Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can profoundly influence your typing experience, making it essential to understand the nuances between options like the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron Weightlessness switches. The CAP Anniversary features a unique CAP structure designed for exceptionally smooth keystrokes, enhanced by an aerodynamic stem with tiny holes that reduce resistance and promote stability. Its snappy, creamy, and polished feel is ideal for those who prioritize speed and smoothness in their typing. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches provide a tactile experience, characterized by a subtle to moderate tactile bump that adds a satisfying feedback while typing. This makes them appealing for individuals who enjoy a more traditional typing feel and appreciate a balanced sound profile. Each switch offers distinct advantages: the CAP Anniversary for smoother, faster typing and the Weightlessness for a tactile experience. 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
50g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Gateron Weightlessness switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly influences the auditory experience they provide. The CAP Anniversary features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer structure, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This translucency also lends a visual appeal when paired with RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts who prioritize both aesthetics and auditory feedback. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch is constructed with a nylon top housing that offers a deeper and fuller sound. The softer plastic of nylon tends to absorb sound better than rigid materials like polycarbonate, leading to a sound profile that is rounder and less resonant. The contrasting materials here not only differentiate the sound each switch produces but also cater to specific preferences depending on the user's desired typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the CAP Anniversary and the Weightlessness utilize nylon, which is a classic material in the world of mechanical switches. This commonality means that the bottom-out feel and sound will resonate similarly in both switches. The nylon's ability to absorb sound results in a duller and rounder auditory experience regardless of the top housing material. Therefore, while users may experience notable differences when pressing and releasing the keys due to the varying top housings, the bottom housing’s nylon construction ensures that the core typing sensation—rooted in the bottom-out sound and feel—remains consistent in both switches.
Ultimately, the varying top housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Gateron Weightlessness cause them to cater to different auditory preferences. While one opts for the bright clarity of polycarbonate, the other provides the warm embrace of nylon, leading to a richer sound profile. However, the shared nylon bottom housing harmonizes their performance by delivering a consistent layer of experience beneath the typing action. This interplay of materials demonstrates how each switch's design elements harmonize to create a nuanced auditory and tactile experience for the user, bridging the gap between preference and functionality.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we observe that both switches share the same actuation force of 50 grams, which means they require the same effort to trigger a keystroke. This similarity suggests that users will experience comparable responsiveness when typing or gaming, leading to similar results in terms of the typing feel. However, the bottom out forces diverge significantly; the CAP Anniversary switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a more substantial resistance when pressing the key all the way down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch is undisclosed, leaving a gap in our comparison. Given the known metrics, the CAP Anniversary is the heavier option due to its higher bottom out force, which may appeal to those who prefer a stronger tactile response. On the other hand, the Weightlessness, with its lighter actuation force and unknown bottom out value, may cater to users seeking a more effortless typing experience, especially beneficial for prolonged use.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference in travel distances can significantly impact user experience; the CAP Anniversary offers a more traditional and hearty depth that may appeal to those who prefer a pronounced key press, while the Weightlessness, with its shorter 3.4 mm travel distance, caters to users seeking quicker responsiveness, often favored by gamers. In summary, if you value a more substantial feel during typing, the CAP Anniversary is the better option due to its longer travel distance, whereas the Weightlessness may be ideal for those who prioritize speed and efficiency with its 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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 CAP Anniversary switches have not been explicitly detailed, leaving uncertainty about their auditory profile. However, the Weightlessness switches offer a balanced sound profile that is subtle to moderate, providing a pleasant auditory experience that complements their tactile feedback. It's important to note that the perceived sound of any switch can be influenced by various factors, including the specific keyboard housing and the type of keycaps used. Therefore, while the Weightlessness is designed for a balanced acoustic experience, the CAP Anniversary's sound characteristics remain to be discovered through user experience.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the CAP Anniversary switches provide a delightful typing experience, characterized as snappy, creamy, and polished. The snappy response makes every keystroke feel alive, while the creamy texture offers a smooth and buttery sensation as fingers glide effortlessly across the keys. The polished finish enhances this experience further, ensuring reduced friction and a refined touch. In comparison, the tactile feel of the Weightlessness switches is reported to be subtle to moderate, suggesting a gentle tactile bump rather than a pronounced one. This places the Weightlessness on a different end of the tactile spectrum, where it offers a more understated feedback compared to the lively and smooth interaction of the CAP Anniversary.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch provide unique experiences, they cater to different preferences. The CAP Anniversary excels in delivering a silky typing experience with its snappy, creamy, and polished feel but has an unclear sound profile, while the Weightlessness offers a balanced auditory experience alongside a gentler tactile response. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired mix of sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a smooth and responsive typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, the CAP Anniversary is an excellent option. Its unique CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design provide not only stability and minimal wobble but also a creamy and polished feedback that enhances your overall experience. This switch is particularly beneficial for those who spend long hours typing or gaming, as it can help reduce finger fatigue while maintaining an engaging tactile experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feel but with a balanced sound profile, the Weightlessness switch would be ideal for you. Although it lacks the specific bottom-out force, its subtle to moderate tactile feedback can provide a satisfying sensation during your keystrokes without being overly harsh. This makes it suitable for a quieter work environment or for those who prefer a more nuanced experience while typing. In the end, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a smooth linear action or a gentle tactile feedback, tailoring your mechanical keyboard experience to suit your unique needs.
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