Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the TTC Speed Silver mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features catered to different preferences. 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 TTC Speed Silver is ideal for those seeking a fast and precise typing experience with its light-medium resistance and reduced travel distance. While the CAP Anniversary is described as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', the Speed Silver is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these general descriptions 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the TTC Speed Silver switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to their relatively stiffer nature. Additionally, polycarbonate housings are ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as the translucency of the material allows for better illumination. However, while both switches share this common housing material, the differences in the design and construction of each switch may still result in subtle variations in sound and feel.
In contrast, the CAP Anniversary and the Speed Silver switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housings. Despite having different bottom housing materials, both switches offer similar benefits in terms of sound profile, with nylon contributing to a more muted and smooth typing experience.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in both the CAP Anniversary and the Speed Silver switches allows for a balanced sound profile with a mix of sharpness and depth. While the top housing primarily affects the sound when pressing and releasing a key, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the overall bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Ultimately, users can expect a consistent and satisfying typing experience regardless of which housing material is used in each part of the switch.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the TTC Speed Silver's 45 grams, making the Speed Silver the lighter option in this comparison. The bottom out force of the CAP Anniversary is also heavier at 65 grams, while the Speed Silver has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the CAP Anniversary a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Speed Silver would be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of use. Both switches provide a different tactile experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the TTC Speed Silver linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The longer travel distance of the CAP Anniversary provides a more traditional feel, offering a deeper keypress experience. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Speed Silver caters to those looking for quick and responsive key presses, ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the CAP Anniversary offering more depth and the Speed Silver providing a swifter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to whether you prioritize keypress depth or speed in your typing experience.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 it comes to sound, the CAP Anniversary and Speed Silver switches offer different experiences. The CAP Anniversary switch's sound profile is known for being exceptionally smooth and quiet due to the novel CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design. On the other hand, the Speed Silver switch is characterized as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for various preferences and environments.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the CAP Anniversary switch is often described as snappy, creamy, and polished, providing a responsive and smooth typing experience with minimal wobble. In contrast, the Speed Silver switch offers a mild and polished feel, catering to those who prefer a gentler typing experience that is still smooth and refined.
Taking all the available information into account, while the CAP Anniversary and Speed Silver switches offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences, both are designed to enhance typing speed and precision. The CAP Anniversary excels in providing smooth keystrokes with stability and minimal wobble, while the Speed Silver offers a fast and precise typing experience with reduced travel distance. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and needs. If you value a smooth keystroke experience with minimal wobble and stability, the CAP Anniversary may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a fast and precise typing experience with reduced travel distance, the Speed Silver could be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a snappy or creamy typing feel, the CAP Anniversary offers those options, whereas the Speed Silver provides a more mild and polished typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific preferences and how you prioritize factors such as smoothness, speed, and sound profile in your typing experience.
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