Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie both stand out as excellent linear options, each offering a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. The CAP Anniversary is celebrated for its innovative design, featuring a novel CAP structure and an aerodynamic stem that promotes exceptionally smooth keystrokes by utilizing tiny holes that release excess air, ultimately reducing resistance. This results in a snappy, creamy, and polished feel, ensuring each keystroke feels refined and stable. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is a medium-weight all-POM switch that combines affordability with premium features, offering a "thocky" sound profile alongside its notable smoothness. Both switches cater to those who appreciate linear feedback and a smooth typing experience, though the CAP Anniversary leans towards a more polished feel while the Sea Salt Smoothie emphasizes a satisfying acoustic experience. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, one can see that they adopt differing approaches to sound and feel. The CAP Anniversary features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for enhancing sound clarity and producing a sharper, higher-pitched auditory experience. Its rigidity allows for a more resonant sound profile that is particularly effective when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's top housing is made from POM, a material that brings a deeper, more muted sound to the forefront. This sharp contrast in top housing materials suggests that users will experience distinct auditory sensations, one that is bright and resonant versus another that is warm and subdued.
The bottom housings of these switches present an interesting convergence, as both the CAP Anniversary and the Sea Salt Smoothie share a type of plastic that favors a fuller, deeper typing experience. The CAP Anniversary employs a nylon bottom housing, revered for its sound-absorbing properties which create a rounder and more dulcet sound profile. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie also features POM in its bottom housing. Despite the differences seen in the top housing materials, the commonality between the two switches in their bottom housing composition leads to a similar depth of sound. Both materials contribute to a muted auditory signature, underscoring the importance of bottom housing in the overall auditory experience.
Ultimately, the contrast between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Sea Salt Smoothie becomes evident through their unique top housing materials while highlighting a shared quality in their bottom housings. Users who prioritize a brighter sound may prefer the CAP Anniversary due to the sharpness offered by polycarbonate, while those who favor a deeper, more subtle sound will likely be drawn to the Sea Salt Smoothie with its POM top. Nevertheless, both switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience characterized by depth and fullness arising from their respective bottom housings. Users can essentially blend the unique impacts of each switch’s housing materials to tailor their auditory experience, achieving nuanced results based on individual preferences for either top housing design.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch differ slightly in their actuation force while the latter's bottom out force remains unspecified. The CAP Anniversary has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, ideal for users who prefer a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams, catering to those who appreciate a gentler touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. The bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, which means we can't draw a direct comparison for that measurement against the CAP Anniversary's 65 grams bottom out force. Overall, those seeking a mild touch might lean toward the Sea Salt Smoothie, while users desiring a firmer feel will likely opt for the CAP Anniversary.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, notable differences emerge. The CAP Anniversary features a traditional travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that for users who favor a deeper, more substantial keypress, the CAP Anniversary would be the preferable choice, providing a more tactile experience. Conversely, those who prioritize quick response times, such as gamers, might lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate swifter actuation. Ultimately, the CAP Anniversary offers a longer travel distance for a hearty feeling when typing, while the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to those seeking a snappier response.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 switches are notably quiet and refined, enhancing the overall typing experience without being overly loud or intrusive. This characteristic makes them ideal for environments where noise may be a concern, as they produce a soft, pleasant sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie switches are celebrated for their distinctive "thocky" sound profile, which provides a satisfying auditory feedback when engaged. This thocky quality combines well with the smooth actuation of the switch, resulting in a more pronounced and enjoyable sound compared to the CAP Anniversary. While sound is also influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, the inherent profiles of these switches clearly cater to different preferences for auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the CAP Anniversary switches shine with their snappy responsiveness, creamy texture, and polished finish. The combination of longer springs and the innovative design features results in a typing experience that is lively and smooth, almost like gliding across the keys. This exceptional feel adds to the overall enjoyment and efficiency of typing, with a minimal wobble and a stable keystroke. In contrast, the feel of the Sea Salt Smoothie switches is less defined in this description, but they are still marketed as delivering a smooth experience. The quality of their medium-weight design allows for a balanced actuation that can appeal to varying typing styles, but without the specific descriptors provided for the CAP switches, it’s difficult to compare directly in terms of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches have unique qualities appealing to different user preferences. The CAP Anniversary excels in providing a refined sound and an exceptionally smooth and responsive typing experience, making it ideal for those who prioritize a quiet and polished feel. The Sea Salt Smoothie, while offering a different auditory character with its thocky sound signature, still holds its own with a compelling smoothness, though more specific descriptors of its feel would contribute to a clearer comparison. Ultimately, each switch can lead to a satisfying typing experience, but your choice between the two may depend heavily on your personal preference for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your typing preferences and desired sound profile. If you value a medium-heavy feel with a snappy and polished typing experience, the CAP Anniversary switches make a strong case for themselves with their innovative CAP structure and aerodynamic design, resulting in smooth keystrokes and minimal wobble. The enhanced stability and responsiveness can be ideal for those who type frequently or engage in fast-paced gaming, as they provide a lively and engaging experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a thocky sound profile that doesn’t compromise on smoothness, the Sea Salt Smoothie might be your best bet. It is great for users who enjoy a softer typing experience without the heaviness of the CAP Anniversary. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you engage with your keyboard—whether you lean towards a more robust tactile feedback or a softer, quieter experience, both switches stand out for their unique qualities.
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