Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Jwick Splash Brothers mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches with unique features that cater to different preferences. The CAP Anniversary is praised for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes, thanks to its novel CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stem. This switch is described as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers stands out with its shorter activation and long pole stem, offering a great typing feel and a creamy sound signature. It is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. While the CAP Anniversary focuses on stability and minimal wobble, the Splash Brothers emphasize a dynamic typing experience with a unique sound signature. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches feature top housings made of polycarbonate, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. However, the CAP Anniversary utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Splash Brothers also feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as its softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
The different bottom housings of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches impact the overall sound and feel of the switches. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. This softer plastic material absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing has a more significant influence on the sound when releasing a key, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. While both switches offer similar qualities in terms of the sound produced, the distribution of these qualities between the top and bottom housings may vary.
In conclusion, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches use polycarbonate in their top housings to produce a sharp, high-pitched sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for the utilization of RGB lighting effects, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches. Additionally, the nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more rounded sound when typing on the switches. While the top and bottom housings may have different impacts on the overall sound and feel of the switches, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon materials in each switch results in a balanced and satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Gateron switch is also higher at 65 grams, while the Splash Brothers switch has a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes the Gateron switch feel more medium-heavy in comparison to the light feel of the Splash Brothers switch. Both switches have their advantages, as some may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Splash Brothers for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the more substantial typing experience provided by the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it is evident that the CAP Anniversary has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.5 mm of the Splash Brothers. The difference may seem slight, but it can impact the typing or gaming experience significantly. With the CAP Anniversary, you will feel a bit more key travel distance, which might provide a more deliberate and controlled keystroke. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which could result in quicker response times and potentially faster typing speeds. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference - whether you prioritize a longer, more deliberate keystroke with the CAP Anniversary or a quicker, more responsive keystroke with the Splash Brothers.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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 offers a creamy sound signature, providing a smooth and pleasing auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of settings and users due to its moderate actuation force requirement. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used, so it's important to consider the overall setup when assessing sound quality.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch is noted for its snappy and polished typing experience, offering responsive keystrokes and a sleek, refined feel. The Jwick Splash Brothers switch, on the other hand, presents a milder and bouncier typing sensation, providing a gentle yet lively feedback while typing. Additionally, the Splash Brothers switch is also described as having a subtle typing feel, making it suitable for shared spaces where a quieter switch is desired. Both switches boast a polished finish, contributing to a smooth and comfortable typing experience overall.
Overall, while the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches offer differing sound profiles and typing feels, both switches prioritize a smooth and refined typing experience. The CAP Anniversary switch excels in providing a creamy sound and snappy keystrokes, while the Splash Brothers switch offers a neutral sound and a mild, bouncy typing feel. Depending on personal preference and typing style, either switch could provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In summary, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing force, smoothness, sound profile, and overall typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and exceptionally smooth keystrokes with minimal wobble, the CAP Anniversary switch would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a creamy sound signature, along with features like shorter activation and a gentle typing experience, the Splash Brothers switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your individual typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
