Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Huano Strawberry Latte can significantly influence your typing experience. The Gateron CAP Anniversary switches, renowned for their innovative CAP structure, provide an exceptionally smooth keystroke due to their unique aerodynamic stem design, which minimizes resistance and wobble. This switch is characterized as 'snappy', 'creamy', and 'polished', making it an excellent choice for users seeking precision and a satisfying tactile response. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a delightfully smooth typing sensation enhanced by the latest mold technology from Huano. Its balanced sound profile strikes a harmonious note, providing a pleasing auditory experience without being overly resonant. While both switches are linear and cater to those who prefer a seamless press without tactile bumps, their distinct characteristics can appeal to different 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
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP Anniversary and Huano Strawberry Latte switches utilize different materials for their top housings, creating distinct acoustic profiles. The CAP Anniversary employs a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's inherent stiffness. This characteristic makes it ideal for applications involving RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant lighting effects to shine through seamlessly. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte's top housing is made of POK (polyketone), which, while also focusing on providing a smooth experience with a high coefficient of friction, is primarily noted for its durability and strength. This material’s unique properties lend a different texture to the typing experience, producing a smooth and clacky sound instead of the sharper notes produced by polycarbonate.
In contrast, both the CAP Anniversary and Strawberry Latte switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The similarities in bottom housing materials mean that when this part of the switch is engaged—such as when the key is bottomed out—the sound and feel will resonate similarly due to nylon's properties of sound absorption. Both switches will convey a duller and rounder response, further emphasizing the richness of the typing experience. Despite the different top housing materials, their shared nylon base allows users to expect a familiar sound profile when pressing the keys, ensuring a satisfied tactile experience.
Ultimately, the combination of the diverse top housing materials and the shared nylon bottom housing results in two unique yet complementary experiences in the world of mechanical switches. The CAP Anniversary will appeal to users aiming for a clearer and more resonant sound suitable for lighter keystrokes, paired with stunning visual effects from potential RGB lighting. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte leans into durability and smoothness, offering a reliable performance while maintaining that signature rounded acoustic quality afforded by nylon. Thus, while differences in the top housing lead to unique sound profiles on key release, the bottom housing material ensures that both switches retain a core characteristic that ties them together in the tactile and auditory experience they provide.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying user preferences. The CAP Anniversary requires an actuation force of 50 grams and bottoms out at 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy and providing a substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming where less strain is desired. As a result, those who favor a lighter touch might find the Strawberry Latte more comfortable, whereas those who appreciate a stronger push feel should consider the CAP Anniversary switch. Ultimately, these differences highlight the importance of selecting a switch that aligns with individual typing preferences and usage scenarios.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there is a clear difference. The CAP Anniversary features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with more traditional preferences for depth and tactile feedback. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, appealing to gamers and users who seek quicker response times. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive and immediate feel, the Strawberry Latte is the better choice. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial depth when pressing keys, the Gateron CAP Anniversary is preferable due to its longer travel distance. Overall, while both switches cater to different user preferences, the CAP Anniversary offers a more traditional, deeper experience, whereas the Strawberry Latte provides a faster, more responsive touch.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 known for its understated elegance, providing a typing experience that maintains a nice balance without being intrusive. While specific sound characteristics are not detailed, the design enhances performance, suggesting a smooth auditory experience during typing. The Huano Strawberry Latte switch, on the other hand, features a balanced sound profile that strikes a harmony between being audible and not overly resonant. This means that while it doesn’t steal the focus with loud clacks, it still delivers satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. Both switches offer distinctive sound experiences, yet environmental factors such as the keyboard case and keycap material will inevitably influence the final sound profile.
When considering feel, the CAP Anniversary switches exhibit a delightful combination of snappiness, creaminess, and polished smoothness. This trifecta suggests that the keystrokes are responsive and lively, while also offering a buttery and silky sensation as fingers glide across the keys. The refined finish minimizes friction, allowing for smooth travel and a consistently pleasant typing experience. In contrast, details regarding the feel of the Strawberry Latte switches remain unspecified, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison. However, given the description of their super smooth operation, one can infer that they may provide a satisfying and efficient typing feel, potentially aligning closely with the qualities found in the CAP Anniversary switches.
In conclusion, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches cater to typists seeking smooth keystrokes, but they offer different auditory experiences. The CAP Anniversary excels in its sound profile and an intricately crafted feel characterized by responsiveness and silky execution. In contrast, while the Strawberry Latte maintains a well-rounded auditory balance, its tactile qualities are less documented. Prospective users should find satisfaction in either option, but the choice may ultimately hinge on preferences regarding emotional engagement in sound versus the potential for comparable tactile enjoyment.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, consider the specific characteristics that align with your typing preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy keystroke and desire a highly polished and creamy typing experience, the CAP Anniversary is an excellent choice. Its unique aerodynamic design and stability elevate the ease and smoothness of your keystrokes, making it ideal for both typists seeking precision and gamers who enjoy responsiveness in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you gravitate toward a lighter touch with a softer bottom-out force, the Strawberry Latte is likely more suited to your needs. Its super smooth feel combined with a balanced sound profile creates an enjoyable typing experience without excessive noise, making it great for long typing sessions or environments where quieter keys are preferable. In summary, select the CAP Anniversary for a heavier, more stable typing experience and the Strawberry Latte for a lighter, yet smooth and satisfying feel.
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