Kailh Box White vs. Gateron CAP Anniversary
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Gateron CAP Anniversary switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the clicky Kailh Box White and the linear Gateron CAP Anniversary presents a distinct contrast in typing experiences. The Box White switch offers a satisfyingly audible and tactile feedback with a "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch, appealing to those seeking maximum audio feedback. On the other hand, the CAP Anniversary switch features a novel CAP structure designed for exceptionally smooth keystrokes, utilizing aerodynamic principles and reducing resistance for a creamy typing experience. While the Box White switch is characterized by its resounding, high-pitched clickiness, the CAP Anniversary switch is known for its snappy and polished linear feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Gateron CAP Anniversary, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who prioritize acoustics in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the switches.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This material choice can impact the overall typing experience, providing a different tactile and auditory feel when bottoming out keys. While the top housing may have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key, the qualities of the bottom housing are felt during the act of pressing down on a key.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box White and the Gateron CAP Anniversary utilize similar housing materials, with polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings. This results in a balance of sharp, crisp sounds from the top housing and deeper, fuller sounds from the bottom housing. The differences in sound profile between the two switches may be subtle due to the shared housing materials, but the typing experience can still vary based on the material properties and design choices of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch, we can see that they both have an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a similar level of sensitivity when typing or gaming. However, the Box White has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it slightly lighter in terms of the amount of force needed to fully press the key compared to the CAP Anniversary, which has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier. This means that the Box White may be more preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, while the CAP Anniversary may be favored by those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a bit more resistance. In either case, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their medium actuation forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box White clicky switch is 3.6mm, while the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Box White has a shorter travel distance compared to the CAP Anniversary. The Box White's 3.6mm travel distance may provide a faster response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the CAP Anniversary's 4mm travel distance may offer a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76 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
The Kailh Box White clicky switch is known for its resonant and high-pitched sound profile, making typing on it an immersive auditory experience with a crisp and sharp sound. The tactile feedback of the Box White switch gives it a crunchy feel, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is known for its smooth keystrokes due to its unique CAP structure designed to reduce resistance and enhance smoothness. The CAP Anniversary switch offers a creamy and snappy feel, providing a buttery typing experience with responsive key presses.
Overall, the Kailh Box White clicky switch excels in providing a satisfying auditory experience with its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, along with a polished feel for smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch focuses on delivering smooth keystrokes with its aerodynamically designed stem structure, offering a creamy and snappy feel for a responsive and buttery typing experience. Depending on personal preference, whether you prioritize sound feedback or smooth key presses, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to individual preference for sound and feel during typing sessions.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that provides maximum audio feedback and a tactile typing experience, the Kailh Box White clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. The crisp sound profile and accented tactility make typing on these switches a truly satisfying experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and stable keystroke with minimal wobble, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch with its unique CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design would be perfect for you. The smooth keystrokes and reduced resistance create a seamless typing experience that is both responsive and comfortable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to your preference for clicky feedback or smooth keystrokes.
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