Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Gateron CAP Anniversary switches are celebrated for their aerodynamic design, featuring a unique CAP structure that yields exceptionally smooth keystrokes. The tiny holes in the stem reduce air resistance and enhance overall smoothness, while the enlarged hollowed-out stem post minimizes wobble, providing a stable and polished typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, affectionately known as the Duck Duck switch, offers a distinct tactile pleasure characterized by a satisfying clack at the top-out, thanks to a carefully crafted blend of materials and HMX's renowned factory lube. While both switches provide a linear feel, the CAP Anniversary leans towards a smoother, creamier experience, ideal for those who value fluidity in their typing, while the Sunset Gleam appeals to users who enjoy a bit more auditory feedback without sacrificing the linear action. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and HMX Sunset Gleam switches exhibit notable similarities, particularly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches leverage the properties of polycarbonate to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, a hallmark of this thermoplastic. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate helps produce a clear and resonant tonal quality, making both switches highly effective for users who enjoy the aesthetics and functional benefits of RGB lighting systems. The translucency of the polycarbonate enables vibrant light diffusion, enhancing the visual experience of the keyboard while contributing to the overall acoustic characteristics.
Contrasting the top housings, both the CAP Anniversary and Sunset Gleam utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This consistent choice in material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's comparatively softer structure, which effectively absorbs sound. This characteristic results in a more muted and rounded sound, providing a rich tactile experience during key presses. Both switches offer a well-rounded performance; however, their bottom-out sound and feel will differ from the clearer and more pronounced sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. Consequently, the blended acoustic properties of nylon and polycarbonate together create a balanced auditory experience.
While the top and bottom housings of both switches differ in their material properties, the combined impact on the overall switch performance is noteworthy. Users can expect a full, rich sound when bottoming out due to the nylon housing, complemented by the crisper resonance when releasing the key, driven by the polycarbonate top. This synergy ensures that typing experiences remain consistent between the two switches, with both delivering a satisfying auditory response enhanced by their respective material qualities. Depending on the user’s preference for sound and feel, they may choose between these two options, but they can anticipate a generally similar experience thanks to the thoughtful design choices made in housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch to the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, significant differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The CAP Anniversary requires an actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy and providing a sturdier feel for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, catering to those who appreciate a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, the Sunset Gleam is the lighter option, while the CAP Anniversary stands as the heavier choice, making it better suited for users who favor a stronger push feel. Overall, the difference in actuation and bottom out forces means that the two switches will yield distinctly different typing experiences, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for weight and feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The CAP Anniversary boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional preference for a more substantial key press, providing a deeper and more deliberate tactile experience. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering to those who favor quicker response times often sought by gamers. Therefore, if responsiveness is a priority, the shorter travel distance of the HMX Sunset Gleam is likely the better choice. On the other hand, for users who enjoy a more hearty feel when typing, the Gateron CAP Anniversary would be preferable. Overall, the CAP Anniversary is the longer switch, while the HMX Sunset Gleam is the shorter option.
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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 switch is known for its smooth operation, which translates to a relatively quiet typing experience. Its unique design and construction minimize any inherent noise that might come from keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also recognized for a refined auditory profile, features a slightly more pronounced sound due to its perfect blend of materials that contributes to a satisfying clack at the top-out. While both switches offer favorable acoustic qualities, the CAP Anniversary leans toward a quieter profile, while the Sunset Gleam provides more character with its subtle clack.
When it comes to feel, the CAP Anniversary excels with descriptors such as snappy, creamy, and polished. These characteristics indicate an exceptionally responsive typing experience, complemented by a smooth, buttery sensation that is akin to gliding along the keys. The incorporation of factory lubing and quality materials significantly enhance its tactile feedback, allowing for seamless keystrokes with minimal friction. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam’s precise feeling is less detailed in available descriptions. However, it’s known to provide a satisfying typing experience thanks to its factory lube, which adds a degree of smoothness as well. Thus, while the CAP Anniversary clearly outshines in the variety of tactile sensations, the Sunset Gleam still offers a pleasing feel.
In conclusion, the CAP Anniversary linear switch stands out with its exceptionally smooth feel and quieter sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a serene typing experience. The HMX Sunset Gleam, while providing a more engaging auditory feedback with its clack, is yet to have its tactile feel fully described. For newcomers, this means that while both switches cater to different preferences, the CAP Anniversary offers greater stability and smoothness, while the Sunset Gleam brings a bit more sound excitement into the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between them comes down to personal preference on sound and tactile feedback sensations.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding typing feel and force. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch that offers a bit more resistance, along with a super responsive and creamy typing experience, the CAP Anniversary would make an excellent choice. Its unique design promotes exceptionally smooth keystrokes with minimal wobble, making it perfect for those who enjoy a refined and polished feel while typing. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter, effortless keystroke that still delivers a satisfying sound thanks to HMX's excellent factory lube, the Sunset Gleam is likely the better option for you. With its subtle top-out and satisfying clack, it caters well to those who type quickly and enjoy a more responsive keypress. In essence, your decision should be guided by whether you prefer a balance of weight and smoothness, as found in the CAP Anniversary, or a lighter switch with a satisfying auditory feedback, like the Sunset Gleam.
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