Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly influence your typing experience, and two notable contenders in the linear switch category are the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the TTC Venus. The CAP Anniversary is celebrated for its innovative CAP structure that offers exceptionally smooth keystrokes through an aerodynamic stem design. This design incorporates tiny holes to release excess air, minimizing resistance and wobble, making it an appealing option for those who prioritize a polished and snappy feel. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch stands out due to its unique internal design that combines a frictionless glide with a springy "Q-texture," offering a typing sensation akin to the delightful chewiness of mochi. It features a light actuation and a muted sound signature, ideal for users who prefer a more subdued and buttery experience while typing. While both switches provide their distinct advantages, your decision will ultimately hinge on your personal preferences for smoothness, sound, and overall feel. 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the TTC Venus switches present a marked contrast in their makeup and resulting sound profiles. The CAP Anniversary features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This arises from polycarbonate's stiffer composition, which enhances the clarity and resonance of sound emitted when a key is pressed and released. In contrast, the TTC Venus incorporates a POM top housing, which generates a distinctly deeper and more muted sound. POM's nature contributes to a softer auditory experience, positioning it at the opposite end of the sound spectrum compared to polycarbonate. Thus, while the CAP Anniversary emphasizes brightness and clarity, the Venus offers a more subdued acoustic profile that may appeal to users seeking a less aggressive typing experience.
Turning to the bottom housings, the CAP Anniversary features a nylon material, which is recognized for its classic properties in mechanical keyboard switches. The softness of nylon lends itself to a deeper, fuller sound that absorbs more impact during typing, resulting in a more rounded auditory feeling. Conversely, the Venus utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing that mirrors the characteristics of its top housing, delivering a higher-pitched sound profile. The combination of a polycarbonate top and bottom in the Venus reinforces its overall brightness, while the CAP Anniversary's blend of nylon and polycarbonate results in a richer, multi-layered sound experience. By having contrasting bottom materials, the two switches exemplify how different compositions can significantly impact the user's tactile and auditory experience.
In practice, the varying materials in the CAP Anniversary and TTC Venus result in distinct typing experiences. The CAP Anniversary's polycarbonate top works harmoniously with the nylon bottom to create a sound profile that is both crisp and muted in certain aspects, yielding a balanced experience. Meanwhile, the Venus’s dual polycarbonate construction leans toward a brighter and sharper acoustic signature that may resonate more with users who prefer an assertive feedback during typing. Nevertheless, for both switches, the performance is a symphony of top and bottom materials working in concert, demonstrating how the choice of materials can influence sound and feel even when they differ. Therefore, while the switches have distinct sound profiles due to their differing materials, understanding their individual contributions can lead to a preference based on the ideal typing experience sought by the user.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron CAP Anniversary requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the TTC Venus is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, placing it in the medium-light range. This difference suggests that users who prefer a lighter switch, which may allow for longer typing sessions or a less strenuous gaming experience, would likely gravitate towards the Venus. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial typing feel might prefer the heavier Gateron CAP Anniversary. Overall, the CAP Anniversary is the heavier option, while the Venus is the lighter one, making them suited for different user preferences in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The CAP Anniversary features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional switch design favored by those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Venus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This reduced distance may appeal to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, although some might find it too abrupt compared to the more pronounced feel of the CAP Anniversary. Ultimately, those who prefer a deeper and more tactile experience should gravitate toward the Gateron CAP Anniversary, while those who desire a faster, albeit less pronounced, keystroke might opt for the TTC Venus.
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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, both exhibit distinct characteristics. The CAP Anniversary switch is yet to be completely defined in terms of sound, leaving its acoustics open to exploration based on usage and preferences. On the other hand, the TTC Venus is crafted to be low-pitched and muted, providing a soft and subdued auditory experience. It strikes a balance between being unobtrusive and offering a pleasant typing sound. This combination results in a sound profile that minimizes distracting noise, making it suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in an office.
Moving on to the feel of each switch, the CAP Anniversary excels in providing a snappy, creamy, and polished typing experience. Its design facilitates a responsive and smooth keystroke, reminiscent of gliding effortlessly across the keyboard. This is complemented by the CAP structure, promoting minimum wobble and an overall engaging typing sensation. In contrast, the Venus switch offers an equally impressive experience, characterized as buttery and frictionless, ensuring a fluid and seamless typing journey. Additionally, its gummy quality adds a unique element to the bottoming-out sensation, making it feel somewhat bouncy and soft. Both switches emphasize smoothness and responsiveness, yet they excel in delivering nuances that cater to different preferences.
In conclusion, while the Gateron CAP Anniversary and TTC Venus linear switches both prioritize smooth and enjoyable typing experiences, they differ significantly in their sound profiles and subtle tactile characteristics. The CAP Anniversary lacks a definitive sound description but promises a unique auditory experience, while the Venus produces a low-pitched, muted sound well-suited for quieter settings. In terms of feel, the CAP Anniversary leans towards a snappy, creamy response, whereas the Venus offers a buttery, frictionless experience with a playful gummy sensation. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying results, but the choice will largely depend on the user's preference for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the TTC Venus linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a more substantial feel while typing and enjoy a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, the CAP Anniversary could be your ideal choice. Its smooth keystrokes and polished finish, enhanced by the unique CAP structure, offer an exceptionally satisfying typing experience that is particularly advantageous for those who appreciate a snappy, responsive keystroke. Moreover, if you favor a sound profile that leans towards a rich, thocky experience, the CAP Anniversary will not disappoint.
On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch and seek a swift, effortless typing experience, the TTC Venus switch may be more to your liking. With a bottom-out force of just 52 grams, the Venus provides a frictionless, buttery feel that allows for rapid typing, making it a great option for gamers or anyone who values speed and fluidity in their key presses. Its muted, low-pitched sound signature ensures a discreet typing experience, making it suitable for shared or quiet environments. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what feels right for you—whether you prioritize the weight and sound of your key presses or the ease and speed of typing.
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