Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

Overview

The Gateron CAP Anniversary and Everglide Sunset Yellow are both linear mechanical keyboard switches known for their unique features that enhance the typing experience. The CAP Anniversary is praised for its smooth keystrokes thanks to its CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design, while the Sunset Yellow offers a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. The CAP Anniversary is categorized as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', while the Sunset Yellow is labeled as 'Bassy', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', and 'Thocky'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron CAP Anniversary Linear

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$4.90

$4.10 per 10

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The contrast between the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches is evident in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The CAP Anniversary's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffer nature compared to the POM top housing of the Sunset Yellow, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. The translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, offering a visually striking appearance. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Sunset Yellow creates a distinct sound profile that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum, making it unique in its auditory experience.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the differences continue to set the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Everglide Sunset Yellow apart. The nylon bottom housing of the CAP Anniversary contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound due to its softer nature. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Sunset Yellow, which also provides a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and relatively more muted. While both materials offer excellent sound qualities, the nylon bottom housing may provide a slightly different typing experience compared to the POM bottom housing.

In terms of functionality and design, the choice between the two housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a variety of sound profiles to be experienced during typing and key release, with each material offering distinct characteristics. Whether you prefer the crisper and sharper sound of polycarbonate in the top housing of the CAP Anniversary or the deeper and more muted sound of POM in the Sunset Yellow, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the sound profile and aesthetic appeal that best suits your preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a crucial role in determining the typing experience. The CAP Anniversary has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Sunset Yellow's lighter 43 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the CAP Anniversary is 65 grams, which is heavier than the Sunset Yellow's 51 grams. This means that the CAP Anniversary provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, ideal for those who prefer a heavier switch. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow offers a lighter typing experience, perfect for extended typing or gaming sessions where lighter switches are preferred. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their preference for lighter or heavier switches.

Travel distance

The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional length, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Gamers may prefer the Sunset Yellow switch for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel may opt for the CAP Anniversary switch with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the CAP Anniversary providing a deeper keypress and the Sunset Yellow offering a quicker response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is known for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes with a novel CAP structure that reduces resistance and enhances smoothness. While specific sound descriptors for the CAP Anniversary are not provided, the design of the switch suggests a quieter and more subdued sound profile. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is characterized by a rich, bassy, and decadent sound reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. With a deep and satisfying thocky sound, typing on the Sunset Yellow switches provides an indulgent auditory experience.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary is lauded for its snappy and creamy typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation reminiscent of gliding across keys with ease. The switch's polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel. Similarly, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch also boasts a creamy and polished typing experience, with frictionless travel that minimizes resistance and provides a fluid key press. The unique Ly stem and factory lubing method contribute to a distinct gliding feel that makes typing on the Sunset Yellow switches highly responsive and satisfying.

Overall, while both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offer smooth and polished typing experiences, they differ in terms of sound profiles. The CAP Anniversary provides a quieter and more subdued typing sound, while the Sunset Yellow offers a rich, bassy, and thocky sound that adds an indulgent auditory element to typing. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the smoother and more responsive typing experience of the CAP Anniversary or the deep, bassy sound profile of the Sunset Yellow switches.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, consider the key characteristics that stand out to you. If you prioritize an exceptionally smooth keystroke with minimal wobble and stability, the CAP Anniversary may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a captivating sound profile with rich, bassy tones and a distinct gliding feel, the Sunset Yellow could be more appealing. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, whether it be the smoothness of keystrokes or the indulgent sound and feel of the switches. Choose the switch that aligns best with what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CAP Anniversary Linear

$4.90

$4.10 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

Learn more