Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the SP-Star Yanyu both offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The CAP Anniversary is renowned for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes thanks to its novel CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stem. This switch provides a snappy, creamy, and polished feel, perfect for those who prioritize smoothness and stability while typing. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is ideal for individuals seeking a delicate typing experience or typing for extended periods. With a material blend that produces a crisp sound profile, the Yanyu switch is categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, feathery, subtle, and polished. 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
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the SP-Star Yanyu switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound profiles. The CAP Anniversary's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a more resonant sound. In contrast, the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a softer and brighter sound profile, providing a distinct auditory experience. While both materials are transparent, allowing for RGB lighting effects, their sound profiles vary significantly.
In terms of the bottom housing, the CAP Anniversary's nylon material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing offers a unique sound profile that is pleasant and bright, presenting a different tactile and auditory experience. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, influencing the overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the SP-Star Yanyu switches comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While the CAP Anniversary's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a softer and brighter sound. Similarly, the differences in bottom housing materials between the two switches affect the overall typing feel and sound profile. Ultimately, both switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the sound and feel of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there is a significant difference in weight. The CAP Anniversary has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Yanyu has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, but the actuation force is unknown, making it a lighter option overall. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the CAP Anniversary would be the better choice due to its heavier forces. On the other hand, those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the Yanyu for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This can result in a similar typing experience in terms of key travel for users who prefer a shorter distance. Overall, both switches provide a consistent typing experience with a moderate travel distance that may be comfortable for many users.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 its neutral profile, offering a moderate sound suitable for various environments and preferences. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch provides a thocky sound that is deep and satisfying, perfect for those who enjoy a richer auditory experience while typing. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the CAP Anniversary switch is praised for its snappy and creamy tactile response, providing a lively typing experience with smooth key travel. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch adds to the overall sleekness and refinement of the typing feel. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch offers a mild and feathery feel that is gentle on the fingers and reduces fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. The subtle resistance of the switch, combined with its polished surface, ensures a comfortable and smooth typing experience for users in shared spaces.
Overall, while the CAP Anniversary and Yanyu switches offer different sound and feel profiles, both switches provide unique benefits for users seeking a superior typing experience. Whether you prefer a neutral sound profile with snappy key response or a thocky sound with a feathery feel, both switches deliver exceptional quality and performance. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences and typing habits.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing needs. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for an exceptionally smooth typing experience with stability and minimal wobble, then the CAP Anniversary may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile, and reduced finger fatigue for extended typing sessions, then the Yanyu switch might be more suitable. Consider the characteristics of each switch carefully and choose based on what aligns best with your typing preferences and requirements. Ultimately, the decision is in your hands.
Mentioned in this article
