Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and HMX SU offer unique features that cater to varying preferences, even within the realm of linear switches. The CAP Anniversary is celebrated for its innovative CAP structure that enhances smoothness through a specially designed aerodynamic stem, which includes tiny holes to alleviate excess air pressure and reduce key resistance. This design not only promotes a snappy and creamy feel with minimal wobble but also elevates the overall typing experience for users who value precision and responsiveness. On the other hand, the HMX SU distinguishes itself with its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, delivering a subtle yet deep sound profile that appeals to those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. While the CAP Anniversary emphasizes smooth and polished keystrokes, the HMX SU leans towards creating an enjoyable auditory experience. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP Anniversary and HMX SU switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, creating differing sound profiles that significantly affect the overall typing experience. The CAP Anniversary features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer structure. This material contributes to a clearer and more resonant acoustic signature, which is especially appealing for users who prefer a crisper typing sound. On the contrary, the HMX SU switches are equipped with nylon top housing, which generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a duller, rounder acoustic experience. Thus, while both switches feature unique top housing materials that lead to contrasting sound profiles, they cater to different auditory preferences among users.
In terms of bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, aligning them closely in this particular aspect. The uniform use of nylon for the bottom housing in both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and HMX SU switches means that users will experience a deeper and fuller sound irrespective of the switch brand. Because nylon is known to absorb sound and produce a more muted acoustic response, the bottom-out sound and feel remain consistent across both switches. As a result, while the top housing varies and affects the release sound, the bottom housing retains a similar auditory quality, ensuring a harmonious feel when activating the switch. This commonality in bottom housing material helps create a unified typing experience even when other housing materials diverge.
When using the Gateron CAP Anniversary, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, versus the HMX SU, which features nylon for both top and bottom, users will notice different sound dynamics in their typing experience. The polycarbonate top of the CAP Anniversary elevates the sound bright and sharp during key release, while the nylon bottom dampens the impact sound when bottoming out, making it more muted yet satisfying. Conversely, the HMX SU's all-nylon configuration means that users will experience a smoother sound profile throughout, with both keypress and release producing a consistently rounded sound. This illustrates how the combination of housing materials, especially contrasting top materials paired with a common bottom, significantly influences the acoustic and tactile feedback of each switch, catering to individual preferences in different ways.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight their unique characteristics. The CAP Anniversary requires a stronger actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which contributes to a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the HMX SU features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer easier keystrokes and longer typing sessions without fatigue. While the CAP Anniversary offers a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a positive push, the SU provides a softer touch suited for extended use. Overall, the CAP Anniversary is the heavier switch, while the HMX SU is lighter, catering to different preferences in typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, it's clear that the CAP Anniversary boasts a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX SU measures 3.6 mm. This difference in travel can affect user experience significantly; the CAP Anniversary may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback as it reaches the bottom, which some users might find more satisfying for typing. On the other hand, the HMX SU, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers or those looking for quicker response times, potentially enabling faster actuation. Therefore, while both switches cater to different preferences in terms of travel depth, the Gateron CAP Anniversary is the longer option providing more depth, whereas the HMX SU offers a more responsive, shorter 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 HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU 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 features a noise profile that is generally characterized as soft, albeit specific details are not provided. It may offer a muted typing experience overall, which can be appealing to users who prefer a quieter environment. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch is noted for having a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile. This depth enhances the overall auditory feedback, providing a satisfying acoustic experience that can make typing feel more engaging. However, it’s essential to emphasize that the sound characteristics of both switches may vary based on the keyboard build and choice of keycaps, so users looking for a particular sound should consider those factors.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, the CAP Anniversary excels with descriptors like "snappy," "creamy," and "polished." The snappy response enhances the typing experience, making keystrokes feel lively and reactive thanks to its well-engineered spring design. The creamy quality suggests a beautifully smooth flow during typing, attributed to the unique materials and potentially factory lubrication applied to the switches. The polished aspect indicates a refined tactile experience with reduced friction, allowing for effortless key travel. On the other hand, specific qualities detailing the feel of the HMX SU switches are unknown, which limits direct comparison. However, given the characteristics of the CAP Anniversary, it can be inferred that users of the SU may experience solid linear performance but without the multifaceted textural experience offered by the CAP.
In conclusion, while the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch shines with its combination of soft sound and a richly textured feel, the HMX SU linear switch presents a distinct but less detailed auditory quality. Both switches can deliver smooth typing experiences, but the CAP Anniversary stands out with its polished and creamy feel, enhancing the general responsiveness of each keystroke. Users looking to invest in a mechanical keyboard should weigh their preferences for sound and feel, as even subtle differences can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a typing experience that combines a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams with exceptional smoothness and a snappy response, the CAP Anniversary switch is your best option. Its innovative design enhances stability and minimizes wobble, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a polished and creamy feel beneath their fingers. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter typing experience with a bottom out force of only 50 grams, the HMX SU switch may be more aligned with your needs. With its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, it offers a subtly deeper sound profile and a smooth keystroke, which might appeal to users who prioritize comfort over resistance. Ultimately, whether you are a gamer seeking swift keystrokes or a typist looking for a buttery smooth experience, both switches have distinct characteristics that cater to varying user preferences, enabling you to choose the one that best enhances your keyboard experience.
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