Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Cold Plum mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note the distinct characteristics that set them apart. The CAP Anniversary is recognized for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes thanks to the novel CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design, resulting in a snappy, creamy, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Cold Plum stands out for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, offering a unique and enjoyable typing feel. While the CAP Anniversary provides stability and minimal wobble, the Cold Plum offers a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound. Both switches have their own strengths and attributes that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Cold Plum switches, we see that they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. The CAP Anniversary's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Cold Plum's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound. This difference in sound profile can greatly impact the typing experience, with the CAP Anniversary offering a more distinct and resonant sound while the Cold Plum provides a softer and rounder sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the CAP Anniversary and the Cold Plum switches utilize nylon for this component. The nylon bottom housing of these switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing material showcases how nylon can impact the overall typing experience of a switch, providing a consistent sound profile across both brands. Despite using different materials for the top housing, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
When considering how the different housing materials affect the overall sound profile of a switch, it becomes apparent that the split in qualities between the top and bottom housings can influence the typing experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing contributes more to the sound when releasing a key. By understanding how each housing material contributes to the sound profile, users can choose a switch that aligns with their preferences for typing feel and sound. Overall, whether using the Gateron CAP Anniversary or the Outemu Cold Plum, the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is evident that the CAP Anniversary is lighter in both aspects. The CAP Anniversary has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Cold Plum has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it the heavier option. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy range, providing a balance between a light typing experience for extended use and a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force in order to enhance typing comfort and efficiency.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is 4 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Cold Plum has a shorter travel distance compared to the CAP Anniversary. The shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the CAP Anniversary may provide a more satisfying and deliberate typing experience for some users who prefer a deeper key press. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and the desired 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 Outemu Cold Plum comes in at $3.10 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 CAP Anniversary linear switch is known for its quiet and smooth typing experience, with a focus on reducing excess air and resistance to enhance the overall sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offers a distinct thocky sound profile due to its fully nylon construction, providing a unique and satisfying typing experience. Choosing between these two switches will ultimately depend on personal preferences and the overall setup of your keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the CAP Anniversary linear switch is praised for its snappy and creamy typing experience, featuring a super responsive feel and a smooth, buttery keystroke. This is achieved through its unique stem design and aerodynamic principles, providing a stable and minimal wobble typing experience. On the other hand, details on the specific feel of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch are not provided. However, given its nylon construction and thocky sound profile, it can be inferred that this switch may offer a solid and satisfying typing feel as well.
Overall, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the CAP Anniversary focuses on providing a smooth and stable typing experience with minimal wobble, the Cold Plum offers a distinct sound profile and enjoyable typing feel with its nylon construction. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience. It is important to consider how these switches will complement your specific setup and typing style to ensure a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch or the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. If you value exceptionally smooth keystrokes with minimal wobble and stability, along with a unique stem design that enhances typing experience, then the CAP Anniversary may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction that delivers a satisfying typing experience, then the Cold Plum might be the more suitable option. Both switches offer medium-heavy bottom out forces, so you can expect a similar level of actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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