Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary, a linear switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, a tactile switch, stand out as top contenders. The CAP Anniversary is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes thanks to its unique stem design that reduces resistance and wobble, offering a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile is known for its immersive tactile feedback with a 70g bump and captivating "thocky" sound, providing a bouncy and invigorating typing experience. While the CAP Anniversary is snappy, creamy, and polished, the WS Heavy Tactile is accented, clacky, high-pitched, and resonant. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, one can see a clear distinction between polycarbonate and nylon. The CAP Anniversary features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature. While both materials offer their own unique benefits in terms of sound quality, the choice between a sharper or a fuller sound ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches use nylon material. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that both the CAP Anniversary and WS Heavy Tactile will likely provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound. However, the impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound and feel of the switch cannot be underestimated, as it plays a significant role in the typing experience.
In summary, while the top housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile differ in terms of sound profile, their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing indicates a potential similarity in typing experience. The decision between a sharper, higher-pitched sound provided by polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound offered by nylon ultimately depends on individual preferences. Regardless of the material used, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience for enthusiasts seeking a unique sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, there are noticeable differences between the two. The CAP Anniversary has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's 45 grams, making it slightly lighter in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the CAP Anniversary at 65 grams is lower than the WS Heavy Tactile at 70 grams, making the latter heavier when pressing down all the way. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category but cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the CAP Anniversary for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a heavier bottom out force may opt for the WS Heavy Tactile for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is on the longer side compared to the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch's 3.2 mm travel distance. The CAP Anniversary offers a more significant distance for those who prefer a deeper press and feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to individuals looking for a quicker response time. Both switches offer different advantages based on personal preference, with the CAP Anniversary being the longer option and the WS Heavy Tactile being the shorter option for those seeking different typing experiences.
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 Heavy Tactile 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
When it comes to sound, the CAP Anniversary switches are known for their quiet and smooth operation due to their unique CAP structure that reduces resistance and excess air release, creating a noiseless experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switches are described as producing a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound, which adds a crisp and engaging auditory dimension to typing. Depending on personal preference and setup, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience.
In terms of feel, the CAP Anniversary switches are often characterized as snappy, creamy, and polished, providing users with a responsive, smooth, and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switches offer an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel, delivering a pronounced tactile feedback and firm actuation force that makes typing immersive and lively. Both switches offer unique tactile profiles that cater to different typing preferences, whether it be a smoother and refined feel or a more pronounced and bouncy sensation.
Overall, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CAP Anniversary provides a quiet and smooth typing experience with minimal wobble, while the WS Heavy Tactile offers a tactile and engaging typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide an enjoyable and responsive typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their desired typing sensation.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, your decision will ultimately come down to your typing preferences. If you prioritize a smooth keystroke experience with minimal wobble and optimized stability, the CAP Anniversary with its novel CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a profound tactile feedback with a 70g bump, immersive resistance, and a satisfying "thocky" sound, the WS Heavy Tactile switch from Wuque Studio may better suit your typing style. Whether you prefer a creamy and polished feel of the CAP Anniversary or the bouncy and invigorating sensation of the WS Heavy Tactile, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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