Gateron CJ vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing and contrasting mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CJ and the SP-Star Meteor White both fall into the category of linear switches, offering a smooth typing experience. The Gateron CJ is best known for its unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch, characterized by higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White is known for its subdued nature, providing a gentle and easy-to-push typing experience accompanied by a soft pitter-patter sound profile. While the CJ switch is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky', the Meteor White is described as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, offering a pleasant typing experience, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision on which switch would suit you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and the SP-Star Meteor White switches have distinct differences in their housing materials. The CJ switch features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched clacky sound. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound compared to the CJ switch. So, while the CJ switch offers a thinner and higher-pitched sound, the Meteor White switch provides a deeper and fuller typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the CJ switch incorporates a POM material, which produces a unique and pleasing deeper sound. This sound is relatively more muted compared to the Meteor White's nylon bottom housing. The nylon material in the Meteor White switch, being softer and more sound-absorbent compared to harder plastics, creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, the CJ switch offers a deeper yet muted sound, while the Meteor White switch delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile.
Considering the impact of each housing material on the overall sound and feel of the switches, there are differences to note. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become pronounced. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning the POM housing in the CJ switch will contribute to the deeper and muted sound upon pressing. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Thus, the nylon top housing in the Meteor White switch will have a greater impact on the sound profile when the key is lifted. Despite these distinctions, both switches provide satisfying typing experiences with their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, there are some notable differences. The CJ has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the actuation force of the Meteor White is unavailable. However, both switches fall into the medium category.
In terms of bottom out force, the CJ requires 60 grams of force, whereas the Meteor White requires 57 grams. This makes the Meteor White slightly lighter in comparison.
Considerations of weight are important when selecting switches. Those who prefer lighter switches may opt for the Meteor White, as it allows for longer typing periods and is suitable for extensive gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the CJ with its heavier forces.
While the actuation force of the Meteor White is unknown, its bottom out force is only slightly lighter than the CJ. This suggests that individuals looking for a similar typing experience to the CJ may still achieve comparable results with the Meteor White, especially if weight is a significant factor in their decision-making process.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CJ linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm of travel. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches. They offer the same level of tactile feedback and key press depth, ensuring a consistent 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 SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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 stands out for its unique and enjoyable presentation. Typing on these switches produces higher-pitched clacks and a remarkably smooth push feel. This gives the CJ a chirpy sound profile that sets it apart from other linear switches. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a more subdued sound profile. The gentle linear switch is easy to push and produces a soft, pitter-patter sound. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, which means they have a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for both beginners and advanced users. While the CJ is known for its chirpy sound and the Meteor White for its thocky sound, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron CJ and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switches offer a mild typing experience. A mild switch provides a gentle typing feel without any extreme characteristics. This makes the typing experience approachable for most users as it falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Meteor White switch is described as polished, indicating that it has a smooth and refined finish resulting in a sleek typing experience. This could be due to the materials used or factory lubrication, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, the Gateron CJ and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switches have some similarities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches have a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various purposes. They also provide a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable for most users. While the CJ offers a unique chirpy sound and the Meteor White has a more subdued sound with a thocky quality, these differences can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Ultimately, both switches are enjoyable and offer their own unique qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch, the Gateron CJ would be a great choice. With its higher-pitched clacks and impossibly smooth push feel, typing on the CJ will be a pleasant experience. Additionally, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, the CJ's 60-gram rating makes it a medium in terms of force required.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued and gentle typing experience, the SP-Star Meteor White would be a suitable option. With its easy push and soft, pitter-patter sound profile, typing on the Meteor White will be comfortable and quiet. The Meteor White has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is considered medium-light, offering a lighter touch compared to the CJ.
In terms of sound, both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various situations, whether you're a beginner, advanced user, or planning to use the keyboard at home or work. However, the CJ also offers a chirpy option, which has a unique acoustic signature with a little squeak, setting it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Meteor White offers a thocky sound profile, producing a satisfying deep thud when pressed and released.
In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience, providing a gentle and approachable feel to most users. However, the Meteor White has an additional characteristic of being polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish. This reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, when choosing between the Gateron CJ and SP-Star Meteor White linear switches, it boils down to personal preference. Consider whether you prefer a unique and enjoyable switch with a higher-pitched clack and impossibly smooth push feel (CJ), or a more subdued and gentle switch with an easy push and soft sound profile (Meteor White). Additionally, consider factors such as bottom out force and the need for a polished finish. Overall, both switches offer excellent options for a satisfying typing experience.
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