Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron Silent Ink Black mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, some key differences can be pointed out. The CAP Anniversary is renowned for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes thanks to its novel CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a quieter typing experience with its cushioned bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback. While the CAP Anniversary is categorized as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', the Silent Ink Black is labeled as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific 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
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron Silent Ink Black both offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the CAP Anniversary creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the INK blend top housing of the Silent Ink Black produces a satisfying clacky sound. Both materials are known for their ability to enhance sound quality, with polycarbonate being stiffer and more resonant, and the proprietary INK blend offering a pointed and high-pitched sound. Despite their differences, both housing materials are designed to provide a premium typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the nylon bottom housing of the CAP Anniversary produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black also contributes to the high-pitched and clacky sound that the switch is known for. While the nylon bottom housing offers a duller and rounder sound, the INK blend bottom housing maintains the overall sound profile of the switch, creating a consistent typing experience.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron Silent Ink Black results in distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The split between top and bottom housing in each switch allows for a balanced typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer premium sound quality with their respective housing materials, whether it be the stiffer polycarbonate and softer nylon of the CAP Anniversary, or the proprietary INK blend of the Silent Ink Black.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The CAP Anniversary has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Ink Black's 60 grams, making the CAP Anniversary slightly easier to trigger keystrokes. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the CAP Anniversary at 65 grams and the Silent Ink Black at 70 grams, providing a consistent typing experience once the key is fully pressed. The CAP Anniversary would be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Silent Ink Black would be more suitable for those who enjoy a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. The consistent travel distance ensures a similar typing experience for both switches, making them suitable options for users who prefer a standard travel distance in their mechanical keyboards.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 known for providing a unique and distinctive auditory experience due to its novel CAP structure that reduces resistance and excess air release, resulting in a potentially quieter typing sound compared to traditional switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is specifically designed to deliver a muted typing experience, making it ideal for environments where noise levels need to be minimized. The Silent Ink Black switch offers a softer and quieter sound, which is achieved through its dampened design.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch is praised for its snappy, creamy, and polished typing experience. The snappy attribute indicates super responsiveness, likely due to longer or dual-staged springs in the switch. Additionally, the creamy feature offers a smooth and buttery sensation when typing, creating a silky and effortless keystroke experience. The polished characteristic provides a sleek and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is described as silky and polished, emphasizing its exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished aspect of the Silent Ink Black switch contributes to its smooth and sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switches offer different sound profiles and tactile feels, both switches prioritize smoothness and responsiveness in their design. They cater to different preferences with the CAP Anniversary potentially providing a quieter typing sound and a snappy, creamy feel, while the Silent Ink Black offers a more muted sound with a silky and polished typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, but both are likely to deliver high-quality performance and a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is important to consider your priorities. If you value a unique and smooth typing experience with aerodynamic design principles, minimal wobble, and stability, then the CAP Anniversary may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing environment with a cushiony bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, the Silent Ink Black is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize smoothness and unique design features or a silent and tactile typing experience. Consider your preferences carefully to choose the switch that best suits your typing needs.
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