Gateron CJ vs. Bsun Cliff
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Bsun Cliff switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron CJ and the Bsun Cliff can significantly shape your typing experience. The Gateron CJ, a linear switch, is celebrated for its uniquely enjoyable performance, characterized by its smooth keystroke and higher-pitched clacks, making it ideal for users who prefer a quiet yet responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff, a tactile switch, offers a medium level of tactility paired with a crisp sound, perfect for those who appreciate a pronounced feedback sensation when typing. While the CJ provides a neutral and low-pitched feel that's great for both typing and gaming, the Cliff’s tactile bump enhances typing accuracy and offers an engaging feedback loop. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CJ and the Bsun Cliff, it's evident that they each employ distinct approaches to sound and performance. The Gateron CJ utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which produces a thin, higher-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. This contrasts with the Bsun Cliff's polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharper, crisper sound profile. While both materials contribute to a more elevated auditory experience, the CJ's specially formulated INK blend is designed to generate a more satisfying sound that balances sharpness without becoming overly piercing. Thus, while both switches can deliver a pronounced sound, their tonal qualities differ based on the unique characteristics of their respective housing materials.
The bottom housings of the two switches highlight even more significant differences. The CJ's POM bottom housing is designed to generate a muted yet pleasant sound profile, which adds depth to the typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff's nylon bottom housing is recognized for its classic qualities, offering a deeper and fuller sound. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound over harder materials, resulting in a rounder acoustic profile. Consequently, while the CJ may provide a more subdued bottom-out sound, the Cliff tends to have a richer sound experience. This disparity demonstrates how the impact of different materials can shape the overall acoustic and tactile feedback of each switch.
Notably, the interaction between the top and bottom housings plays a vital role in how these switches perform. Although the top and bottom housings differ in material between the Gateron CJ and the Bsun Cliff, the design intention to create engaging auditory feedback remains constant. The sound produced when bottoming out largely relies on the characteristics of the bottom housing, while the release sound is influenced by the top housing. Even with the differences—POM on the CJ providing a muted feel versus nylon offering a fuller sound—both switches are likely to produce an engaging acoustic experience due to the thoughtful combination of materials used in their construction. Ultimately, the unique sound profiles of the Gateron CJ and Bsun Cliff exemplify the importance of housing materials in achieving a desirable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron CJ features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a preferable option for those who seek a lighter typing experience, such as during long work sessions or extended gaming. The difference in actuation forces suggests that users of the Cliff switch will find it easier to trigger a keystroke with less effort, while those preferring the CJ switch may enjoy a more substantial feel when typing, though at the cost of extra force required. Overall, the Gateron CJ is the heavier switch, while the Bsun Cliff offers a lighter feel, making each suitable for different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, the differences are noticeable. The CJ has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cliff measures 3.6 mm. This makes the CJ the longer option, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial depth in their keystrokes, which provides a more traditional typing experience. On the contrary, the shorter travel distance of the Cliff may cater to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, allowing for more rapid key presses. Ultimately, if you favor a deeper, more deliberate feel when actuating a key, the Gateron CJ might be the preferable choice, while those who appreciate a brisker action might lean towards the Bsun Cliff.
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 Bsun Cliff has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cliff for $2.19.
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 Gateron CJ linear switch presents a unique auditory experience characterized by higher-pitched clacks that contribute to a chirpy and somewhat neutral acoustic profile. This switch's sound is particularly intriguing due to its combination of low-pitched and thocky qualities, which can provide rich depth while still maintaining a brightness that many users find enjoyable. The overall acoustic signature can vary significantly depending on the board and keycaps used, allowing for customizability in its sound. In comparison, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch has a crisper sound, although specific details about its overall auditory characteristics are less defined. The Cliff's presentation suggests it could produce a medium level of sound, but without further nuances provided, it remains somewhat ambiguous in comparison to the CJ.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CJ is known for its exceptionally smooth push sensation, enhancing the overall typing experience with a mild characteristic. This gentle feel is suitable for both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts, as it maintains a balance that can appeal to a broad audience. Meanwhile, the tactile feedback of the Bsun Cliff is defined by a medium level of tactility, but without additional details on its texture or overall experience, it's difficult to make a direct comparison. The contrast between a smooth linear switch and a tactile option with defined feedback highlights different preferences among users, depending on what they seek in their typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron CJ linear switch boasts a distinctive sound profile that combines chirpy and thocky elements with a smooth feel that caters to a wide range of typists. On the other hand, while the Bsun Cliff offers medium tactility and a crisp sound, its specifics in both categories present some unknowns. Those seeking customization should consider how different boards and keycaps might enhance or alter the performance of these switches. Ultimately, both switches cater to different types of users: the CJ focusing on a smooth and enjoyable sound and feel, while the Cliff leans towards a more tactile experience with its unique auditory presence.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing requirements. If you appreciate the feel of a smooth linear switch and prefer a bit of auditory character in your typing experience, the CJ is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams offers a balanced typing experience, making it ideal for both casual and skilled typists. The unique chirpy sound and thocky acoustic signature bring a fun element to your keystrokes, enhancing your overall enjoyment. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that combines comfort with tactile feedback, the Cliff is the way to go. With a lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams, it's easier on the fingers, particularly for extended typing sessions. The medium tactility provides a satisfying bump without being overly pronounced, making it a great option for office work or coding, where feedback is essential but distraction from sound is a concern. Ultimately, whether you favor the smoothness and character of the CJ or the tactile precision of the Cliff, both switches offer unique attributes that can enhance your typing experience based on your personal liking and use case.
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