TTC Bluish White vs. Gateron CJ
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron CJ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Are you in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a satisfying typing experience? Look no further than the TTC Bluish White, a tactile switch that offers a delightfully poppy feel with every keystroke. Known for its buttery and mild sensation, the Bluish White switch delivers a subtle and polished typing experience, accompanied by a low-pitched satisfying sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch, the Gateron CJ might be the perfect choice for you. With its unique presentation, the CJ switch provides higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. Categorized as chirpy, neutral, and mild in terms of its sound and sensation, it also offers a low-pitched thocky attribute. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Comparing the housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron CJ, we can see that they offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound profiles and aesthetics. The Bluish White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a clear and resonant sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the CJ features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the Bluish White's polycarbonate is known for its transparency, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch.
When it comes to the bottom housings, the Bluish White employs a nylon material that brings about a deeper and fuller sound. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder profile. In contrast, the CJ incorporates a POM bottom housing, which creates a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. Although both materials offer distinct sound characteristics, they contribute to different aspects of the switch. The bottom housing, in particular, has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a bigger role in the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron CJ showcase different qualities that cater to various preferences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Bluish White offers a clear and resonant sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting, while the INK blend top housing of the CJ provides a clacky sound profile. Likewise, the nylon bottom housing of the Bluish White elicits a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the POM bottom housing of the CJ delivers a pleasingly muted and deeper sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique and satisfying typing experiences, ensuring that users can find a housing material that suits their individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch, there are noticeable differences in both the actuation and bottom out forces. The Bluish White has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, which means it requires less pressure to trigger a keystroke compared to the CJ with its actuation force of 50 grams. Similarly, the Bluish White has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the CJ's 60 grams. These differences in force give the Bluish White switch a lighter overall feel when typing, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter and more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the CJ switch provides a slightly heavier and more substantial push feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile and responsive typing experience. However, if the user prefers a similar result in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, both switches offer comparable forces, ensuring a consistent performance between the two. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the CJ switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Bluish White switch. A travel distance of 4 mm is considered to be the most traditional, while 3.5 mm is on the shorter side. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you prioritize responsiveness in your keystrokes, the Bluish White switch may be a better choice for you. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt and prefer a deeper key press. If hearty depth is your preference, then the CJ switch with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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.
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 TTC Bluish White tactile switch is known for its low-pitched profile. Low-pitched switches typically offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. When typing on the Bluish Whites, users can expect a satisfyingly poppy typing experience accompanied by a snappy sound profile.
On the other hand, the Gateron CJ linear switch has a unique sound profile. Described as chirpy, these switches have a little squeak to them, setting them apart from the rest. Additionally, the CJ switches also have a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement. The sound of the CJ switches can be described as low-pitched, similar to the Bluish Whites, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Moreover, the CJ switches are also known to produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, often referred to as thocky.
In terms of feel, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch provides a buttery and mild typing experience. "Buttery" implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The switch has a subtle and polished feel, with gentle resistance that maintains a light typing feel. Additionally, the Bluish Whites are stepped switches, meaning they have two stages of keystroke with pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Similarly, the Gateron CJ linear switch offers a mild typing experience, which is approachable to most users. It provides a safe middle-ground zone with its qualities of sound and feel. However, specific descriptors for the feel of the CJ switch are not mentioned.
In conclusion, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch have some similarities and differences in subjective qualities. Both switches have a low-pitched sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The Bluish Whites provide a snappy and poppy typing experience with a buttery, mild, and polished feel, while the CJ switches have a unique chirpy sound and an impossibly smooth push feel. Overall, if you are seeking a satisfying and poppy typing experience, the Bluish Whites would be a suitable choice, whereas if you prefer a unique sound profile with an impossibly smooth feel, the CJ switches would be worth considering.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a light bottom out force, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch would be a great choice. These switches offer a snappy sound profile and a smooth and effortless typing sensation. They have a low-pitched sound, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The Bluish Whites also have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch with a slightly higher bottom out force, the Gateron CJ linear switch is worth considering. When typing on these switches, you'll hear higher-pitched clacks and experience an impossibly smooth push feel. The CJ switches have a mild typing experience, suitable for most users, and their sound profile is described as chirpy, which adds a unique acoustic signature to your typing.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you value a tactile experience with a lower bottom out force and a smoother typing sensation, go for the Bluish Whites. However, if you're more interested in a linear switch with a slightly higher bottom out force and a unique acoustic signature, the CJs might be the better option for you.
Mentioned in this article
