Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g both offer unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The CAP Anniversary switches are celebrated for their innovative CAP structure which promotes exceptionally smooth keystrokes, enhanced by a specially designed aerodynamic stem that reduces resistance and minimizes wobble. This switch is ideal for users seeking a snappy and polished feel, making it perfect for fast typists and gamers who value speed and precision. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offers a whisper-quiet typing experience, catering to those who prefer a lighter keystroke without sacrificing tactile feedback. With its balanced 53g bottom-out force, this switch is particularly appealing for office environments or late-night gaming sessions where noise may be a concern. Both switches have their merits, appealing to distinct user preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
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 - 53g switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the overall auditory experience when typing. The CAP Anniversary utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer construction, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material's translucency also enhances RGB lighting effects, making it visually appealing in setups focused on aesthetics. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a nylon top housing, recognized for its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and results in a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This fundamental distinction in the top housing material creates a contrasting sound character between the two switches, influencing the acoustics experienced during use.
When we shift the focus to the bottom housings, an intriguing role reversal occurs. The CAP Anniversary employs nylon for its bottom housing, which contributes to a more muted and rounded sound profile owing to the material's sound-absorbing properties. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g integrates a polycarbonate bottom housing that enhances clarity and resonance, producing a brighter bottom-out sound. This juxtaposition indicates that while both switches use different materials for their respective bottom housings, they can achieve high-quality acoustic results that cater to varying preferences. The different characteristics of these materials interplay, providing each switch with unique sound profiles despite their contrasting compositions.
In sum, the synergy between the top and bottom housing materials in both the CAP Anniversary and Silent Sakura - 53g switches defines their overall sound profile, creating two distinct typing experiences. While one switch promotes a sharper sound profile with its polycarbonate top, the other offers a deeper sound due to its nylon top. However, each switch's bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, showcasing how the combined effects of varied materials can produce a rich palette of auditory feedback. Thus, even with differing materials, both switches can yield satisfying responses that cater to their users' nuanced preferences, thereby achieving their own interpretation of acoustic excellence.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The CAP Anniversary requires an actuation force of 50 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Silent Sakura's 45 grams. This difference indicates that the Silent Sakura is the lighter option, making it potentially more comfortable for longer typing sessions, especially in work or gaming contexts. In terms of bottom out force, the CAP Anniversary also has a heavier feel, with a force of 65 grams compared to the Silent Sakura's 53 grams. This means that while both switches will provide a satisfactory typing experience, the Gateron CAP Anniversary is geared towards users who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback when typing, whereas the Silent Sakura caters to those who favor a lighter touch. Overall, the CAP Anniversary is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, while the Silent Sakura is the more moderate and lighter choice.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when typing or gaming, users will experience the same actuation feel, as both switches require the same distance from the top to the bottom to register a keypress. Consequently, if you're looking for consistent performance in terms of travel distance across these switches, you'll achieve similar results with either option. Thus, neither switch is shorter or longer; they are equal in travel distance.
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 - 53g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 linear switch has not had its auditory characteristics specifically described, leaving some room for interpretation based on the materials and design features. However, the Silent Sakura - 53g is noted for delivering a remarkably quiet typing experience, reminiscent of the gentle sound of raindrops. This makes the Silent Sakura particularly suited for quiet environments or situations where noise reduction is essential. While the sound profile of the CAP Anniversary remains to be determined, users can expect a subtle acoustic experience from both switches due to their linear design, with the Silent Sakura excelling in minimal noise.
When examining the feel of these switches, Gateron CAP Anniversary switches are praised for their snappiness, creaminess, and polished sensation. This implies a highly responsive keystroke that is both smooth and buttery, allowing for effortless typing. The aerodynamic stem design contributes to this feel, enhancing the overall typing experience with increased stability and minimal wobble. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g has not been described in terms of its tactile experience, making a direct comparison challenging. Nonetheless, the CAP Anniversary’s attributes suggest that it will offer a more dynamic typing experience, while the Silent Sakura may provide a different, possibly smoother sensation, especially given its unique weight.
In conclusion, while the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch offers an impressive combination of snappy responsiveness, creaminess, and a polished feel, creating a lively and smooth typing experience, the Silent Sakura - 53g's allure lies in its whisper-quiet operation and balanced force. Depending on personal preferences, both switches can provide enjoyable experiences, with the CAP Anniversary shining in tactile feedback and the Silent Sakura excelling in noise reduction. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on whether the user prioritizes a more tactile response or quiet keystrokes, recognizing that each option will deliver an enjoyable yet distinct typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch primarily depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a more robust feel and enjoy a typing experience characterized by snappiness, creaminess, and a polished finish, the CAP Anniversary is an excellent option, especially with its heavier actuation force of 65 grams. This makes it well-suited for users who appreciate a tactile feedback and who might be more accustomed to a firmer keypress, making it ideal for both typing and gaming scenarios where precision is key. Conversely, if you are looking for a switch that promotes a softer touch and whisper-quiet operation, particularly in shared or quiet environments, the Silent Sakura - 53g would be a better fit. With its lighter 53-gram bottom-out force, it delivers a satisfying yet gentle feel, perfect for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to whether you prioritize tactile feedback and stability or a quieter, lighter keystroke experience.
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