Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow both offer unique features and qualities to enhance your typing experience. The CAP Anniversary is celebrated for its novel CAP structure which results in exceptionally smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, the WS Yellow boasts a timeless fusion of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering, providing a satisfying bounce with its 22mm double-stage spring. While the CAP Anniversary is known for its snappy feel and stability, the WS Yellow offers a creamy typing experience with a familiar sound signature. Both switches are polished in their design, ensuring a fluid and effortless typing 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Overall, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches both feature a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon plastic. However, they differ in their top housing materials. The CAP Anniversary utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the WS Yellow's nylon top housing. The polycarbonate material is known for being stiffer, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the softer nature of nylon in the WS Yellow's top housing absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound.
The choice of housing materials in both switches also affects their aesthetic appeal and functionality. The CAP Anniversary's polycarbonate top housing, being translucent, is ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting as it allows light to shine through, adding to the visual experience. On the other hand, the WS Yellow's nylon top housing may not offer the same visual effect but provides a more muffled sound feedback during typing. Both switches benefit from the classic nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the overall depth and fullness of the sound profile when typing.
In terms of performance, the differences in housing materials between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches highlight the various sound profiles that can be achieved. While the polycarbonate top housing of the CAP Anniversary creates a sharper and crisper sound, the nylon top housing of the WS Yellow produces a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in sound characteristics gives users the option to choose the switch that best suits their preferences in terms of sound feedback and typing experience. Despite these distinctions, both switches ultimately provide quality performance and durability, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, we see a difference in weight when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The CAP Anniversary has a medium-heavy actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Meanwhile, the WS Yellow offers a lighter touch with an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. The actuation force of the WS Yellow being unknown means that it may be similar to the CAP Anniversary in this aspect. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, which are increasingly popular especially among gamers seeking quicker response times. The shorter travel distance of the WS Yellow may provide a slight edge in terms of responsiveness compared to the CAP Anniversary. However, some users may find the difference in travel distance to be minimal in practice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference and whether a slightly shorter or longer travel distance is preferred.
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 Yellow 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 switch is known for being quiet and smooth. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switch is also quiet but offers a more satisfying bounce due to its double-stage spring design. The sound produced by these switches will ultimately be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used in conjunction with them.
In terms of feel, the CAP Anniversary switch is praised for its snappy response and stability, providing a lively typing experience. Additionally, it offers a creamy sensation, thanks to the smoothness of the keystrokes. Similarly, the WS Yellow switch also offers a creamy typing experience, along with a mild and polished feel, making it suitable for users who prefer a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences. The CAP Anniversary excels in providing exceptionally smooth keystrokes with minimal wobble, while the WS Yellow offers a delightful bounce and a lightweight construction for effortless typing. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, both switches offer a high-quality option for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a premium typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in sound and feel from both switches, providing a consistent and enjoyable typing experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and are looking for an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal wobble, the CAP Anniversary could be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and value a satisfying bounce with a familiar sound signature, the WS Yellow might be more suitable for your needs. Consider your preferred sound and feel characteristics, as well as your typing habits, to make an informed decision on which switch would best complement your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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