Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Wuque Studio WS Brown offer distinct features to cater to different preferences. The CAP Anniversary is a linear switch known for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes, thanks to its unique aerodynamic stem design and reduced resistance. On the other hand, the WS Brown is a tactile switch that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort with its medium-light actuation force. While the CAP Anniversary is categorized as linear, smooth, and polished, the WS Brown's characteristics remain unspecified. Each switch has its own set of advantages, but diving deeper into their specific attributes will help you determine the best switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
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-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Wuque Studio WS Brown feature nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This characteristic results in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic housings. On the other hand, the top housing of the CAP Anniversary is made of polycarbonate, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the WS Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, further enhancing the deeper and fuller sound experience.
While both the CAP Anniversary and the WS Brown incorporate nylon in their bottom housing for similar sound qualities, the choice of top housing material sets them apart. The CAP Anniversary's polycarbonate top housing produces a clear and resonant sound profile, contrasting with the WS Brown's nylon top housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound experience. The split housing design allows for a distinct feel when pressing down and letting go of keys, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound upon key release. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound characteristics based on their housing materials.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Wuque Studio WS Brown comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the CAP Anniversary delivers a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for users seeking a more defined auditory experience. In comparison, the WS Brown's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, catering to those who prefer a rounder sound profile. Both switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on sound quality, offering distinct options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Although the actuation force for the WS Brown switch is unknown, the difference in bottom out force suggests that it may require a lighter initial push compared to the CAP Anniversary switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the CAP Anniversary being on the longer side and the WS Brown being slightly shorter. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the WS Brown with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press experience may lean towards the CAP Anniversary. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of 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 Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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 CAP Anniversary switch is often praised for its quiet operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch offers a pleasing and familiar typing sound due to its nylon housing and POM stem combination. The sound produced by each switch can be further influenced by the keyboard housing and keycap material used.
When it comes to feel, the CAP Anniversary switch is often described as snappy, providing a highly responsive typing experience that can make typing feel vivid and lively. In contrast, the WS Brown switch offers a creamy and polished typing sensation, characterized by a smooth and refined keystroke that feels like effortlessly gliding across the keys. The tactile feedback and actuation force of each switch contribute to the overall typing feel, catering to different preferences for typing comfort and responsiveness.
Overall, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the CAP Anniversary excels in providing a quiet and smooth typing experience with its unique CAP structure, the WS Brown switch presents a harmonious blend of comfort and responsiveness with its medium-light actuation force. Depending on personal preferences for typing sound, feel, and overall typing experience, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the enjoyment of using a mechanical keyboard. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to individual preferences and priorities when it comes to typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value smooth keystrokes and stability with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the CAP Anniversary may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a harmonious blend of responsiveness and comfort with a medium-light bottom out force, along with a delightful auditory experience, then the WS Brown may be more suitable. Both switches have their unique characteristics, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you in order to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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