Gateron CJ vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CJ and the TTC Gold Red both stand out as impressive linear switches. The CJ is known for its unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch, featuring higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. Categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky', the CJ offers a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Red linear switches from TTC provide a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. These switches add a modest touch of personality to your keyboard with their snappy sound profile, categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Silky', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. While both switches excel in their own ways, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CJ and TTC Gold Red switches differ significantly in terms of sound profile. The CJ's proprietary INK blend top housing is known for its clacky and relatively high-pitched sound. This blend creates a satisfying thin and higher-pitched noise that is not overly sharp. On the other hand, the Gold Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate results in a more clear and resonant sound. While both offer a higher-pitched sound, the CJ's INK blend produces a slightly milder tone compared to the sharper sound of the Gold Red's polycarbonate housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the CJ's POM bottom housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. POM housings are praised for producing a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper end. In contrast, the Gold Red incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which offers a different typing experience. The use of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, giving the Gold Red a duller and rounder sound. This nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, differentiating it from the CJ's POM bottom housing.
Despite their differences, it is important to note that both switches showcase qualities based on their top and bottom housings. The bottom housing directly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing how the switch responds upon pressing down. In contrast, the top housing dominates the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the use of either the CJ or the Gold Red will result in comparable results in terms of key release sound, while offering contrasting experiences with bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, it is evident that there are some notable differences. The CJ switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Gold Red switch requires a lighter actuation force of 43 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the CJ switch has a slightly higher force of 60 grams compared to the Gold Red switch's 50 grams.
For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Red switch would be the ideal choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. This can be beneficial for those who engage in longer typing sessions or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the CJ switch offers a more substantial typing feel due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. This could be appealing to typists who prefer a stronger push feel and crave a more tactile experience while typing.
Overall, the CJ switch is slightly heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, providing a more robust typing experience. Meanwhile, the Gold Red switch is lighter, allowing for effortless and prolonged typing sessions. Therefore, depending on personal preferences and specific requirements, both switches can offer different typing experiences and satisfy the needs of various individuals.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CJ linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance being traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent typing experience in terms of the travel distance, ensuring that you will get similar results regardless of which one you choose.
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 TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 offers a unique and enjoyable experience. It is described as chirpy, with a little squeak to them, setting them apart from other switches. This switch also has a higher-pitched clack, adding a touch of personality to your keyboard. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch produces a thocky sound profile. This means that it has a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, similar to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock". Both switches have a low-pitched sound profile, which features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Additionally, they both have a neutral sound profile, which suits most intents and purposes. Overall, if you prefer a chirpy sound, go for the Gateron CJ, while if you prefer a thocky sound, choose the TTC Gold Red. However, keep in mind that the sound of the switch is also influenced by factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron CJ and TTC Gold Red switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that they provide a more gentle typing feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The qualities of these switches stand in a safe, middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users. Additionally, the TTC Gold Red switch is described as silky, which means it offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The TTC Gold Red switch is also described as subtle, which indicates a gentle resistance that maintains a light typing feel. It is suitable for shared spaces due to its non-resonant sound signature. Furthermore, the switch is also described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This is achieved through the use of high-quality materials and/or factory lubing, which reduce friction and provide smooth key travel. Therefore, both switches provide a pleasant typing experience, with the TTC Gold Red offering an extra touch of smoothness and refinement.
In conclusion, the Gateron CJ linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch both offer unique qualities that make them enjoyable for different preferences. In terms of sound, the CJ provides a chirpy and higher-pitched clack, while the Gold Red offers a thocky and deep sound profile. Both switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. When it comes to feel, they share the quality of being mild, providing a gentle typing experience. However, the TTC Gold Red goes a step further by offering a silky feel, subtle resistance, and a polished finish. These qualities enhance the overall smoothness, lightness, and refinement of the typing experience. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a unique sound profile, you can choose between the CJ and Gold Red based on your preference. If you prioritize a smoother and more polished typing feel, the TTC Gold Red would be the better option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Gateron CJ may be the best option for you. These switches offer a smooth push feel and higher-pitched clacks when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, the TTC Gold Red switches would be a great choice. These switches offer a snappy sound profile without being too ostentatious. When it comes to sound, the CJ switches are known for their chirpy and neutral characteristics, while the Gold Red switches are described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral. In terms of feel, both switches are described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience. However, the Gold Red switches also have additional qualities such as being silky, subtle, and polished, enhancing the smoothness, refinement, and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CJ and TTC Gold Red switches depends on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force.
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