Gateron CJ vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up are the Gateron CJ and the Durock Lupine, both of which are linear switches. The Gateron CJ is best known for its unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch. Typing on the CJ, you will experience higher-pitched clacks and a remarkably smooth push feel. This switch falls into the categories of being chirpy, neutral, mild, low-pitched, and thocky. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine stands out for its two-stage long springs, providing a delightful typing experience. When pressing down, you will feel a consistent weight distribution, while the rebound offers a more powerful upward movement. Additionally, the Lupine produces a classic clacky sound profile. Its categorized characteristics include being neutral, mild, high-pitched, and polished. Determining the ideal switch for you goes beyond these generalities, so let's dive deeper into their qualities to help you make the best decision.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CJ and the Durock Lupine differ significantly in terms of sound profile. The CJ's proprietary INK blend top housing creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. In contrast, the Lupine's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a thin, clear, and clacky sound, the CJ would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a sharper and crisper sound, the Lupine with its polycarbonate top housing would be more suitable.
In terms of bottom housing, the CJ utilizes POM (polyoxymethylene) which creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Lupine uses nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM housing of the CJ. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a deeper and fuller sound, the Lupine's nylon bottom housing would be a better choice. However, if you enjoy a switch with a relatively muted sound, the CJ's POM bottom housing would provide the desired effect.
When considering the overall sound of a switch, it is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials play distinct roles. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when the key is released. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a specific sound profile, it is advisable to consider both the top and bottom housing materials. In the case of the CJ and the Lupine, the difference in their housing materials ensures distinct sound profiles, allowing users to choose the one that aligns with their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The actuation force of the CJ switch is 50 grams, providing a medium level of resistance needed to initiate a keystroke. In comparison, the Lupine switch does not have the exact measurement for its actuation force available. Moving on to the bottom out force, the CJ switch requires 60 grams to fully press down, again falling into the medium force category. On the other hand, the Lupine switch has a slightly higher bottom out force of 62 grams, maintaining the medium level. Overall, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring comfortable usage for extended periods of time. However, it is worth noting that while the force levels are quite similar, the Lupine switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the CJ switch. It is important to consider the weight of the switch you prefer, as a lighter option allows for longer typing sessions, ideal for work or gaming, while a heavier force may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer more resistance.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both of these distances fall within the range of traditional switch travel distances. The CJ's 4.0 mm travel distance offers a more traditional and slightly deeper feel, whereas the Lupine's 3.7 mm travel distance is slightly shallower. This can make a noticeable difference in the typing or gaming experience. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, so the Lupine may be a preferred option for them. However, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the CJ with its longer travel distance would be the better choice. Overall, the travel distance of these switches offers different tactile experiences and caters to individual preferences, so choosing between them relies on personal preference.
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 Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron CJ linear switch offers a unique and enjoyable experience. Typing on these switches produces higher-pitched clacks, giving them a chirpy sound profile. This distinct acoustic signature sets them apart from other linear switches. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine switch provides a classic clacky sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, creating a high-pitched tone. If you prefer a more bass-heavy and mellow sound, the CJ would be the better choice. However, if you enjoy a sharper and more crisp sound, the Lupine would be more suitable. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron CJ and Durock Lupine switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that they provide a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The qualities of these switches lie in a safe middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users. Additionally, the Lupine switch is described as polished, which indicates a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. It is unclear if the CJ switch has similar polished qualities.
Overall, both the Gateron CJ and Durock Lupine switches offer enjoyable linear switch experiences. While the CJ switch has a unique chirpy sound profile and a smooth push feel, the Lupine switch provides a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. In terms of sound, the CJ switch leans towards a chirpy and possibly low-pitched tone, while the Lupine switch offers a classic clacky sound with a high-pitched tone. The feel of both switches is described as mild, ensuring a gentle typing experience. If you prefer a more mellow sound and are intrigued by a smooth push feel, the CJ switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you appreciate a sharper sound and a powerful upward movement, the Lupine switch would suit you well. Ultimately, it is important to consider personal preferences and the overall aesthetics of your keyboard setup when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and enjoyable typing experience with a higher-pitched clacky sound and an impossibly smooth push feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a two-stage long spring that offers a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound, along with a classic clacky sound profile, then the Durock Lupine linear switch is your best choice.
When it comes to sound, the CJ switch offers a chirpy and neutral sound profile, with the possibility of a low-pitched or thocky sound. On the other hand, the Lupine switch provides a neutral sound profile or a high-pitched sharp and crisp sound. So, if you prefer a switch with more bass-heavy and mellow tones, the CJ switch is a good match, while if you like a sharper and crisper sound, the Lupine switch is the one for you.
In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. However, the Lupine switch also offers a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel, which can enhance the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel. Both switches have their unique qualities and can provide an enjoyable typing experience. Consider your priorities for sound and feel, and choose the switch that aligns with your preferences. Happy typing!
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