Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the TTC Silent Brown stand out for their distinct qualities and caters to different typing preferences. The CAP Anniversary, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes, thanks to its innovative CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design, which minimizes resistance and wobble for an elevated typing experience. This switch is ideal for users who favor rapid key presses without the distraction of tactile feedback, making it perfect for gamers and those who prioritize a fluid typing style. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switches provide a tactile experience with a soft, rounded bump that offers feedback with each press. The muted sound profile of these switches ensures a quieter environment, making them a great choice for office settings or shared spaces where noise might be an issue. Both switches have their allure—one prioritizing speed and smoothness, while the other emphasizes tactile feedback and silence. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the TTC Silent Brown switches, one notable similarity is the use of polycarbonate for the top housing in both models. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes these switches particularly well-suited for RGB lighting setups, as the light can diffuse beautifully through the clear material. Consequently, users of either switch can expect a comparable auditory experience during key presses, especially in response to actuation and release, as both switches feature identical top housing profiles.
Contrastingly, the bottom housing material diverges between the two switches, with the CAP Anniversary employing nylon and the Silent Brown also utilizing nylon. However, both switches benefit from nylon's characteristic softness, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its sound-absorbing properties, nylon dampens sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and less sharp sound when typing. Even though the bottom housings are the same material, the interplay between the nylon bottom and polycarbonate top in both switches helps create a distinct sound uniqueness in the bottom-out feel and noise, differentiating them from switches that might use a harder plastic down below.
Overall, while both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and TTC Silent Brown switches share polycarbonate top housings that lend a crisp sound, their nylon bottom housings contribute to an enriched audio experience. Since they both utilize the same materials for their respective top and bottom housings, users can expect a degree of consistency in sound profiles while also recognizing the nuances brought about by these materials—most notably in how the top housing amplifies the sound on release and the bottom housing influences the sound produced upon bottoming out. This harmonious blend of materials ultimately allows for a balanced and enjoyable typing experience in both switch types.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The CAP Anniversary switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier overall compared to the Silent Brown, which features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that for those who appreciate a lighter keypress for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, the Silent Brown is the better option, providing a more effortless experience. In contrast, the CAP Anniversary will deliver a more substantial feel, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push sensation. Although both switches exhibit similar bottom out forces, the Silent Brown remains the lighter option due to its lower actuation force. Thus, if one seeks a lighter, less strenuous typing experience, the TTC Silent Brown would be the preferred choice, while the Gateron CAP Anniversary caters to those favoring a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, the Gateron CAP Anniversary stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown measures 3.8 mm. This means that the CAP Anniversary offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced keystroke experience that many users might find satisfying. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Brown could appeal to those who favor faster response times, particularly gamers who benefit from the quick actuation. Ultimately, if you prefer a more substantial keypress, the Gateron CAP Anniversary with its longer travel distance would likely be the better choice, whereas the TTC Silent Brown would suit those who appreciate a quicker and more responsive tactile feel.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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 with the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it’s evident that they cater to different audio preferences. The CAP Anniversary's sound characteristics are not explicitly described, leaving a gap in our understanding of its acoustic qualities. On the other hand, the Silent Brown is known for its muted sound profile, which dramatically reduces the typical noise produced by mechanical switches. This quieter operation makes the Silent Brown particularly suitable for shared workspaces or environments where loud typing could be distracting.
In terms of feel, the CAP Anniversary switch provides a highly responsive and smooth typing experience. It features a snappy action that makes each keystroke feel alive, along with a creamy sensation as it glides effortlessly beneath your fingertips, supported by its polished finish that minimizes friction. This combination of traits results in a refined and enjoyable typing experience. Conversely, the Silent Brown is also recognized for its smoothness, described as buttery, which indicates a fluid keystroke. It features a polished feel akin to the CAP Anniversary, providing a sleek typing experience with minimal resistance. However, the tactile bump of the Silent Brown lends a distinct tactile feedback that sets it apart from the purely linear action of the CAP Anniversary.
In conclusion, while the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch excels in providing a snappy and smooth experience with its unique design, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a more muted sound and tactile feedback that can enhance overall typing satisfaction. If you’re seeking a silent experience with tactile feedback, the Silent Brown may be ideal. However, if you prioritize the smoothness and responsiveness of linear switches, the CAP Anniversary would deliver a superior experience in that regard. Both switches, while differing in their tactile and auditory experiences, promise a high-quality typing feel reflective of their respective designs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a buttery smooth keystroke with an exceptionally polished feel and a snappy response, the CAP Anniversary is likely your best bet. This switch excels in providing a creamy and stable typing experience, making it ideal for fast typists and gamers who appreciate a responsive and seamless action. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback without the loud sounds associated with typical mechanical switches, the Silent Brown will serve you well. With its rounded bump and muted sound profile, it caters to those who enjoy a more subdued auditory experience while still delivering a satisfying typing feel. If you work in a shared environment or simply want to keep noise levels down while enjoying the comfort of tactile feedback, the Silent Brown will be more suitable. Your final choice should reflect whether you value smoothness and responsiveness over tactile engagement and sound levels, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard experience aligns with your preferences.
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