Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ both offer exceptional linear feel and performance, yet they cater to different preferences in typing experience. The CAP Anniversary is celebrated for its innovative CAP structure, which features an aerodynamic stem design with tiny holes to release excess air, significantly reducing keystroke resistance and enhancing smoothness. This results in snappy and creamy keystrokes, making it ideal for users who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing. Conversely, the WS POM+ excels with its all-POM construction, delivering a distinctive and satisfying "thock" sound signature while providing a buttery-smooth feel during use. While the CAP Anniversary focuses on a polished typing experience with minimal wobble, the WS POM+ aims for a more auditory and tactile delight with its rich acoustics. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference—whether you lean towards a snappy and smooth performance or an engaging and deep sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
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
3.60 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
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, we notice distinct differences in their top housing components. The CAP Anniversary features a polycarbonate top housing, known for contributing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances clarity and resonance, making it an ideal choice for users who enjoy a more pronounced audio feedback, especially in RGB-enhanced setups due to its translucency. In contrast, the WS POM+ employs a POM top housing that yields a unique and pleasing sound profile. POM, or Polyoxymethylene, creates a deeper tone that is more muted compared to the brighter sound produced by polycarbonate, suggesting that while both materials serve as top housings, they resonate with users in different auditory spectra.
Examining the bottom housings reveals another layer of contrast between these two switches. The CAP Anniversary utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is a classic material known for its ability to generate a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer characteristics enable it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and more subdued auditory experience. Conversely, the WS POM+'s POM bottom housing mirrors the sentiment of its top counterpart, contributing to a deeper and muted sound profile. Although both switches employ different materials for their bottom housings—nylon for the CAP Anniversary and POM for the WS POM+—they achieve a similar auditory result of a rounded and deeper sound, though the nuances of each material will ultimately affect tactile feedback and typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches results in different sound characteristics and tactile experiences. While the CAP Anniversary opts for the higher-pitched resonance of polycarbonate in its top housing paired with the deeper tonality of nylon in its bottom housing, the WS POM+ relies on the unique, muted sound of POM for both its top and bottom housings. Users may find that switching between these two offers a distinct feel: the CAP Anniversary excites with its crisp sounds and clarity, while the WS POM+ envelops in a warmer, deeper auditory experience. Ultimately, each switch system offers diverse auditory profiles that appeal to different user preferences, demonstrating how housing material choices can significantly influence keyboard performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, clear distinctions emerge that cater to different user preferences. The CAP Anniversary requires an actuation force of 50 grams and bottoms out at 65 grams, reflecting a medium-heavy feel that can provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who favor a stronger push. In contrast, the WS POM+ offers a lighter profile with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, falling into the medium-light category, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as its lighter weight could reduce fatigue. Consequently, users looking for a softer touch and ease of use may prefer the WS POM+, while those who appreciate a firmer feedback might gravitate toward the CAP Anniversary. Overall, the Gateron CAP Anniversary is the heavier option, whereas the Wuque Studio WS POM+ is the lighter choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, it becomes clear that the CAP Anniversary has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS POM+ features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference highlights a common trend in switch design, where the CAP Anniversary aims for a more traditional feel with its longer distance, appealing to users who prefer a deeper keypress that offers a greater tactile experience. In contrast, the WS POM+ caters to gamers and those seeking quicker response times with its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate faster actuation. Therefore, if you value responsiveness and speed, the WS POM+ would be the preferable choice, whereas if you appreciate a fuller, more robust keypress, the Cap Anniversary is likely to suit your needs better.
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 POM+ comes in at $3.90 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 Gateron CAP Anniversary switch remains somewhat elusive, as no specific description is provided for its acoustic profile. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ is renowned for its deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature that many enthusiasts seek. This auditory characteristic, coupled with the buttery-smooth keystrokes of the WS POM+, elevates the overall typing experience, making it particularly appealing for those who appreciate a pronounced sound when typing. It’s important to note that the final sound produced by either switch can still be influenced by the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch is a standout with its combination of snappy responsiveness and creamy smoothness. The snappy quality offers a lively typing experience that can make each keystroke feel dynamic and engaging. Its creamy aspect, likely enhanced by the unique materials used and possibly factory lubrication, contributes to an exceptionally smooth tactile sensation. Furthermore, the polished finish of the switch reduces friction and ensures a refined key travel experience. The specific feel of the WS POM+ is less detailed, leaving an unknown aspect of its tactile response; however, the buttery-smooth operation mentioned aligns well with the CAP’s creamy description, suggesting both switches may ultimately provide a similarly enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, while the sound profile of the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch remains unspecified, the WS POM+ stands out with its deep "thock" and smooth keystrokes. In terms of feel, the CAP Anniversary boasts snappiness, creaminess, and a polished finish, which provides a rich typing experience, while the tactile response of the WS POM+ is less defined. However, both switches promise a smoothness that can yield a delightful typing experience. Ultimately, which switch you choose will likely hinge on personal preference in sound, as well as the specific tactile qualities that one might find more appealing from the provided descriptions.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, it comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-heavy actuation force with a snappy and polished feel, where each keystroke provides a responsive and lively feedback, the CAP Anniversary could be your ideal choice. Its unique CAP structure enhances smoothness, allowing for an incredibly refined typing experience with minimal wobble. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more buttery, creamy experience, the WS POM+ may suit you better. Its 55-gram bottom-out force and deep "thock" sound signature deliver a satisfying auditory experience, making it perfect for both gaming and long typing sessions without fatigue. Thus, consider what sensations and sound profiles resonate with you to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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