Gateron CJ vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CJ and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 stand out for their unique characteristics. The CJ is praised for its smooth push feel and higher-pitched clacks, providing an enjoyable typing experience with a touch of chirpiness. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a clacky sound signature and a silky typing experience, with the added bonus of a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. While the CJ is described as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', and 'Mild', the Lightning Silver V3 is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Silky'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Overall, both the Gateron CJ and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The CJ's combination of an INK blend top housing and a POM bottom housing results in a fine balance between a slightly high-pitched clacky sound and a deeper, more muted tone. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate top and bottom housings create a sharper and crisper sound profile with a clear and resonant quality. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for sound and feel.
In terms of aesthetics, the Gateron CJ and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches differ in their use of housing materials. The CJ's POM bottom housing is not translucent, while the INK blend top housing features a clear design that is visually appealing for those interested in showcasing RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate top and bottom housings both offer a transparent look that allows for vibrant lighting effects to shine through. Whether you prefer a more subtle or eye-catching switch design, both options cater to different preferences in terms of appearance.
While the Gateron CJ and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches vary in their housing materials, both options deliver satisfying typing experiences. The CJ's unique blend of materials provides a balance between high-pitched clackiness and deeper tones, while the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate construction offers a sharp and clear sound profile. Whether you prioritize sound, aesthetics, or both, these switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and visual appeal.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, both switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a similar experience in terms of how much force is needed to fully press the key. However, the Gateron CJ has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3's 48 grams, making the CJ feel slightly heavier when initially pressing the key. This difference in actuation force may result in a slightly more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Overall, the weight difference between the two switches is minimal, so users can expect a relatively similar feel when typing on either switch.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Lightning Silver V3 the shorter option compared to the CJ. The shorter travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the CJ with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer deeper key presses. Both switches offer a different feel due to their varying travel distances, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prioritize speed or depth in your typing experience.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 chirpy and slightly higher-pitched sound, giving them a unique acoustic signature that sets them apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, creating a sharp and crisp auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the CJ being more chirpy and the Lightning Silver V3 more clacky.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch provides a mild typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone, offering a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offers a silky smooth typing experience, enhancing overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches provide a different tactile feel, with the CJ being more mild and the Lightning Silver V3 being smoother.
Overall, the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offer unique and enjoyable experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the CJ provides a chirpy and mild sound with a smooth push feel, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a clacky sound and silky typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are excellent options for those looking for quality linear switches with distinctive qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron CJ linear switch or the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. If you enjoy a higher-pitched and clacky sound with a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination, then the Lightning Silver V3 may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique and smooth push feel with higher-pitched clacks, then the CJ switch could be the perfect fit. Consider your typing preferences and whether you prioritize sound or feel when making your decision. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, so choose based on what aligns best with your preferences and needs in a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what will enhance your typing experience the most.
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