Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch to the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, there are key differences to consider. The CAP Anniversary is renowned for its innovative CAP structure, providing incredibly smooth keystrokes thanks to its aerodynamically designed stem with tiny air-release holes and a stable, wobble-free post. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown lacks specific standout features but is known for its tactile feedback. The CAP Anniversary is characterized as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', while the Crystal Brown does not have specific categorizations. Depending on whether you prioritize smoothness and stability or tactile feedback in your typing experience, one switch may appeal to you more than the other. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
The housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches. This commonality ensures that users can expect a consistent sound and aesthetic experience when using either of these switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The CAP Anniversary utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar deep and full sound experience. This shared bottom housing material ensures that both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile, despite other differences in their design.
Overall, while the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Outemu Crystal Brown switches may have differences in their housing materials, both switches aim to provide users with a high-quality typing experience. Whether it's the sharper sound profile from the polycarbonate top housing or the deeper sound from the nylon bottom housing, users can expect a satisfying typing feel from either switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and aesthetics.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch differ in weight, with the CAP Anniversary being heavier and the Crystal Brown being lighter. The CAP Anniversary has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. In contrast, the Crystal Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. For those who prefer a stronger push feel, the CAP Anniversary would be the better option, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming may find the Crystal Brown more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them both equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and feedback from both switches. This makes them suitable choices for those who prioritize consistency in their 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 Crystal Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the CAP Anniversary linear switch is known for its quiet operation, thanks to the novel CAP structure that reduces excess air and minimizes resistance. This results in a satisfyingly smooth keystroke that produces a subtle and muted sound when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch offers a tactile bump for feedback during typing, which can add a bit more audible feedback compared to a linear switch. The sound of both switches, however, will also depend on the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the CAP Anniversary linear switch is praised for its snappy and creamy typing experience. This means that the switch is super responsive and offers a smooth and buttery sensation when typing, thanks to the unique aerodynamic stem design and enlarged stem post. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have specific descriptors available to indicate its feeling. However, tactile switches in general provide a bump in the keystroke to let you know the key has been actuated, which can add a nice tactile feel during typing.
Overall, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The CAP Anniversary switch provides a smooth and stable typing experience with a quiet operation, while the Crystal Brown switch offers a tactile bump for feedback during typing. Depending on whether you prefer a linear or tactile feel, you can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance from both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you prioritize smooth keystrokes and stability, the CAP Anniversary with its unique CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter bottom out force and a tactile typing experience, the Crystal Brown with its medium-light actuation force could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for key feel and typing sound.
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