Gateron CJ vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CJ and the TTC Gold Red Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The CJ stands out for its distinctive high-pitched clacks and ultra-smooth key press, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro is praised for its versatility, offering a seamless typing feel with a neutral sound signature that suits a variety of environments and usage scenarios. While the CJ offers a more unique and chirpy typing experience, the Gold Red Pro excels in its adaptability and polished feel. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CJ and the TTC Gold Red Pro, it is clear that both switches utilize distinct materials for their top and bottom housings. The CJ features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, providing a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Gold Red Pro opts for a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the use of polycarbonate in the Gold Red Pro allows for a more clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
On the other hand, the CJ's POM bottom housing produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile compared to the Gold Red Pro's nylon bottom housing. POM housings are known for creating an incredibly pleasing and unique sound, lending a deeper tone to the overall switch sound. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Gold Red Pro absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite their differences, both materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch, with the bottom housing playing a larger role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released.
In summary, while the housing materials of the Gateron CJ and the TTC Gold Red Pro offer distinct sound profiles, they both play essential roles in shaping the overall typing experience. The CJ's use of proprietary INK blend for the top housing provides a unique clacky sound, while the POM bottom housing adds a deeper tone to the overall sound. In comparison, the Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, complemented by a deeper and fuller sound from the nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, both switches offer a range of sound profiles and tactile experiences based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CJ linear switch to the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force differ slightly. The Gateron CJ has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, making it easier to type for longer periods without fatigue. The bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro is unknown, so it is difficult to determine how it compares in terms of overall force required for typing. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, but the Gateron CJ may provide a slightly heavier typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Gold Red Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the CJ. The CJ with its 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro's 3.8 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches provide similar results in terms of performance, but the slight difference in travel distance may cater to individual preferences for keyboard feel.
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 Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron CJ linear switch provides a unique auditory experience with its chirpy and higher-pitched clacks, setting it apart from other linear switches. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro switch offers a neutral sound signature that is suitable for a variety of environments. While the CJ switch may appeal to those who enjoy a more distinctive and lively sound profile, the Gold Red Pro switch provides a harmonious and versatile typing experience that can cater to a wider range of users.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch offers an impossibly smooth push feel, providing a gentle typing experience that falls into a safe middle-ground zone. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red Pro switch is described as polished and silky, offering a refined and exceptionally smooth typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, but the Gold Red Pro switch may be more suitable for users seeking a luxurious and refined feel while typing.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron CJ linear switch stands out for its unique sound profile and mild typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a more distinct auditory and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers versatility in both sound and feel, making it a great choice for users with varying preferences and requirements. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience, but rest assured that both switches are engineered to deliver a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a unique and enjoyable typing experience with a medium bottom out force and higher-pitched sound profile, the Gateron CJ may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value versatility, a seamless typing experience, and a neutral sound signature with an unknown bottom out force, the TTC Gold Red Pro could be the perfect fit for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different needs, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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