Gateron CJ vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Gateron CJ and the Durock Ice King Linear mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches that offer their own unique features and qualities. The Gateron CJ is praised for its high-pitched clacks and smooth push feel, while the Durock Ice King Linear boasts a silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and factory lube. The CJ switch is described as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky', whereas the Ice King Linear is characterized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Polished'. Choosing between these switches will ultimately come down to personal preference and typing style. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CJ and the Durock Ice King Linear, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their top and bottom housing materials. The CJ's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a thin and higher-pitched sound, while the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in sound profile can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users, depending on their preference for sound.
On the bottom housing end, the CJ's POM housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Ice King Linear's nylon bottom housing also elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Despite both switches utilizing different materials for the bottom housing, they both offer a similar deeper sound profile. This similarity may make it difficult for users to distinguish between the two switches based solely on bottom housing material when it comes to sound preference.
Ultimately, the differences in sound profiles between the Gateron CJ and the Durock Ice King Linear can be attributed to their top housing materials. While the CJ's INK blend top housing produces a clacky and relatively high-pitched sound, the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing offers a rounder and fuller sound. These contrasting sound profiles highlight the impact of top housing materials on the overall typing experience, making it crucial for users to consider their sound preferences when selecting a switch.
Weight
The Gateron CJ linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch have similar actuation and bottom out forces, with the Ice King being slightly heavier at 52 grams actuation force and 62 grams bottom out force compared to the CJ's 50 grams actuation force and 60 grams bottom out force. Both switches fall under the medium weight category, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions may lean towards the CJ, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke may prefer the slightly heavier Ice King. In terms of actuation and bottom out forces, users can expect similar results from both switches, ensuring a consistent typing experience regardless of their choice.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer than the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Durock Ice King Linear switch. In terms of travel distance, the Ice King Linear switch provides a slightly shorter keystroke compared to the CJ linear switch. This means that users may experience a slightly faster response time with the Ice King Linear switch due to its shorter travel distance. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Ice King Linear switch to feel abrupt, while others may prefer the more traditional depth of the CJ linear switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key 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 Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 is known for its chirpy and neutral sound profile, giving a unique acoustic experience that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a more subdued sound, providing a dampened and subtle sound signature. Depending on your preference, the CJ switch may offer a higher-pitched and lively typing sound, while the Ice King Linear switch gives a more muted and refined typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron CJ linear switch is described as providing a mild and gentle typing experience, making it approachable to most users with its safe middle-ground qualities. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing sensation, enhancing the overall smoothness and fluidity of key presses. Whether you prefer a more subtle and mild typing feel or a buttery smooth and frictionless experience, both switches offer different qualities in terms of typing comfort.
In conclusion, the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch provide unique qualities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a chirpy and neutral sound with a mild typing feel, the CJ switch may be the one for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and more silky typing experience with frictionless and creamy qualities, the Ice King Linear switch could be the better choice. Ultimately, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, and depending on your preferences, you can achieve similar results with either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing experience. If you enjoy a unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch with higher-pitched clacks and impossibly smooth push feel, then the Gateron CJ may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth typing experience with full nylon construction and generous factory lube, the Durock Ice King Linear switch may be more suitable. Consider the sound profile and feel descriptors of each switch to determine which aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium bottom out force and have their own distinct characteristics, so carefully evaluate these factors to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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