Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of various options to achieve their ideal typing experience. The Gateron CAP Anniversary switch stands out with its innovative CAP structure, designed for exceptionally smooth keystrokes and minimal wobble, making it a favorite for those who prioritize a refined, polished feel in their typing. Its unique aerodynamic stem design, complete with tiny air release holes, significantly reduces resistance, resulting in a snappy yet creamy response that many users find appealing. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switch is celebrated for its Ly stems, which provide an equally smooth typing experience but with a distinct resonant sound profile that adds character to each keystroke. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, their differences in design and acoustic feedback offer diverse experiences, appealing to users based on personal preference. 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
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Bsun Tomcat share a significant similarity in their top housing material, with both utilizing polycarbonate. This choice of material results in a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, as polycarbonate is recognized for its rigidity and clarity. This stiffer plastic allows for better resonance, enhancing the auditory experience when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for users planning to incorporate RGB lighting, as it illuminates beautifully and contributes to the visual appeal of the switches. The uniformity in housing material between both switches suggests that users can expect a similar acoustic feedback when typing, characterized by a brighter sound that many enthusiasts appreciate.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both the CAP Anniversary and the Tomcat is made of nylon, another common choice in switch design. This softer plastic material absorbs sound more effectively than its polycarbonate counterpart, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Choosing nylon for the bottom housing dampens the noise produced when the key bottoms out, creating a more rounded acoustic experience that contrasts with the crisper sound from the polycarbonate top. Since both switches employ nylon in their bottom housing, users will enjoy a similar depth and richness in sound, which can enhance the overall typing experience by offering a balance against the sharper top sound profile.
In terms of sound characteristics and tactile feedback, the combined use of polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom housing in both switches provides users with a well-rounded auditory experience. The polycarbonate contributes to the clarity and brightness of the sound when keys are released, while the nylon ensures that the sound is fuller and richer upon bottoming out. Thus, even though there are differences in how each housing material influences sound, the use of polycarbonate and nylon in both the CAP Anniversary and the Tomcat will result in a balanced sound profile ideal for typists who appreciate a combination of both sharpness and warmth in their keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, notable differences emerge. The CAP Anniversary requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Tomcat features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This distinction means that typists who prefer a lighter touch may find the Tomcat more suitable for extended use, such as during long gaming sessions or at work, while those who favor a more substantial feel might appreciate the heft of the CAP Anniversary. Overall, while both switches serve different preferences, the CAP Anniversary is the heavier option, while the Tomcat provides a lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, a clear distinction emerges: the CAP Anniversary features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Tomcat has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the CAP Anniversary will provide a more substantial key press, appealing to those who appreciate a deeper feel when typing. In contrast, the Tomcat's 3.6 mm travel distance aligns with the modern trend favoring quicker key actuation, which can be especially beneficial for gamers seeking rapid response times. Thus, if you lean towards a more tactile experience, the Gateron CAP Anniversary would be the preferable choice. Conversely, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Bsun Tomcat offers the advantage of a shorter travel distance.
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 Tomcat comes in at $2.99 per 10 switches.
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 linear switch is distinctly characterized by its smooth and muted sound profile, which can provide a pleasant typing experience that is less likely to disturb others around you. Although the exact sound characteristics aren’t explicitly mentioned, it is generally acknowledged that the innovative design of its switch structure does contribute to a subtler acoustic feedback. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch features a more resonant sound profile, suggesting a slightly more prominent auditory feedback during typing. It’s important to note that the perceived sound quality of both switches can be influenced by the type of keyboard, the construction materials, and even the specific keycaps used, which may create a more nuanced auditory environment for the user.
Regarding the feel of the switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary stands out with several descriptors: it is snappy, offering a highly responsive touch that enhances the overall feel of each keystroke. The presence of creamy, buttery smoothness further enriches the typing experience, characterized by its ease of movement, while a polished finish ensures a refined glide. This combination creates a typing sensation that is not only smooth but also delightful and satisfying. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch lacks detailed descriptors, making it challenging to directly compare its feel. However, it still aims for a super smooth experience with its Ly stems, which may imply a reasonably pleasant typing experience given its focus on smoothness.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch provides a well-rounded typing experience with its smooth, snappy, and creamy feel, and a subtle sound profile, making it an attractive option for many users. Meanwhile, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch also emphasizes smoothness, though further specifics on its tactile and acoustic traits remain unclear. Both switches cater to those looking for linear options, but the CAP Anniversary excels in its detailed design features that amplify responsiveness and comfort. Ultimately, users will find that while the CAP Anniversary offers additional refinements, both switches promise smooth keystrokes, suitable for a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a substantial tactile feedback with a medium-heavy actuation and a uniquely smooth experience, the CAP Anniversary switch, with its innovative design and a bottom-out force of 65 grams, might be the better choice for you. This switch excels in providing a snappy and polished typing feel, making it ideal for both typing and gaming scenarios where precision and responsiveness are essential. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and an even smoother experience with a bottom-out force of 54 grams, the Tomcat switch is an excellent option. Its Ly stem contributes to a whisper-soft acoustic profile and a creamy typing sensation that many find enjoyable for prolonged typing sessions. Therefore, if you prioritize comfort and ease with a resonant sound, the Tomcat will cater to your typing style. Ultimately, your selection should align with how you plan to use your keyboard, whether it be for gaming, typing, or a combination of both, as each switch offers a distinct experience that can enhance your overall satisfaction.
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