Gateron CJ vs. Gateron Luciola

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CJ and Gateron Luciola both offer unique and appealing features. The CJ switch is renowned for its distinct presentation of a linear switch. Typing on the CJ switch provides a satisfying experience with higher-pitched clacks and an incredibly smooth push feel. Its sound profile is described as "chirpy," "neutral," "mild," "low-pitched," and "thocky." On the other hand, the Luciola switch stands out with its eye-catching feature of glowing in the dark. These switches offer a medium heft and deliver a smooth and bouncy typing feel. Additionally, they produce a distinct sound resembling a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken." Its sound profile is described as "snappy," "clacky," "chirpy," "marbly," "buttery," "high-pitched," and "polished." While these general pointers provide a glimpse into the characteristics of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron CJ Linear

Gateron Luciola Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron CJ and the Gateron Luciola share similar housing materials, with both switches utilizing Gateron's proprietary INK blend for their top housing. This material creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. Therefore, users can expect a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound from both switches when pressing down on the keys. Whether it's typing or gaming, these switches will provide a similar auditory experience.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the CJ features POM (polyoxymethylene) material, while the Luciola uses Gateron's proprietary INK blend. The CJ's POM bottom housing creates a unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted compared to the top housing. This means that when pressing down on the keys, users will feel the impact of the POM bottom housing, which contributes to the deeper and more subdued sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the Luciola's bottom housing does not provide this specific sound profile, as it is made of the same INK blend material as the top housing. Therefore, users can expect a more consistent sound and feel throughout the keystroke with the Luciola.

In summary, although both the Gateron CJ and Gateron Luciola share the same INK blend top housing, their bottom housings differ. The CJ's POM bottom housing creates a distinct deep and muted sound, while the Luciola's INK blend bottom housing maintains a consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the specific sound and feel desired.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role. The CJ switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, both of which are considered medium. Similarly, the Luciola switch boasts an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, also falling within the medium range.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the CJ switch's slightly lower actuation force may provide a more comfortable and effortless keystroke. This can be advantageous when typing for extended periods or engaging in prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Luciola switch requires a slightly heavier push to trigger a keystroke with its 55-gram actuation force. This provides a stronger push feel, potentially appealing to individuals who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience.

Interestingly, while the actuation forces differ slightly between the two switches, their bottom out forces are both listed as 60 grams, indicating a similar resistance when fully depressing the keys. Therefore, if the bottom out force is the main consideration, both the CJ and Luciola switches can produce similar results in terms of the maximum force required for pressing all the way down. Whether one prefers the lighter actuation force of the CJ switch or the slightly heavier actuation force of the Luciola switch, both options offer a medium bottom out force for consistent and reliable typing experiences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, we can see that the CJ has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Luciola has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. 4.0mm is the more traditional travel distance, offering a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Luciola's slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm may be preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and may prefer the CJ's longer travel distance for a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for depth and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron CJ linear switch is best known for its unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch. When typing on the CJ switch, users will hear higher-pitched clacks, giving it a chirpy and distinctive sound profile. The push feel of the CJ switch is impossibly smooth, providing a seamless and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is eye-catching as it glows in the dark. It offers a medium heft and a smooth and bouncy typing feel. The sound profile of the Luciola switch can be described as a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken," giving it a clacky and percussive sound.

In terms of sound, the CJ switch falls under the descriptors of being chirpy, neutral, and possibly low-pitched. It has a unique acoustic signature with a slight squeak and a sound that is moderate in terms of actuation force requirement and profile. On the other hand, the Luciola switch is described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. It produces a sharp and snappy sound, with a resonant and clean quality.

When it comes to feel, the CJ switch is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience. It falls in a safe middle-ground zone, providing an approachable sound and feel to most users. In contrast, the Luciola switch is characterized as snappy, buttery, and polished. It is super responsive, with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs. It also offers reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing sensation.

In conclusion, the Gateron CJ linear switch is known for its unique and enjoyable presentation, with a chirpy sound and impossibly smooth push feel. The Gateron Luciola linear switch, on the other hand, stands out with its eye-catching glow in the dark feature and clacky sound profile. While they differ in certain aspects, such as sound and feel, both switches offer an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience. If you are looking for a distinct sound with an incredibly smooth feel, the CJ switch is an excellent choice. If you prefer a switch with a responsive and buttery typing experience, the Luciola switch would be a great option.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If you value a unique and enjoyable typing experience with higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel, the CJ switch would be a great option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for eye-catching switches that glow in the dark, along with a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a hollow sound profile similar to a can of spray paint being shaken, the Luciola switch would be a better fit.

In terms of sound, the CJ switch offers a variety of options including chirpy, neutral, low-pitched, and thocky. If you prefer a switch with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes, the CJ switch in neutral would be a good choice. If you enjoy a more bass-heavy and mellow sound, the low-pitched option would be suitable. Conversely, if you appreciate a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressing a key, the thocky option would be preferred.

For the Luciola switch, the sound options include clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. If you like a switch that produces crisp, bright, and percussive sounds when typing, the clacky option would be ideal. Additionally, if you enjoy switches with a unique chirpy sound, the chirpy option is available. Alternatively, if you prefer switches with a resonant, high-pitched, and clean sound, the marbly option would be suitable. Lastly, if you prefer sharp and crisp sounds when pressing keys, the high-pitched option is available.

When considering the feel of the switches, the CJ switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a more gentle and approachable feel. This makes it suitable for most users as its qualities fall within a safe middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Luciola switch offers a range of sensations including snappy, buttery, and polished. If a more responsive and lively typing experience is important to you, the snappy option would be a good fit. If you prefer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, the buttery option is ideal. Lastly, if a sleek and refined typing experience is desired, the polished option would be the best choice.

Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch depends on your personal preferences in terms of typing experience, sound profile, and feel. Consider what qualities are most important to you and choose the switch that aligns with those preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CJ Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more