Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the PH Studio Yoel stand out as top contenders. The Gateron CAP Anniversary is praised for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes thanks to its unique CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel offers a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile that is both satisfying and pronounced. Both switches are categorized as 'Creamy' and offer a polished feel, but the Yoel also boasts additional characteristics such as being 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Silky', and 'Resonant'. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the PH Studio Yoel both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This results in a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Yoel's POM bottom housing produces a deeper and more muted sound profile compared to the CAP Anniversary's nylon bottom housing, which elicits a fuller sound. The use of different materials for the bottom housing affects the overall sound and feel of the switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the Gateron CAP Anniversary incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound profile. In comparison, the PH Studio Yoel's POM bottom housing offers a unique and pleasing sound experience that is deeper and more muted. The choice of materials for the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall sound produced by the switch, with nylon providing a fuller sound and POM producing a deeper sound profile. This difference in bottom housing materials contributes to the distinct sound characteristics of each switch.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the PH Studio Yoel impact the sound profile and overall typing experience of each switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound, the choice of nylon or POM for the bottom housing creates different sound characteristics. The use of softer nylon in the CAP Anniversary results in a fuller sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Yoel offers a more muted sound experience. These differences in housing materials highlight the importance of both top and bottom housing in determining the overall sound profile and typing feel of a mechanical switch.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 53 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gateron CAP Anniversary has a heavier 65 grams force compared to the Yoel's 60 grams force. This means that the Gateron switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Yoel switch offers a lighter actuation force for a smoother typing feel. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, making them suitable for those who prefer a balance between a light and heavy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, with the Gateron switch offering a heavier typing experience and the Yoel switch providing a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Therefore, the Yoel switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the CAP Anniversary switch. A 0.8 mm difference may not seem like much, but it can significantly impact the typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the Yoel switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the CAP Anniversary switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile and deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and responsiveness.
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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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 linear switch is best known for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes, resulting in a quiet and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a bright and clacky sound profile, providing a more pronounced and satisfying resonance when keys are pressed. The CAP Anniversary switch is more geared towards users who prefer a quieter typing experience, while the Yoel switch caters to those who enjoy a more lively and audible feedback while typing.
When it comes to feel, both the CAP Anniversary and Yoel linear switches are described as offering a creamy and polished typing experience. The CAP Anniversary switch is known for its snappy and stable keystrokes, providing a responsive and refined feel. Similarly, the Yoel switch offers a smooth and buttery typing sensation, with reduced friction and a silky key travel experience. Both switches prioritize a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel, ensuring that users can effortlessly glide their fingers across the keys with ease.
Overall, while the Gateron CAP Anniversary and PH Studio Yoel linear switches differ in their sound characteristics, they both excel in providing a smooth and polished typing experience. Whether you prefer a quieter and stable keystroke with the CAP Anniversary switch or enjoy a more audible and lively typing experience with the Yoel switch, both options ensure a premium feel and performance for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, you can achieve similar high-quality results with either of these well-crafted linear switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch versus the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you value exceptionally smooth keystrokes and stability with minimal wobble, then the CAP Anniversary with its unique CAP structure would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a delectably chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, the Yoel by PH Studio might be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the PH Studio Yoel linear switches will depend on your individual typing preferences and the specific typing experience you seek.
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