Gateron CJ vs. Jerrzi Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Jerrzi Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron CJ and Jerrzi Orange are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The CJ is praised for its higher-pitched clacks and impossibly smooth push feel, giving it a 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', 'Thocky' categorization. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange stands out for its lightweight feel and crisp, audible feedback, making it a 'Feathery', 'Easy-to-press', 'Subdued', 'Clacky' switch. While the CJ offers a more unique and enjoyable typing experience, the Orange provides a lively and responsive feedback. 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
37g
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and the Jerrzi Orange both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The CJ's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, while the Orange's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The CJ's POM bottom housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, whereas the Orange's nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches showcase the impact that housing materials have on the overall typing experience.
In terms of sound, the Gateron CJ with its INK blend top housing provides a slightly high-pitched yet not overly sharp sound, while the Jerrzi Orange's polycarbonate top housing creates a higher-pitched and clearer sound. On the other hand, the CJ's POM bottom housing delivers a unique and pleasing sound on the deeper side, while the Orange's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. These differences in sound reveal the distinct characteristics that each housing material brings to the table.
When it comes to the impact on typing feel, the housing materials of the Gateron CJ and Jerrzi Orange play a role in the overall experience. The bottom housing of a switch has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, with the CJ's POM housing providing a muted feel and the Orange's nylon housing offering a rounder sensation. Conversely, the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key, with the CJ's INK blend and the Orange's polycarbonate contributing to their unique sound profiles. Despite these differences, both switches showcase the significance of housing materials in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, it is evident that the CJ switch is heavier than the Orange switch. The CJ switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Orange switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force that is unknown. The CJ switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its higher force requirements, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the lighter actuation force of the Orange switch may appeal to individuals who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Orange linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The CJ linear switch offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper keypress feel, which some users may find more satisfying. On the other hand, the Orange linear switch's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times and a more rapid keypress experience. Both switches offer their own unique advantages and cater to different preferences in terms of keypress feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and keypress sensation.
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 Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $2.30.
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 is known for its chirpy and neutral profile, providing a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange switch offers a clacky sound, producing sharp and snappy feedback with each keystroke. Both switches have distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the CJ offering a higher-pitched clack and the Orange delivering a crisp and audible feedback.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CJ switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange switch is characterized as feathery and easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a light typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. While both switches offer smooth linear actuation, the CJ provides a more approachable typing feel, whereas the Orange offers a lightweight and responsive touch ideal for extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch each offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CJ provides a higher-pitched and chirpy sound with a mild typing experience, while the Orange delivers a clacky feedback with a feathery and easy-to-press feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, both switches can provide satisfying results with their distinct characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, consider your typing preferences and priorities. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a unique, smooth typing experience with higher-pitched clacks, the CJ switch might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky switch with a lightweight feel, crisp feedback, and a lively typing experience, the Orange switch could be the right fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the sound and feel characteristics that align with your personal preferences and typing style. Happy typing!
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