Gateron CJ vs. TTC Flaming Purple

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron CJ and the TTC Flaming Purple, both of which are linear switches. The Gateron CJ offers a unique and enjoyable typing experience with higher-pitched clacks and an exceptionally smooth push feel. Its characteristics are described as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky'. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple is known for its resonant character and slightly bassier sound signature, adding a poppy undertone to each keystroke. It is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Feathery', 'Easy-to-press', 'Low-pitched', 'Resonant', and 'Silky'. While both switches have their own distinct advantages, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron CJ Linear

TTC Flaming Purple Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

$8.30

$4.30 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron CJ and TTC Flaming Purple switches both utilize unique housing materials to create distinct sound profiles. The CJ features a proprietary INK blend top housing that offers a thin, clacky sound, while the Flaming Purple boasts a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, crisper sound. However, both switches use different bottom housings - the CJ's POM bottom housing results in a deeper and more muted sound, while the Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing creates a fuller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, the top and bottom housing materials work together to influence the overall sound and feel of each switch.

One key difference between the Gateron CJ and TTC Flaming Purple switches is the material used for their respective top housings. The CJ's INK blend top housing creates a high-pitched sound with a satisfying clacky feel, while the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing results in a sharper and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the Flaming Purple switches. In contrast, the CJ's top housing material offers a different tactile experience that is unique to its proprietary blend.

Although the Gateron CJ and TTC Flaming Purple switches differ in their housing materials, both switches offer a unique typing experience due to the combination of their top and bottom housings. While the CJ's POM bottom housing contributes to a deep and muted sound, the Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing enhances the overall sound profile with a fuller and rounder tone. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for sound and feel, as each housing material contributes distinct qualities to the typing experience. Whether you prefer the clacky thin sound of the CJ or the sharper, crisper sound of the Flaming Purple, both switches offer a unique and satisfying typing experience.

Weight

In comparing the Gateron CJ linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, it is evident that the Flaming Purple switch is the lighter option in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, which is lighter than the CJ linear switch's actuation force of 50 grams and bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Flaming Purple switch may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the CJ switch provides a slightly heavier typing experience, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, it is evident that the CJ has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Flaming Purple's 3.6 mm. The 4.0mm travel distance of the CJ is more traditional, offering a deeper keypress feel, while the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Flaming Purple is slightly shallower, providing a quicker response time preferred by gamers. Both switches fall within the range of acceptable travel distances, but for those seeking a more responsive keypress, the Flaming Purple may be the better option. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Gateron CJ switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron CJ switch is best described as having a chirpy and high-pitched sound, which sets it apart from other linear switches. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple switch offers a bassier and more resonant sound profile, adding a poppy undertone to each keystroke. While both switches fall on the lower end of the pitch spectrum, the CJ switch leans towards a chirpy tone, while the Flaming Purple switch provides a richer and more immersive auditory experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two comes down to personal preference in terms of sound signature, with the CJ switch offering a unique higher-pitched sound and the Flaming Purple switch delivering a resonant and engaging bassier tone.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron CJ switch is known for providing a mild and gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone, suitable for most users. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Purple switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, offering a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Flaming Purple switch also boasts a silky smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall comfort and ease of typing. While both switches offer a smooth typing feel, the Flaming Purple switch stands out for its light actuation force and comfortable typing experience, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts and daily typists alike.

In conclusion, the Gateron CJ linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CJ switch provides a chirpy and higher-pitched sound with a mild typing experience, while the Flaming Purple switch delivers a bassier and resonant sound profile with a feathery and easy-to-press typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, with the CJ switch offering a unique higher-pitched sound and mild feel, and the Flaming Purple switch providing a rich and engaging sound with a light and comfortable typing experience. Whether you prefer the chirpy sound of the CJ switch or the bassier undertones of the Flaming Purple switch, both options guarantee a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, you should consider the bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel that best suits your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a unique, chirpy sound profile, the Gateron CJ switch may be the choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force, a bassy and resonant sound profile, and a feathery, easy-to-press typing feel, the TTC Flaming Purple switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct characteristics and advantages, so it's important to prioritize what factors matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CJ Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

Learn more

TTC Flaming Purple Linear

$8.30

$4.30 per 10

Learn more