Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves considering the unique characteristics and benefits of different options. The Gateron CAP Anniversary switch stands out with its innovative CAP structure, designed for exceptional smoothness during keystrokes. This switch employs aerodynamic principles and incorporates tiny holes in the unique stem to release excess air, significantly reducing resistance and enhancing the overall typing experience. Users can expect a snappy, creamy, and polished feel with less wobble, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize a refined tactile experience. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switch mesmerizes with its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, achieved through its long-pole stem and extended springs. This careful design contributes to a remarkable balance of smoothness and stability, ideal for enthusiasts who value auditory feedback alongside performance. Both switches cater to different preferences within the realm of linear switches, offering distinct advantages in terms of feel and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Taichi, it's clear that both switches employ polycarbonate for their top housing and nylon for their bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches yields a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, attributed to its relatively stiff nature. This rigidity enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when typing, making these switches appealing to those who appreciate an articulate typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a favored choice among RGB lighting enthusiasts, as it allows light to shine through effectively, creating an aesthetically pleasing luminescence.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, which contributes a contrasting sound profile compared to that of polycarbonate. Nylon is recognized for its softer characteristics, which absorb more sound and lead to a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This material choice results in a punchier, duller sound, particularly noticeable during the bottom-out phase of a keystroke. Consequently, the combination of the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom creates a distinct dichotomy in sound—while the top housing provides clarity and resonance, the bottom housing offers depth and warmth, ultimately balancing the overall auditory feedback of the switches.
Ultimately, despite the differences in sound dynamics attributed to the varying materials in each housing, the combined results in both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Bsun Taichi switches yield a harmonious typing experience. Each switch leverages the strengths of its materials: the crispness of polycarbonate on release and the fullness of nylon on key press create a well-rounded profile. Typists will find that whether using the CAP Anniversary or the Taichi, they can expect similar acoustic responses due to the shared top and bottom housing materials, allowing for a coherent experience in feel and sound across both models.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces. The CAP Anniversary requires an actuation force of 50 grams, qualifying it as a medium-heavy option, while the Taichi is lighter with an actuation force of only 40 grams. This difference is significant for users who prefer a lighter switch, as the Taichi may be more suitable for longer typing sessions or extensive gaming periods. In contrast, the CAP Anniversary’s heavier actuation force might appeal more to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have a bottom out force, but the Taichi's bottom out force remains unspecified, making it difficult to directly compare this aspect. However, since the CAP Anniversary has a bottom out force of 65 grams, it is inferred that the Taichi could potentially provide a softer bottoming out experience. Overall, the Gateron CAP Anniversary is heavier while the Bsun Taichi is lighter, catering to different user preferences in typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch reveal notable differences in their design and user experience. The CAP Anniversary features a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which is considered traditional and provides a more pronounced key press, appealing to those who enjoy a heartier depth when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, favoring a more responsive and quicker actuation that is often preferred by gamers looking for rapid response times. Consequently, those who enjoy a more tactile experience might gravitate towards the CAP Anniversary, while users seeking efficiency and speed may prefer the Taichi. Thus, the CAP Anniversary offers a longer travel distance compared to the Taichi, which could influence your decision based on personal typing or gaming preferences.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 noted for its understated acoustics, providing a more muted bottom-out sound, which can enhance the typing experience for users who prefer a quieter environment. This characteristic aligns well with the switch's smooth keystrokes, allowing for a subdued yet satisfying auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switch is celebrated for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound. This distinct auditory signature is produced due to its long-pole stem design and extended springs, making it ideal for users who enjoy a crisp and pronounced sound profile when typing. Ultimately, while both switches deliver unique auditory qualities, the sound experience can vary significantly based on the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the CAP Anniversary switches offer a combination of snappiness, creaminess, and polish. The snappy nature ensures a responsive typing experience, while the creamy texture contributes to a buttery-smooth sensation on keystrokes, thanks to the refined materials and possibly factory lubrication. This blend results in a typing experience that feels both alive and effortless, allowing users to glide their fingers across the keys with minimal resistance. In contrast, the feel of the Taichi switches is less described in detail, but we can infer that with features like walled stems and a focus on stability, they likely offer a smooth and stable typing experience as well. However, specifics about snappiness or creaminess are not provided, leaving that aspect less defined compared to the CAP Anniversary.
In summary, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switches stand out for their smoothness, quiet sound profile, and a delightful combination of snappy, creamy, and polished textures. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switches are characterized by their enchanting, high-pitched sound and smooth feel. Both switches aim to elevate the typing experience, catering to different preferences regarding auditory feedback and tactile sensation. While the CAP Anniversary is more defined in feel and sound, the Taichi leans towards an appealing auditory experience, making both options worthy of consideration depending on your priorities in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're seeking a balanced and refined typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, the CAP Anniversary is an excellent choice. Its unique design offers exceptionally smooth keystrokes and a snappy feel that energizes your typing, making it particularly enjoyable for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you're drawn to the auditory experience of typing, the Taichi switch captures a high-pitched bottom-out sound that can enhance your enjoyment. It features an innovative construction aimed at smoothness and stability, making it suitable for those who appreciate a more immersive sound profile. While you may miss a precise bottom-out force for the Taichi, if you prioritize auditory feedback and an enchanting typing experience, it can be a captivating option. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you value a polished, snappy feel and stability offered by the CAP Anniversary or the unique auditory qualities and engaging feel provided by the Taichi.
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