Gateron CJ vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a wide variety of options available, each offering a unique typing experience. Two switches that stand out are the Gateron CJ, a linear switch, and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade), a tactile switch. The Gateron CJ is renowned for its smooth and enjoyable linear feel, with a higher-pitched clack and a satisfyingly smooth push. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) stands out with its sharp tactile feel, providing a rare and premium typing experience. It features a strong downstroke tactile bump, but what sets it apart is the even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation. While these general descriptions may give you an idea of what to expect, let's dive deeper into their characteristics to help you make the best decision for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) differ in terms of their housing materials. The CJ features a proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This results in a satisfying clacky sound that is not overly sharp. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has a PBT top housing, which offers a neutral sound profile. While it is not very crisp, it is also not dull. Both housing materials provide distinct sound characteristics, with the CJ offering a more unique and higher-pitched sound compared to the Moyu.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Gateron CJ utilizes a POM material. The POM housing contributes to the switch's overall sound profile by creating a deeper and more muted sound. This unique sound adds to the overall satisfaction when using the CJ switch. Conversely, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) utilizes a PBT bottom housing, which again offers a neutral sound profile. The PBT material does not have a significant impact on the switch's sound and feel but instead provides a stable and reliable foundation.
When it comes to the overall feel of the switch, the bottom housing plays a crucial role. The qualities of the bottom housing can be felt when pressing down on the switch, particularly influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the top housing is responsible for the sound when releasing a key. While the CJ and Moyu switches have different housing materials for their top and bottom, they both provide unique sound profiles that enhance the typing experience. Whether it's the clacky and higher-pitched sound of the INK blend top housing or the neutral sound of the PBT material, both switches offer satisfying auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, it can be observed that both switches have an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a similar experience in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the differences become apparent. The CJ requires a force of 60 grams to fully press down, indicating a medium pressure level, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) necessitates a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gateron CJ might be the preferred choice, as its bottom out force is lighter than that of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade). This allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, perfect for work purposes or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial push feel and a tactile typing experience might opt for the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) due to its higher bottom out force. This heavier force provides a more pronounced typing sensation, appealing to those who desire a stronger tactile feedback.
Overall, the actuation force of both switches remains the same, resulting in similar results when it comes to triggering a keystroke. However, the difference lies in the bottom out force, with the CJ being lighter and the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) being heavier, catering to the specific preferences of individuals for typing or gaming purposes.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key fitted with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a satisfying amount of travel, allowing for a comfortable typing or gaming experience. Regardless of whether you choose the CJ or the Moyu Black, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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
The Gateron CJ linear switch is best known for its unique and enjoyable presentation of what a linear switch can be. When typing on them, users will hear higher-pitched clacks and experience an impossibly smooth push feel. These switches can be described as chirpy, which means they have a little squeak to them, setting them apart from other switches. The CJ is also considered neutral, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes. The sound produced by the CJ switch can be described as low-pitched, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Overall, the CJ offers a distinctive sound profile that is enjoyable to typists.
On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch offers a sharp tactile feel. These switches feature a unique blend of PBT top and bottom housing, providing a rare and premium typing experience. The Moyu Blacks have a strong downstroke tactile bump, but what sets them apart is the even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation. When typing, the downstroke bump produces a satisfyingly sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound. This switch can be described as resonant, offering a higher-pitched sound profile and an immersive auditory experience. The sound profile is clean and sharp, providing users with a distinct typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CJ switch offers a mild typing experience. The switch falls into a safe, middle-ground zone, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This mild feel ensures that the sound and feel of the switch are approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black tactile switch is accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. These switches have a sharp tactile bump that is strong and crisp, providing high feedback intensity with each keypress. The Moyu Black switch delivers a distinctive and impactful typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The CJ provides a unique and enjoyable linear switch experience with chirpy sound and a mild feel. On the other hand, the Moyu Black offers a sharp tactile feel with a resonant sound and an accented, sharp tactile bump. Both switches provide distinctive typing experiences that cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a linear switch with a unique sound and smooth feel, the CJ is a great choice. If you prefer a tactile switch with a sharp tactile bump and resonant sound, the Moyu Black is the way to go.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and enjoyable linear switch experience, then the Gateron CJ would be a great choice for you. With its medium bottom out force and higher-pitched clacks, typing on the CJ will provide a smooth and satisfying push feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp and tactile switch, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is the way to go. With its medium-heavy bottom out force and strong downstroke and upstroke bumps, typing on the Moyu Blacks will offer a distinctive and impactful typing experience. Additionally, the Moyu Blacks feature a sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound on the downstroke, creating an immersive auditory experience. So, when it comes to sound and feel, while the CJ provides a more chirpy and neutral sound, the Moyu Blacks offer a resonant and higher-pitched sound profile. In terms of feel, the CJ provides a mild and approachable typing experience, whereas the Moyu Blacks have an accented and sharp tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preference for linear or tactile switches and the specific sound and feel you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard.
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