polycarbonate. This choice of material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which typifies the auditory experience of both switches. The polycarbonate's stiffness allows for a more resonant sound, and the translucency of the material makes it particularly favorable for RGB lighting setups. As such, users who prioritize vibrant lighting effects will appreciate that both switches deliver a visually dynamic experience in addition to sound clarity.
However, the bottom housing materials diverge significantly between the two switches. The CAP Anniversary features a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller auditory profile. This results in a more muted and rounded sound when bottoming out, which contrasts with the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing. The choice of polycarbonate in the bottom housing of the Sakura Pink maintains a similar crispness to the top, leading to a brighter bottom-out sound. This discrepancy in materials results in a varied acoustic experience, where the CAP Anniversary offers a more subdued typing sound while the Sakura Pink emphasizes a resonant, sharper auditory feedback.
The differences in bottom housing materials mean that the overall sound and typing experience will vary between the two switches, despite their shared polycarbonate top. The nylon bottom of the CAP Anniversary absorbs more sound, giving it a thicker feel on key presses, whereas the Sakura Pink maintains the clearer, resonant quality throughout. While those who prefer a bright and crisp typing experience may gravitate towards the Sakura Pink, those seeking a deeper bottom-out experience might prefer the CAP Anniversary. Ultimately, users will find that each switch's unique material combination distinctly contributes to their respective sound signatures and feel, thereby impacting typing dynamics in different ways.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch present a clear contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The CAP Anniversary has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Sakura Pink is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This difference in weight means that the Sakura Pink is better suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, which can facilitate extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons without fatigue. Conversely, the heavier Gateron CAP Anniversary switch provides a more substantial push feel, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Overall, if you favor a lighter switch for comfort, the Sakura Pink is the optimal choice, while the CAP Anniversary caters to those who prefer a heavier, more tactile response.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch share an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that they offer the same tactile experience when pressed. This similarity allows users to expect comparable key feel and responsiveness between the two switches, making them equally effective for various typing and gaming scenarios. Since both switches have the same travel distance, one can anticipate similar performance and actuation feel, providing a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is chosen.
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 Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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 switch remains relatively neutral, offering a typing experience that is less intrusive compared to other more pronounced switches. Its sound profile tends to be more subdued, favoring stability and smoothness over auditory feedback, making it well-suited for quieter environments. In contrast, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch presents a delightful poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped. This playful auditory characteristic adds an element of fun to the keyboarding experience, helping typists feel more engaged as they work or play.
When it comes to feel, the CAP Anniversary switch stands out with its combination of snappy responsiveness, creamy smoothness, and polished finish. This synergy delivers a typing experience that feels alive, allowing for quick key presses with a silky and refined touch that glides effortlessly under the fingers. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink excels in providing a buttery, frictionless typing experience. With its ultra-light 35g actuation force and easy-to-press characteristics, these switches demand minimal effort, making them ideal for extended typing sessions without fatigue. Their smoothness, combined with the playful nature of their sound, contributes to an enjoyable overall experience.
In conclusion, while the sound characteristics of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Everglide Sakura Pink switches diverge — with the former being more subdued and the latter offering a light, poppy sound — both switches excel in providing smooth and enjoyable typing experiences. The CAP Anniversary features a responsive and silky feel, while the Sakura Pink ensures effortless key presses and minimal resistance. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a quieter and more stable experience with the CAP Anniversary or prefer the playful auditory feedback and lightweight feel of the Sakura Pink. Both options offer unique advantages, ensuring a satisfying typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switches and Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and style. If you enjoy a more substantial feel under your fingers, with a satisfying snappy response and a creamy, polished key travel, the CAP Anniversary switches, featuring a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, are likely your best option. Their unique design enhances stability and ensures that your keystrokes feel smooth and refined, making them a great choice for users who type with purpose and appreciate a tactile sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and require a more effortless typing experience, the Sakura Pink switches, with their feather-light actuation at 35 grams, will be more suited to your needs. Their muted sound profile and frictionless operation cater well to delicate typists or those who engage in lengthy typing sessions while minimizing finger fatigue. Additionally, the playful poppy sound they produce adds a fun element to your typing experience. In summary, whether you lean toward the robust feedback of the CAP Anniversary or the airy ease of the Sakura Pink, both switches offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences.
Mentioned in this article
