Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The CAP Anniversary switch is praised for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes, thanks to its novel CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stem. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its smooth and creamy feel, achieved through the use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. While the CAP Anniversary is categorized as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', the Vanilla Ice Cream is labeled as 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', and 'Resonant'. Depending on whether you prefer a smoother typing experience or a more unique sound signature, each switch has its own strengths. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The CAP Anniversary utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This material creates a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary KTT blend top housing, which is described as offering a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials aim to enhance sound profile, the polycarbonate in the CAP Anniversary provides a sharper tone compared to the KTT blend in the Vanilla Ice Cream.
When it comes to bottom housing materials, the differences between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches become more pronounced. The CAP Anniversary's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, known for absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. Meanwhile, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing stands out for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. With a highly smooth material like POK, the Vanilla Ice Cream switches provide a unique typing experience focused on durability and clacky sound. In comparison, the nylon bottom housing of the CAP Anniversary promotes a more rounded and duller sound profile, catering to those who prefer a softer typing experience.
While the CAP Anniversary and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches may differ in their housing materials, both aim to enhance the overall typing experience in their own unique ways. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows each switch to bring different qualities to the table, impacting the sound and feel of typing in distinct ways. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile with polycarbonate or a smooth and durable typing experience with POK, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to a variety of preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch with an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the CAP Anniversary switch requires more force to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the CAP Anniversary switch has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream switch with a bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating that it requires more force to fully press the key. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be a better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the CAP Anniversary switch would be more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches offer different weights, catering to individual preferences in typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The CAP Anniversary offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream. A 4.0 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, providing a balance between responsiveness and key depth. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream is slightly shorter, appealing to those who prefer quicker response times. Gamers, for example, may opt for the shorter travel distance for faster reactions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and whether you prioritize a slightly longer or shorter travel distance for your typing or gaming experience.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 is known for its clean and sharp sound profile due to its unique stem design that reduces resistance and enhances smoothness. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stands out with its high-pitched and clacky sound signature, offering typists a distinct auditory experience. Depending on your preference for sound, the CAP Anniversary may be more suitable for those looking for a cleaner and crisper typing sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a more unique and striking auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch is often described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience thanks to its stable stem post and minimal wobble design. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is known for its buttery and creamy feel, providing a smooth and effortless typing sensation similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Both switches offer a pleasant tactile experience, but the CAP Anniversary may be more suited for those seeking a more tactile and responsive typing feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a silky and uniform typing sensation.
In conclusion, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch have unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The CAP Anniversary excels in providing a clean and sharp sound profile with a snappy and polished typing feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature with a buttery and creamy typing experience. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in a mechanical keyboard switch, you can choose between these two options to achieve a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and value exceptionally smooth keystrokes with minimal wobble, then the CAP Anniversary switch would be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams and enjoy a creamy, buttery feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, then the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing style and the overall typing experience you desire.
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