Gateron CJ vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron CJ and the Gazzew LT are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features for keyboard enthusiasts. The CJ is known for its unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch, providing higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. Categorized as "Chirpy", "Neutral", "Mild", "Low-pitched", and "Thocky", the CJ switch offers a satisfying typing experience with its combination of sound and feel. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT stands out with its enticing lilac hue and auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness. Categorized as "Bassy", "Thocky", and "Low-pitched", the LT switches offer a seamless glide with every keystroke. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and the Gazzew LT differ in their housing materials, which ultimately contribute to variations in sound profiles. The CJ features a proprietary INK blend top housing known for its pointed and high-pitched sound. On the other hand, the LT incorporates a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," which produces a rich and deep sound due to its softness. While both provide unique characteristics, the CJ's top housing tends to offer a thinner and clacky sound, while the LT's top housing delivers a deeper and more resonant tone.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials also differ between the two switches. The CJ utilizes a POM bottom housing, resulting in an incredibly pleasing and distinct sound profile. The POM housing leans towards the deeper end of the sound spectrum, providing a relatively more muted tone. Conversely, the LT employs Gazzew's proprietary blend for its bottom housing, which is also referred to as "boba plastic." Known for its softness, this material delivers a rich and deep sound profile. Both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed down.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on sound, the CJ and LT exhibit slight differences. The CJ's sound is more influenced by the top housing when a key is released, amplifying the clacky sound characteristics. The LT, on the other hand, may have a greater impact on the sound when a key is let go, enhancing the resonance and depth due to its soft top housing material. Despite these distinctions, both switches provide satisfying auditory experiences and demonstrate the unique qualities their respective housing materials bring.
In conclusion, the Gateron CJ and the Gazzew LT present contrasting features in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The CJ's INK blend top housing produces a clacky and higher-pitched sound, while the LT's Gazzew blend top housing offers a deep and resonant tone. Similarly, the CJ's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and more muted sound, while the LT's Gazzew blend bottom housing enhances richness and depth. Although the impact of the top and bottom housings slightly differs, both switches guarantee a pleasing auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, some similarities and differences can be observed. The actuation force of the CJ switch is 50 grams, while the LT switch's actuation force is unknown. Both switches have a medium level of actuation force, meaning that they require a moderate amount of force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the CJ switch is 60 grams, while the LT switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier.
Considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch like the CJ switch as it allows for longer typing sessions and is ideal for bringing to work or extended gaming sessions. For those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the heavier bottom out force of the LT switch might be more suitable. Overall, while the actuation forces of the two switches differ in weight, they both offer a similar medium level of actuation force, ensuring a consistent typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, it is evident that there is a difference in their distance. The CJ has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the LT has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. The 4.0mm travel distance of the CJ is more in line with the traditional standard, providing a deeper press that some users may prefer. On the other hand, the 3.2mm travel distance of the LT offers a shallower press which can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether one prioritizes a deeper press or a quicker reaction. However, it is important to note that both switches provide similar results in their function of registering keystrokes.
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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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 and an impossibly smooth push feel. This gives it a chirpy and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch provides a different auditory sensation with its deep and resonant thockiness. These switches have a bass-heavy and mellow tone, giving them a low-pitched and thocky sound profile. Both switches offer satisfying sounds, but the CJ is more known for its chirpy and higher-pitched clacks, while the LT is praised for its deep and resonant thockiness.
When it comes to feel, the information on the Gateron CJ linear switch describes it as offering a mild typing experience. This means it provides a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Unfortunately, information on the Gazzew LT linear switch's tactile qualities is not available.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Gateron CJ linear switch and Gazzew LT linear switch differ in terms of their sound qualities. The CJ is known for its higher-pitched clacks and smooth push feel, delivering a unique and enjoyable experience. Meanwhile, the LT offers a deep and resonant thockiness, creating an auditory symphony of thocky sounds. Both switches have low-pitched characteristics, but the CJ has a chirpy sound while the LT has a bass-heavy tone. As for their feel, the CJ is described as providing a mild typing experience, while information about the LT is unknown. It's important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you're looking for a unique linear switch with higher-pitched clacks and smooth feel, the Gateron CJ is a great choice. If you prefer a deep and resonant thockiness with a bass-heavy tone, the Gazzew LT is worth considering.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering which switch to choose between the Gateron CJ linear and the Gazzew LT linear, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and priorities. The CJ switch is best known for its unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch, providing higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. It has a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. The CJ switch offers a chirpy, neutral, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile. In terms of feel, it is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience.
On the other hand, the LT switch stands out with its enticing lilac hue and auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness. It has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, giving it a medium-heavy feel. The LT switch provides a seamless glide with every keystroke and offers a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile. However, it does not have a specific feel descriptor.
In summary, if you prioritize a unique and enjoyable typing experience with higher-pitched clacks, smooth push feel, and a moderate bottom out force, the Gateron CJ linear switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a deep, resonant thockiness and a slightly heavier keystroke with a lilac-colored aesthetic, the Gazzew LT linear switch could be more suitable. Take into consideration the sound and feel profiles described for each switch to align with your personal preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to the specific qualities you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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