Kailh Berry vs. Gateron CJ
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Gateron CJ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that you may come across are the Kailh Berry and the Gateron CJ, both of which fall under the category of linear switches. The Kailh Berry is renowned for its hefty typing experience, providing a springy and textured sensation when pressing down on the keys. Moreover, the sound produced by the Berry switch is deep, lending a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron CJ offers a unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch. Typing on the CJ switch results in higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. The CJ switch is categorized as chirpy, neutral, mild, low-pitched, and thocky. While these general pointers may give you an initial idea of what each switch has to offer, let's delve deeper beyond these broad characteristics to help you determine the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Kailh Berry and the Gateron CJ both have distinct housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Berry features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, which enhances clarity and resonance. In comparison, the CJ utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its top housing. This results in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky, providing a satisfying typing experience without being overly sharp.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Berry employs a nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Meanwhile, the CJ is equipped with a POM bottom housing, known for creating an incredibly pleasing and unique sound. This sound profile leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted compared to the Berry's nylon housing.
Although the top and bottom housings differ between the Kailh Berry and the Gateron CJ, both switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their respective housing materials. The Berry's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing contribute to its sharp, clear, and resonant sound, along with a deeper and fuller tone. On the other hand, the CJ's INK blend top housing and POM bottom housing contribute to a satisfyingly clacky sound with a deeper and relatively more muted tone. While the specific qualities may vary, both switches excel in providing unique auditory experiences for users.
In summary, the Kailh Berry and the Gateron CJ each showcase their own approach to housing materials and their impact on sound profiles. The Berry's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing deliver a sharper, higher-pitched sound with added depth and resonance. In contrast, the CJ's INK blend top housing and POM bottom housing contribute to a moderately high-pitched yet clacky sound accompanied by a deeper and somewhat muted tone. Both switches offer a range of unique auditory experiences, providing users with options based on their personal preference.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the Kailh Berry is currently unavailable, while the Gateron CJ requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Kailh Berry requires 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, and the Gateron CJ requires 60 grams, which is classified as medium.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch to allow for longer typing periods, especially for those who use their keyboard extensively at work or during prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer a switch with a heavier force. In this case, the Gateron CJ would be considered lighter due to its lower actuation and bottom out force, while the Kailh Berry offers a heavier typing experience. However, it is important to note that without specific information about the actuation force of the Kailh Berry, it is difficult to make a precise comparison. Nonetheless, for individuals seeking similar results, both switches can provide a medium to medium-heavy typing experience, albeit with potentially different levels of actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch, we can see that the Berry has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the CJ has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Berry's travel distance falls on the shorter side of the spectrum, making it a favorable choice for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the CJ's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Although the Berry and CJ have different travel distances, they both fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the CJ being slightly closer to the average of 4.0 mm. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, with the Berry offering a shorter travel distance for faster response times and the CJ providing a longer travel distance for a more hearty keystroke feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CJ for $5.35.
The Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 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 comparing the subjective qualities of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch, there are notable differences in sound and feel. The Berry switch offers a springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture and a fairly deep sound profile, characterized by low-pitched and bassy tones. On the other hand, the CJ switch provides a unique presentation of a linear switch, with higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. The CJ switch is described as chirpy and thocky, providing a distinctive acoustic signature with a mix of squeak and deep, satisfying sound. In terms of feel, the Berry switch is textured, resulting in noticeable friction when pressed, while the CJ switch offers a mild and gentle typing experience, suitable for most users.
Considering the available information, it is clear that the Kailh Berry and Gateron CJ linear switches offer different subjective qualities. The Berry switch provides a more springy and textured typing experience with a fairly deep sound profile, characterized by low-pitched and bassy tones. On the other hand, the CJ switch stands out with its higher-pitched clacks, impossibly smooth push feel, chirpy sound, and thocky characteristics. While each switch offers its own unique qualities, it is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Overall, both switches promise an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience, and depending on individual preferences, users can achieve similar results with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a hefty typing experience and a springy feel, the Kailh Berry switch is a great choice. It has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which provides a medium-heavy typing experience. The sound profile of the Berry switch is described as low-pitched and bassy, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Additionally, the Berry switch has a textured feel, adding a subtle friction when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prefer a unique and enjoyable linear switch, the Gateron CJ is worth considering. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it provides a medium typing experience. The CJ switch offers a smooth push feel and higher-pitched clacks when typing, which creates a distinctive acoustic signature. In terms of sound profile, the CJ switch is described as chirpy, neutral, low-pitched, and thocky. It combines moderate actuation force requirements with a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Berry and Gateron CJ linear switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a heavier typing experience with a textured feel and bassy sound, the Berry switch is a great option. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smoother and unique typing experience with higher-pitched clacks, the CJ switch would be a good fit. Consider your desired typing feel and sound profile when making your decision, and you'll find the perfect linear switch for your mechanical keyboard. In the end, both switches offer quality performance and enjoyable typing experiences, so it's a matter of personal preference and priorities.
Mentioned in this article
