Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron Smoothie Silver mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both have unique features that set them apart. The CAP Anniversary switch is renowned for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes due to its novel CAP structure, aerodynamically designed stem, and minimal wobble. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch boasts a short travel distance for quick actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch. While the CAP Anniversary is described as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', the Smoothie Silver lacks specific categorization. Choosing between the two switches will depend on your preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and actuation feel. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, one key difference is in their top housing materials. The CAP Anniversary features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials have their own unique qualities, the polycarbonate of the CAP Anniversary is known for its clear and resonant sound, while the POM of the Smoothie Silver creates a more subdued sound profile.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the CAP Anniversary incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver also uses POM for the bottom housing, resulting in a similar unique and pleasing sound as the top housing. Despite differences in material, both switches focus on creating a sound profile that is on the deeper side, with the nylon of the CAP Anniversary providing a duller and rounder sound compared to the relatively more muted sound of the POM in the Smoothie Silver.
In terms of overall sound and feel, the differences in housing materials between the two switches can impact the typing experience. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, with the nylon of the CAP Anniversary offering a fuller sound compared to the POM of the Smoothie Silver. Conversely, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key, with the polycarbonate of the CAP Anniversary providing a sharper sound compared to the POM of the Smoothie Silver. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience based on their distinct housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, which requires 45 grams to actuate. Both switches have a medium to light actuation force, with the CAP Anniversary being slightly heavier. However, the CAP Anniversary also has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, while the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver is unknown. This means that the CAP Anniversary switch provides a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed down. Overall, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it ideal for longer typing or gaming sessions, while the CAP Anniversary switch offers a bit more resistance for those who prefer a heavier feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we can see that the CAP Anniversary has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Smoothie Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Smoothie Silver has a shorter travel distance than the CAP Anniversary. The shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, as a shorter distance can lead to faster key presses. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the CAP Anniversary may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and responsiveness.
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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 CAP Anniversary is best known for its quiet and satisfying thock sound, while the Smoothie Silver is described as producing a thocky sound. The difference in sound between the two switches may be subtle, but those who prefer a quieter typing experience may lean towards the CAP Anniversary.
When it comes to feel, the CAP Anniversary offers a snappy and possibly creamy typing experience, with a smooth and responsive feel. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch is known for its incredible smoothness and feather-light touch, which may provide a different tactile sensation to the typist. Both switches aim to provide a premium typing experience, and the choice between the two may ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of responsiveness and smoothness.
Overall, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer high-quality typing experiences with their own unique characteristics. While the CAP Anniversary boasts a novel CAP structure for smooth keystrokes and stability, the Smoothie Silver features an all-POM construction for lightning-fast actuation and thocky sound. Depending on whether you prioritize a quiet typing sound or a feather-light touch, both switches offer excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a premium typing experience. Ultimately, trying out both switches on different boards and keycap sets may provide the best way to determine which one suits your typing preferences best.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider the typing experience you are looking for. If you prioritize smoothness and stability in your keystrokes, the CAP Anniversary with its novel CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer lightning-fast actuation and a thocky sound with a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver with its all-POM construction and short travel distance could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing style.
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