Gateron CJ vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron CJ and the Outemu Lime are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features and experiences. The CJ is a linear switch that stands out for its unique and enjoyable presentation. When typing on the CJ switch, users can expect higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. Categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky', the CJ offers a satisfying linear experience. On the other hand, the Lime switch from Outemu is a tactile switch known for its lightweight nature and approachable tactility. The Lime switches are perfect for tactile fans who desire a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', the Lime delivers a unique tactile experience. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 Outemu Lime differ in their housing materials. The CJ features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. It offers a satisfying thin and clacky sound. On the other hand, the Lime utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. While both switches provide distinct sound profiles, the CJ offers a sharper, clacky sound, while the Lime produces a deeper, fuller tone.
In terms of bottom housings, the CJ incorporates a POM bottom housing, which contributes to a pleasing and unique sound. It produces a deeper sound profile that is relatively more muted. In contrast, the Lime utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which, similar to its top housing, elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. Both switches offer different qualities in their bottom housings, with the CJ providing a deeper, more muted sound, while the Lime offers a fuller sound profile.
When considering the overall sound and feel of each switch, it is important to note that the top and bottom housings play a significant role. The CJ's top housing contributes more to the sound when you let go of a key, providing a distinctive and clacky sound. On the other hand, the Lime's nylon top housing adds to the overall sound profile, creating a deeper and fuller tone. Additionally, the bottom housing of each switch affects the bottom-out sound and feel. The CJ's POM bottom housing adds to the switch's deeper, more muted sound, while the Lime's nylon bottom housing enhances its fuller sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique qualities and sound experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The CJ switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Lime switch requires a lighter touch at 35 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the CJ switch measures 60 grams, while the Lime switch has a lower bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the CJ switch provides a slightly stronger push feel, making it more suitable for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Lime switch offers a lighter actuation force, which is preferred by individuals who value extended typing sessions without feeling fatigued. Both switches fall into the medium weight category, but the CJ switch leans towards the heavier side in comparison to the Lime switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it is clear that the CJ has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Lime has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The CJ's 4.0 mm travel distance is more in line with the traditional standard, while the Lime's 3.3 mm travel distance is shallower. Shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. For those seeking quicker and more responsive keystrokes, the Lime would be the preferable choice with its shorter travel distance. However, it is important to note that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance, such as the CJ, which offers a more substantial depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and desired 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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 offers a unique and enjoyable experience with higher-pitched clacks. They have a chirpy sound that sets them apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime tactile switch produces a softer and quieter sound. They are classified as muted switches, which minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Overall, the CJ switch provides a more distinct and higher-pitched sound, while the Lime switch offers a more muted and quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch are described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience. They stand in a safe middle-ground zone, ensuring that the sound and feel are approachable to most users. The Lime switch, however, offers some additional qualities. It is exceptionally light to press, making it feathery and reducing finger fatigue. The subtle resistance and lack of resonance in its sound signature also make it suitable for shared spaces. The CJ switch, on the other hand, is known for its impossibly smooth push feel, providing a unique tactile experience.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities. The CJ switch offers higher-pitched clacks, a smooth push feel, and a chirpy sound, making it a unique and enjoyable linear switch. On the other hand, the Lime switch provides an approachable tactile experience, with a feathery light typing feel, muted sound, and suitability for shared spaces. If you are looking for a linear switch with a higher pitch and unique acoustic signature, the CJ switch would be a great choice. If you prefer a tactile switch with a light and gentle typing feel, along with a quieter sound profile, the Lime switch would be more suitable. Remember that the overall sound and feel of a switch are also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a unique and enjoyable linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Gateron CJ would be a great choice for you. With its higher-pitched clacks and incredibly smooth push feel, typing on the CJ switches is a delight. Additionally, the CJ switches offer a variety of sound profiles including chirpy, neutral, low-pitched, and thocky, allowing you to find the perfect auditory experience for your preference. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight switch with a light bottom out force, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is the way to go. These switches provide a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility, making them perfect for tactile fans who crave a gentle typing feel. The Lime switches also offer a muted sound profile, minimizing noise and creating a more peaceful environment. Ultimately, the choice between the CJ and Lime switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches and your desired typing experience. Both switches have their own unique features and qualities, allowing you to find the perfect match for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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