Gateron CJ vs. Everglide Crystal Violet
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Everglide Crystal Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron CJ and the Everglide Crystal Violet. The CJ is a linear switch that offers a unique and enjoyable typing experience. With higher-pitched clacks and an incredibly smooth push feel, the CJ switch stands out among other linear switches. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet is a tactile switch designed for those seeking a relaxed and stepped typing experience. With a light operating force of 45g, these switches provide a gentle and comfortable feel while typing. The sound profile of the Crystal Violet switches leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a pleasant auditory experience. Both switches offer their own distinct advantages, providing users with options that cater to their specific preferences. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
ABS
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and the Everglide Crystal Violet differ in their housing materials. The CJ's top housing is made of a proprietary INK blend, which provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Crystal Violet's top housing is made of ABS plastic, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound profile. Though different in materials, both switches offer satisfying sound profiles with distinct characteristics. The CJ is described as clacky, while the Crystal Violet is known for its deeper and more muted sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the CJ utilizes POM material, which creates a unique and pleasing sound. This sound profile leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. Conversely, the Crystal Violet employs ABS for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar low-pitched sound profile. Despite the difference in materials, both switches offer a distinctive sound that adds to the overall typing experience.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the switches, it is important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether POM or ABS, have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed. On the other hand, the top housing material influences the sound produced when letting go of a key. Therefore, while the CJ and the Crystal Violet may differ in their housing materials, the overall sound experience can still be achieved in a similar manner.
In conclusion, the Gateron CJ and the Everglide Crystal Violet feature distinct housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The CJ's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a pointed and clacky sound, while the Crystal Violet's ABS top housing results in a relatively low-pitched sound. Similarly, the CJ's POM bottom housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, while the Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing offers a similar low-pitched sound profile. Despite these differences, the impact of the housing materials can be felt differently when pressing and releasing the switches, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, it is clear that they both fall within the medium actuation and bottom out force range. However, there are slight differences between the two. The CJ switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Crystal Violet switch. The Crystal Violet, on the other hand, has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is slightly lighter.
For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Crystal Violet switch would be a suitable choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. This lighter actuation and bottom out force can be beneficial for those who type for extended periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. It provides a more effortless typing experience, reducing the strain on the fingers and allowing for increased comfort.
In contrast, the CJ switch offers a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force. This added resistance provides a more substantial typing experience, making it suitable for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel while typing. The additional force required may provide a sense of satisfaction or feedback to those who enjoy a tactile response while typing. Additionally, the heavier actuation and bottom out force can help prevent accidental keystrokes, offering greater precision and control.
Overall, while both switches fall within the medium force range, the Gateron CJ linear switch is slightly heavier, while the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is slightly lighter. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. Whether one prefers a lighter or stronger push feel, both switches offer reliable actuation and bottom out forces to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel a consistent 4 mm of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a satisfying and tactile typing experience, allowing for precise and comfortable keystrokes. Whether you choose the Gateron CJ or the Everglide Crystal Violet, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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 is best described as chirpy, meaning it has a little squeak to it, setting it apart from other switches. It also has a moderately low-pitched sound profile, leaning towards the bass-heavy and mellow side. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a more neutral sound profile, with a gentle and non-intrusive mellow tone. Both switches provide pleasant auditory experiences, but the CJ offers a unique chirpy sound while the Crystal Violet provides a more relaxed and mellow sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch offers an impossibly smooth and mild typing experience. It falls into the category of mild switches, which means it provides a gentle typing experience and stands in a safe middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience. Creamy switches are known for their smooth and buttery feel, making typing effortless and silky. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switch is categorized as a stepped switch, meaning it has a two-stage feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. Both switches provide a comfortable and approachable typing experience, but the CJ offers a smoother push feel while the Crystal Violet provides a creamy and stepped tactile typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CJ provides a unique chirpy sound with a smooth push feel, while the Crystal Violet offers a mellow sound leaning towards the bass-heavy spectrum and a creamy and stepped tactile feel. Both switches are suitable for various intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and can be used at home or work. Depending on your preference, you can achieve similar results with either switch, but it's important to consider other factors like the keyboard board and keycaps you choose, as they also contribute to the overall sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and enjoyable linear switch experience with a medium bottom-out force, the Gateron CJ switch would be a great choice for you. Its higher-pitched clacks and impossibly smooth push feel make it stand out among other linear switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a slightly lighter bottom-out force, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch is the way to go. With its light operating force and gentle and comfortable feel, it offers a pleasant typing experience. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switch has a mellow sound profile that leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, while the CJ switch has a more neutral and potentially thocky sound. In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience, but the Crystal Violet switch is also described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery sensation when typing. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and the type of typing experience you are seeking.
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