Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note their individual characteristics and attributes. The Gateron CAP Anniversary is renowned for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes, thanks to its innovative CAP structure designed with aerodynamic principles. The release of excess air through tiny holes in the stem reduces resistance and enhances smoothness, while the enlarged, hollowed-out stem post ensures stability and minimal wobble. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its whisper-quiet topping-out sound and clacky bottom-out sound, providing a unique typing experience. The switch offers a silky smooth type feel without being overly polished. While the CAP Anniversary is categorized as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', the Semi-Silent Linear is labeled as 'Subdued', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it suitable for switches with RGB lighting. However, the CAP Anniversary stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of sound profile, the nylon bottom housing of the CAP Anniversary provides a different typing experience compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate bottom housing. While both switches feature similar polycarbonate top housings for a sharp sound profile, the different bottom housings contribute to the overall feel and sound of typing on each switch. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is more influenced by the bottom housing, with nylon creating a deeper and fuller sound compared to the duller and rounder sound of polycarbonate. Additionally, the impact on sound release when letting go of a key is more influenced by the top housing, showcasing the differences between the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound profile ideal for RGB lighting, the CAP Anniversary's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate bottom housing. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing emphasize the importance of housing materials in creating a unique typing experience for users.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we see that the CAP Anniversary has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Semi-Silent Linear, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the CAP Anniversary also has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's bottom out force of 62 grams. This makes the CAP Anniversary switch slightly heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. In terms of weight preference, those who prefer a lighter feel may lean towards the Semi-Silent Linear, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the slightly heavier CAP Anniversary. Both switches offer a medium feel overall, providing a good balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The CAP Anniversary offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth when typing or gaming compared to the Semi-Silent Linear. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the CAP Anniversary being on the longer side and the Semi-Silent Linear on the shorter side. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness. Some may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear for faster response times, while others may enjoy the slightly deeper feel of the CAP Anniversary.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 is best described as offering a subtle and smooth typing experience. The unique stem design and aerodynamic principles result in a dampened sound when pressed, creating a more subdued auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound, offering a more neutral sound profile suitable for various environments. Both switches provide a different sound experience, with the CAP Anniversary focusing on smoothness and the Semi-Silent Linear offering a more versatile and moderate sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch is known for providing a snappy and stable typing experience. The novel CAP structure and hollowed-out stem post contribute to a super responsive and stable feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild and buttery typing experience, with a smooth and gentle feel that is approachable to most users. Both switches offer a polished typing experience, with the CAP Anniversary focusing on responsiveness and stability, while the Semi-Silent Linear prioritizes a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CAP Anniversary excels in providing a smooth and stable typing experience with a subdued sound profile, while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a more versatile sound profile with a mild and buttery typing feel. Depending on the preferences of the user, both switches can provide a high-quality typing experience with their distinctive characteristics. Ultimately, whether choosing the CAP Anniversary or the Semi-Silent Linear, users can expect to enjoy a premium mechanical keyboard switch experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams and enjoy exceptionally smooth keystrokes with minimal wobble, then the CAP Anniversary switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62 grams and a semi-silent typing experience with a silky smooth feel, then the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch might be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel, ensuring that you choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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