Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g each offer unique benefits that cater to different typing preferences. The CAP Anniversary is celebrated for its innovative CAP structure, which results in exceptionally smooth keystrokes thanks to its aerodynamic design and strategically placed airflow holes that reduce resistance. This switch provides a snappy, creamy, and polished feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate a responsive typing experience with minimal wobble. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g is engineered for those who crave a quieter environment; its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force allows for effortless typing while producing a soft sound that evokes the gentle tap of raindrops. This makes it an excellent choice for light typists or anyone working in a noise-sensitive setting. Both switches have their distinctive attributes—whether it's the smoothness of the CAP Anniversary or the serene silence of the Silent Sakura. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches employ different materials for their housing components, which leads to distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The CAP Anniversary features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence, creating a crisper and sharper sound. This material is particularly advantageous for users who utilize RGB lighting, as the clear housing facilitates the illumination of the switch LED, resulting in a visually appealing display. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g employs a nylon top housing that offers a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer, sound-absorbing characteristics. This design choice contributes to a more muted experience while typing, allowing for a softer auditory profile.
On the underside, the CAP Anniversary utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which mirrors the Silent Sakura's nylon top housing in its ability to produce a rounder and deeper sound profile. This commonality underscores the importance of bottom housing in defining the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, as these characteristics significantly influence how the switch is perceived during use. Conversely, the Silent Sakura sports a polycarbonate bottom housing, lending it a sharper and more resonant sound profile that complements its nylon top. This juxtaposition between the soft nylon top and the hard polycarbonate bottom results in a unique auditory experience, enhancing the switch’s versatility.
Overall, the differing materials of the two switches suggest that while both feature benefits and drawbacks in their sound profiles, the impact of each housing's material is synergistic. Users can expect a nuanced auditory experience by combining the properties of harder and softer plastics in the overall design of the switches. For instance, both switches will exhibit a blend of clarity and depth in sound, but the CAP Anniversary might lean towards a sharper profile due to its polycarbonate top, while the Silent Sakura will provide a smoother typing experience because of its nylon top housing. Thus, even with their different housing materials, when in use, both switches can deliver a satisfying and distinct sound profile that caters to varied preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The CAP Anniversary requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it more suited for those who enjoy a substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Silent Sakura features a much lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, which allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue and is ideal for users who favor a softer touch. Consequently, the CAP Anniversary is the heavier option, while the Silent Sakura is the lighter choice, appealing to different typing styles and comfort levels.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users can expect a similar key feel and response when pressing down on either switch, as the distance these switches travel from the top to the bottom is identical. Because of this equal travel distance, typing or gaming experiences using these switches will evoke comparable sensations in terms of actuation. Therefore, if you're accustomed to one, transitioning to the other should yield similar results in terms of key travel feedback.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 43g for $2.99.
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 noted for its muted characteristics, resulting from its design aimed at producing a quieter operation compared to traditional linear switches. This makes it a good choice for those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches are engineered specifically for silence, aiming to offer an ultra-quiet typing experience that echoes the soothing sound of raindrops. This trait makes the Silent Sakura an excellent option for environments where noise reduction is a priority. While both switches strive for a quieter experience, the CAP Anniversary leans toward a more muted feel, whereas the Silent Sakura guarantees whisper-quiet performance.
When it comes to feel, the CAP Anniversary switch excels with descriptors such as snappy, creamy, and polished, creating a multi-faceted typing experience that is both responsive and smooth. The snappy nature of the switch contributes to a lively sense of engagement, while the creamy texture provides a buttery, seamless transition between keystrokes. Additionally, the polished finish enhances the overall ease of use, resulting in a type feel that is refined and satisfying. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g switches are characterized by their ultra-light force of 43g, appealing to those who enjoy a lighter touch when typing. The specifics of the tactile feedback from the Silent Sakura are less defined, but it typically offers a softer response that complements its whisper-quiet operation, making it ideal for users who appreciate a delicate typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The CAP Anniversary excels in providing a smooth, responsive feel with a muted sound profile, making it great for a balanced typing experience. Conversely, the Silent Sakura is tailored for those prioritizing silence and a lighter touch, ensuring a serene typing environment. Depending on what you're seeking in a mechanical keyboard experience—either smoothness and responsiveness or silence and subtlety—both options can deliver satisfying results, though each will cater to distinct preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch will largely depend on your personal typing preferences and environment. If you favor a more tactile and responsive experience, the CAP Anniversary is an excellent option due to its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, which provides a snappy feedback that many typists appreciate. Its unique design enhances smoothness and stability, making it ideal for those who do a lot of typing or gaming and crave a bit of resistance to help improve accuracy. In contrast, if you prioritize a quiet and soft typing experience, the Silent Sakura - 43g switch is tailored for you. With a notably lighter bottom-out force of 43 grams, these switches excel in creating a serene environment, perfect for quieter settings like shared workspaces or late-night typing. Their whisper-quiet actuation mimics soothing raindrops, allowing you to type without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, your final decision should consider how you balance the need for responsive feedback against your desire for a peaceful typing atmosphere.
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