Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two exceptional linear switch options. The CAP Anniversary stands out for its innovative CAP structure, which ensures smooth keystrokes by reducing resistance and wobble. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a buttery smooth typing experience with its progressive spring and dry-lube design. While the CAP Anniversary is known for being snappy, creamy, and polished, the Sea Salt Lemon is described as low-pitched, neutral, and mild. Both switches have their unique qualities that make them desirable choices for different preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP Anniversary and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiff nature of polycarbonate. This material is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the visual appeal. The nylon bottom housings of both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share similar housing materials, the differences in sound and feel can be attributed to the specific design and construction of each switch. The Gateron CAP Anniversary's use of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials may offer a more balanced sound profile, with the bottom housing contributing to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when a key is released. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon may exhibit a slightly different sound profile due to its unique design, but the overall characteristics of the polycarbonate and nylon material should still be prominent in its sound and feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both benefit from the use of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials, offering distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, fuller tone, both switches provide a unique typing experience that showcases the qualities of their respective housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as well as the overall design and aesthetic appeal of each switch.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we can see that the Sea Salt Lemon is the lighter option of the two. The CAP Anniversary has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Sea Salt Lemon has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon, as the lower actuation and bottom out forces could provide a more comfortable experience. Conversely, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the CAP Anniversary, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force feedback.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two, users can expect a consistent key press experience with both switches as they provide the same travel distance. This means that whether you choose the CAP Anniversary or the Sea Salt Lemon switch, you can rely on getting similar results in terms of key travel. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable and smooth typing experience with their equal travel distance, ensuring that users can enjoy an efficient typing experience regardless of their choice.
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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 it comes to sound, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch offers a unique and possibly quieter typing experience due to its novel CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stem. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile that caters to a broader range of users. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant auditory experience, with the CAP Anniversary focusing on smoothness and the Sea Salt Lemon offering a mellow tone.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch is known for its snappy, creamy, and polished qualities, providing a responsive and silky typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a mild typing sensation that is gentle and approachable to most users. While the CAP Anniversary emphasizes smoothness and stability through its design features, the Sea Salt Lemon focuses on delivering a buttery smooth typing experience with its progressive spring and dry-lube design.
Overall, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches aim to enhance the typing experience through unique design features and smooth key actuation. While the CAP Anniversary excels in stability and smoothness, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a pleasant and gentle typing experience. Choosing between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, feel, and typing style. Regardless of choice, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider your preference for typing feel and sound. If you value a snappy and polished typing experience with minimal wobble, the CAP Anniversary may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a mild and buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you are looking for and which characteristics align best with your preferences.
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