Gateron CJ vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron CJ, a linear switch, and the Durock Light Tactile, a tactile switch. The CJ is best known for its unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch. With higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel, typing on CJ switches is a delightful experience. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch from Durock stands out for its gentle tactility, which offers a welcome contrast to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. The angelic tactility and jelly-like sound signature of the Light Tactile switch make typing on it a pleasant and satisfying experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on which switch suits you the best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and the Durock Light Tactile differ in their choice of housing materials, leading to distinct sound profiles. The CJ's proprietary INK blend top housing creates a clacky and relatively high-pitched sound. In comparison, the Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. While both materials offer a thin and higher-pitched sound, the polycarbonate gives the Light Tactile a more resonant and defined tone. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a sharper and clearer sound, the Light Tactile with its polycarbonate top housing would be a suitable choice.
Moving to the bottom housing, the CJ employs a POM material, resulting in a deeper and relatively muted sound. Conversely, the Light Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of the nylon absorbs more sound, giving the Light Tactile a rounder and duller tone. If you enjoy a switch with a deeper and more rounded sound, the Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing would be a better option compared to the CJ's POM housing.
It is worth noting that the qualities brought by the top and bottom housings differ in their impact on the switch experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. If you seek a switch that offers specific characteristics during key press or release, considering the impact of each housing material will be essential. However, if you desire similar results in terms of sound and feel, both the CJ and Light Tactile can provide satisfying typing experiences with their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. Firstly, the CJ has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Light Tactile requires 52 grams for actuation. This slight variation means that the Light Tactile switch requires a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the CJ has a bottom out force of 60 grams, whereas the Light Tactile has a bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Light Tactile switch has a heavier force required for the keys to fully depress.
In terms of weight, the CJ is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Light Tactile. This lighter weight may be preferred by individuals who tend to type for extended periods, as it allows for more comfortable and less fatiguing typing experience. It is also suitable for gaming sessions where quick and light keystrokes are desirable.
On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch offers a stronger push feel due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This can provide a more substantial typing experience for individuals who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback while typing.
Overall, while both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, the Light Tactile switch requires slightly more force for actuation and significantly more force for bottoming out compared to the CJ switch. Depending on individual preferences and typing habits, users can choose between the lighter and more responsive CJ switch or the heavier and more tactile Light Tactile switch for their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. So, in terms of travel distance, both switches provide a similar experience. When pressing down on a key, users will feel the same distance of travel regardless of whether they are using the CJ or Light Tactile switch. The travel distance of 4 mm is consistent for both switches.
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 Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 offers a unique and enjoyable experience. Typing on these switches produces higher-pitched clacks and a smooth push feel. The sound can be described as chirpy, with a slightly squeaky acoustic signature. This sets the CJ apart from other switches and adds to its overall appeal. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a jelly-like sound signature. It has a gentle tactility that contrasts with sharper tactile switches in the market. The sound produced is described as neutral, which means it has a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, both the CJ and Light Tactile switches offer a mild typing experience. The CJ switch provides a gentle typing experience, with a sound and feel that are approachable to most users. It falls into a safe middle-ground zone, offering a moderate actuation force requirement. Similarly, the Light Tactile switch also provides a mild typing experience. It offers a polished feel, which indicates a smooth and refined finish resulting in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used or factory lubing, reducing friction and providing smooth key travel.
Considering the available information, the Gateron CJ linear switch stands out for its unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch. It offers higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel, giving it a distinctive sound and feel. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a gentle tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. Both switches have a mild typing experience, falling in the safe middle-ground zone. While the CJ switch has a chirpy sound signature, the Light Tactile has a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile switch, it all comes down to personal preferences and priorities. If you are looking for a unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch, with higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel, the CJ switch is the one for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a super gentle tactility, with an angelic feel and a jelly-like sound signature, the Light Tactile switch from Durock is the better choice.
In terms of sound, the CJ switch offers a range of options, including chirpy, neutral, low-pitched, and thocky, while the Light Tactile switch is characterized as neutral. So if you are looking for a switch with a specific sound profile, the CJ switch provides more variety.
In terms of feel, both switches are described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience. However, the Light Tactile switch is also described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel. So if you prioritize a sleek typing experience, the Light Tactile switch may be more suitable for you.
Ultimately, it is important to consider your personal preferences and priorities when choosing between these two switches. Both the Gateron CJ and the Durock Light Tactile switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Take the time to try them out and see which one resonates with you the most. Happy typing!
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