Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Swift mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The CAP Anniversary is praised for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes thanks to its innovative CAP structure, designed with aerodynamic principles to reduce resistance and wobble while typing. It is categorized as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out for its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, attributed to its full nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. It is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', and 'Creamy'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different typing preferences; 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
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 extended spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Swift both feature nylon bottom housings, which result in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The use of nylon in housing materials absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity in bottom housing material highlights the importance of the material in impacting the overall typing experience and sound quality of the switch.
In contrast, the top housing materials of the CAP Anniversary and the Swift differ significantly. The CAP Anniversary utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Swift features a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound compared to polycarbonate.
While the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Swift have different top housing materials, both switches ultimately provide a unique typing experience. The split between the qualities brought by the top and bottom housing materials allows users to feel a distinction in sound and feel when pressing down on the switch or releasing a key. Despite the differences in top housing material, both switches showcase how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound quality of a switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that the Swift is the lighter option. The CAP Anniversary has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Swift has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. The lighter actuation force of the Swift allows for a quicker keystroke trigger, which may be preferred by some users for a faster typing experience. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the CAP Anniversary provides a more substantial typing feel, which some users may prefer for precision and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with lighter switches being better for longer typing sessions and heavier switches offering a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch in terms of travel distance, the CAP Anniversary has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Swift's 3.9 mm. While the 0.1 mm difference may seem nominal, it can still impact the overall feel and response of the switch. The CAP Anniversary, being longer, may provide a slightly deeper and more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a bit more travel distance. On the other hand, the Swift with its shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and users looking for faster response times. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, with the Swift being slightly shorter than the CAP Anniversary.
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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch offers a quieter typing experience due to its smooth keystrokes and unique CAP structure that reduces excess air and minimizes resistance. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch provides a deeper sound profile with a silky smoothness, attributed to its full nylon housings. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the CAP Anniversary being more subdued and the Swift offering a slightly more pronounced clacky sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is lauded for its snappy and creamy typing experience, thanks to its aerodynamic stem design and stable stem post. These features contribute to a polished and refined typing feel, enhancing the overall responsiveness of the switch. The HMX Swift linear switch, however, is known for its easy-to-press and feathery actuation, providing a gentle resistance that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Swift switch offers a bouncy sensation with spring-like feedback, adding a lively feel to key presses. Both switches deliver unique tactile experiences, with the CAP Anniversary emphasizing smoothness and stability, while the Swift focuses on lightness and responsiveness.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch prioritizes smoothness and stability in both sound and feel, offering a refined and creamy typing experience with minimal wobble and resistance. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch stands out for its deeper sound profile and easy-to-press actuation, providing a feathery and bouncy typing feel that reduces finger strain. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing experience, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to a variety of users, ensuring a satisfying and personalized mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force for a more tactile typing experience and value exceptionally smooth keystrokes due to the unique CAP structure, then the CAP Anniversary may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force for a more effortless typing experience and enjoy a deeper sound profile with a silky smooth feel, then the HMX Swift could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and what you prioritize in a keyboard switch.
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