Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Jerrzi Violet offer distinct experiences that cater to a variety of typing preferences. The CAP Anniversary switches are celebrated for their innovative CAP structure, which promotes exceptionally smooth keystrokes thanks to features like tiny air release holes that minimize resistance and enhance the fluidity of each press. This linear switch is categorized as 'snappy,' 'creamy,' and 'polished,' making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize a seamless and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switches provide a tactile typing sensation through their gentle, poppy feedback. Designed with a neutral sound profile, these tactile switches deliver a balanced and enjoyable experience that can enhance typing comfort, especially for those who appreciate a bit of feedback with their keystrokes. Both switches have their own merits—whether you’re drawn to the smoothness of the CAP Anniversary or the tactile pleasure of the Violet. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
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
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Jerrzi Violet switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a very similar auditory experience for users. Polycarbonate is recognized for its stiffer composition, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared material choice means that both switches are likely to produce bright and resonant sound characteristics, ultimately making them suitable for setups featuring RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate enhances aesthetic appeal, allowing light to pass through effectively, which is a crucial aspect for users seeking visually striking keyboard experiences.
In contrast, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which dramatically alters their overall tonal properties. Nylon is characterized as a softer plastic that absorbs sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, the bottom housing’s material significantly influences the bottom-out sound and overall feel of each switch when pressed. The distinct sound dampening properties of nylon will lead to a more plush experience, balancing well with the clear and resonant sound from the polycarbonate top. Thus, while the top and bottom housings feature different materials, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon works harmoniously, allowing each switch to project a well-rounded sound from both ends.
The interplay between the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in both the CAP Anniversary and the Jerrzi Violet switches ensures that despite their diverse material properties, the overall sound profile maintains a balance between clarity and depth. Users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality due to the polycarbonate tops, while the nylon bottoms contribute a muted warmth that counteracts the sharper notes. This careful selection of materials ensures that both switches deliver an engaging typing experience, appealing to users who value both aesthetic appeal with RGB lighting and the depth of sound relations in their choice of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch present a notable contrast in their actuation forces. The CAP Anniversary requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Violet has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that, for users who prefer a lighter touch during long typing sessions or gaming, the Violet may be more comfortable. However, the CAP Anniversary features a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial feel upon fully depressing the key, whereas the bottom out force of the Violet is unknown. Should the Violet's bottom out force turn out to be lower than the CAP Anniversary's, it would emphasize its lighter feel overall, making it potentially more appealing for users seeking comfort over a long duration. Ultimately, for those who enjoy a heavier key feel, the CAP Anniversary switch delivers a more substantial experience, while the Jerrzi Violet might cater to those who prefer a gentler touch.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch exhibit different travel distances, with the CAP Anniversary measuring 4 mm and the Violet at 3.7 mm. This indicates that the CAP Anniversary provides a longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who favor a more substantial keypress experience, allowing for a more pronounced tactile feedback. In contrast, the Violet, with its shorter travel distance, may be preferable for gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive feel during fast-paced gaming. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences, individuals seeking a heavier depth and feedback might lean towards the Gateron CAP Anniversary, whereas those prioritizing speed and responsiveness might find the Jerrzi Violet more to their liking.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 boasts a smooth and muted profile, characteristic of most linear switches, which helps reduce noise while typing, making it suitable for both office settings and quiet environments. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch features a neutral sound signature that strikes a balance between a soft, subdued noise and the satisfying clicks of a tactile bump. Both switches are relatively quiet, though the Violet's gentle tactile feedback may create a slightly more pronounced sound during actuation compared to the muted nature of the CAP Anniversary.
When it comes to feel, the CAP Anniversary switches offer a snappy, creamy, and polished typing experience. Their refined design enhances responsiveness and allows for a silky smooth keystroke that is pleasing to the touch. On the contrary, the Jerrzi Violet switches are distinguished by their stepped tactility, providing a more mild tactile feedback that feels like it has two stages throughout the keystroke. This variation allows for a unique typing experience that feels balanced but lacks the same buttery smoothness found in the CAP Anniversary.
In conclusion, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch present distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. While the CAP Anniversary excels in delivering a smooth, responsive feel and a muted sound profile suitable for quiet environments, the Violet switch offers a neutral sound and a gentle tactile bump that many users find enjoyable. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a snappier, smoother typing experience or a more tactile sensation with a moderate auditory feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth and buttery typing experience with responsive and snappy keystrokes, the CAP Anniversary switch would be ideal for you. Its unique design enhances stability and minimizes wobble, making it a fantastic option for both typing and gaming, especially if you enjoy a slightly heavier key feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactile response that provides pleasant feedback without being overly pronounced, the Violet switch is an excellent choice. Its smooth actuation and neutral sound profile lend themselves well to a balanced typing experience, suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in the office. Ultimately, your selection will hinge on whether you seek the silky smoothness of a linear switch or the tactile satisfaction of a stepped tactile switch.
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