Gateron CJ vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CJ and Gateron Glory Red both offer their own distinct advantages, despite both being categorized as linear switches. The Gateron CJ is celebrated for its unique auditory and tactile experience, featuring a higher-pitched clack and an incredibly smooth keystroke feel, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate a more engaging typing experience with a variety of sound profiles, ranging from chirpy to mildly thocky. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red is recognized for its lighter actuation and satisfying travel distance, providing a streamlined typing experience that caters to users seeking a quieter and more effortless keypress without sacrificing smoothness. While both options deliver excellent performance, your choice may hinge on whether you prioritize sound dynamics and tactile feedback or a lightweight feel and ease of use. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and Gateron Glory Red switches utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, which directly influences their sound profiles. The CJ's proprietary INK blend top housing is noted for producing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, often described as "clacky." This higher frequency response is a result of the specific characteristics of the INK blend, which can create an engaging and lively auditory experience for typists. In contrast, the Glory Red employs a nylon top housing, which is recognized for generating a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition. This fundamental difference in housing materials suggests that while the CJ may appeal to those seeking a more crisp keystroke sound, the Glory Red may cater to users looking for a more rounded acoustic experience.
On the other hand, when we look at the bottom housing of both switches, there are some similarities that influence their collective sound profiles. The CJ features a POM bottom housing known for a unique, deeper sound, while the Glory Red also employs nylon for its bottom housing. Both nylon and POM absorb sound to a degree, but nylon's softer nature is emphasized here. Consequently, both switches can offer a muted typing experience but from different sound characteristics inherent to their materials. The Gateron CJ, with its POM bottom, tends to deliver a more pleasingly muted result than the nylon in the Glory Red but shares a commonality in producing a deeper sound profile.
In summary, the sound characteristics of the Gateron CJ and Glory Red are distinct yet complementary due to their material choices. The CJ's INK blend upper housing projects higher-pitched tones, while its POM bottom softens the overall sound, yielding a unique auditory experience. Simultaneously, the Glory Red's entirely nylon structure creates a fuller, deeper, and rounder sound but lacks the sharpness of the CJ. Thus, while the top and bottom housings differ, they result in a rich range of typing experiences with each switch—the CJ offering a lively clack combined with a muted bottom-out sound, and the Glory Red providing an all-encompassing deep tone throughout.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, we find notable differences. The Gateron CJ switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium category. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to press and ideal for users who prefer longer typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is listed as unavailable, leaving a gap in our understanding of how firmly it represents the bottoming out experience. Overall, with the Gateron CJ being heavier, it offers a more substantial typing feel, while the Glory Red's lighter actuation force caters to those seeking a more effortless keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, it is clear that the CJ switch, with a travel distance of 4 mm, offers a longer travel compared to the Glory Red, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This 0.4 mm difference indicates that the CJ switch may be more suited for users who appreciate a deeper and more tactile typing experience, as it provides a more substantial feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Glory Red switch appeals to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, potentially facilitating faster actuation for rapid gameplay. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences, the CJ is ideal for those who favor a hearty depth, while the Glory Red caters to users desiring enhanced responsiveness with its shorter 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 Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red 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 switches present a distinctive auditory profile. They are characterized as having a chirpy quality, which adds a subtle squeak that sets them apart, alongside having low-pitched tones that provide a mellow and bass-heavy experience. Additionally, CJs can produce a thocky sound, creating a rich, satisfying acoustic result that many keyboard enthusiasts enjoy. This variety makes the CJs versatile enough for different settings, whether home or office. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red switches do not have a specific sound profile outlined, but it’s generally accepted that linear switches like these tend to exhibit a quieter operation, making them less obtrusive during use.
In terms of feel, the CJ linear switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that remains approachable for most users. This mildness ensures that the sensations during typing are not overwhelming, making it accessible for both beginners and seasoned typists. The lack of distinct tactile feedback allows for smooth transitions between key presses. On the other hand, the Glory Red switches have not been specifically described regarding their feel, but given their nature as linear switches, one can expect that they would provide a similarly smooth keystroke without the tactile bump characteristic of other switch types.
In summary, both the Gateron CJ and Glory Red linear switches aim to deliver a smooth typing experience, although the CJ is highlighted for its unique sound qualities and mild feel. The CJ's chirpy and thocky tones, along with its approachable feel, make it a distinctive choice for those who appreciate a more enriched auditory experience along with typing. Meanwhile, while the Glory Red switches may lack detailed subjective qualities, they still promise a smooth, enjoyable keystroke, which means users can expect satisfactory performance with either option. Ultimately, those who are drawn to a vivid sound profile may prefer the CJ, while those seeking a straightforward linear typing experience could find the Glory Reds equally satisfying.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron CJ linear switches and Gateron Glory Red linear switches ultimately depends on your preferences in force, sound, and overall typing experience. If you prefer a noticeable bottom-out force and enjoy a unique auditory experience featuring chirpy tones and a rich thocky sound, the CJ might be the right option for you. Its medium actuation force of 60 grams makes it an excellent choice for both typing and gaming, providing a balanced feel that's approachable regardless of your skill level. On the other hand, if you're after a lighter switch that promises a smooth keystroke with minimal resistance, the Gateron Glory Red is likely more suited to your needs. Although there's no specified bottom-out force, the lighter feel combined with a satisfying travel distance enhances the overall typing experience while keeping things simple and efficient. Depending on your typing style, environment, and personal sound preferences, either switch can deliver a quality experience, so consider what aspects are most important to you before making your final decision.
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