Gateron CJ vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Gateron CJ and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream. The Gateron CJ is a linear switch that offers a unique and enjoyable typing experience. Typing on these switches results in higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. Categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky', the CJ switch provides a distinct auditory and tactile experience. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream is also a linear switch but offers a different typing experience. These switches have a hefty feel to them, providing a deep sound profile, although not overly so. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', 'Resonant', and 'Invigorating', the Cream switches offer a satisfying typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CJ and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream differ in their sound profiles. The CJ's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, resulting in a satisfying thin and clacky sound. In contrast, the Cream's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. This distinction in sound profile can greatly impact the typing experience, with the CJ providing a more sharp and pronounced click, while the Cream offers a quieter and more subtle sound upon key release.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the CJ and the Cream utilize POM material. As a result, they share the same qualities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches produce a pleasing and unique sound profile with deeper tones and a relatively more muted sound. The POM bottom housing contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a consistent experience across the two switches. Therefore, if you're specifically looking for a deep and muted sound, both the CJ and the Cream will deliver similar results.
It's important to note that the housing materials, whether top or bottom, plays a vital role in the overall sound signature of a switch. The CJ's INK blend top housing introduces a clacky and higher-pitched sound upon key release, providing a distinct auditory feedback. In contrast, the Cream's POM top housing offers a more subdued and less sharp sound when you let go of a key. Consequently, the choice between the CJ and the Cream depends on the specific sound profile you prefer and the level of auditory feedback you desire.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, there are some notable differences. The CJ has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, while the NovelKeys Cream requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams. Similarly, the CJ has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, while the NovelKeys Cream has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams.
In terms of weight, some individuals may prefer the CJ switch due to its lighter actuation and bottom out forces. This lighter feel can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions as it reduces fatigue on the fingers. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier forces. This can be preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push feel when typing.
Overall, the CJ and NovelKeys Cream switches offer different weight options to cater to individual preferences. The CJ provides a lighter typing experience, while the NovelKeys Cream offers a heavier and more substantial feel. However, it is important to note that both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, so users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel. The two switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, allowing for 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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
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 and Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switches offer different experiences. The CJ switch is best described as chirpy, with a higher-pitched clack that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Cream switch has a fairly deep sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, but the CJ is chirpier while the Cream is more resonant. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CJ is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. The CJ switch provides an impossibly smooth push feel, making it enjoyable to type on. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This switch offers a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. While the CJ switch aims for a milder feel, the Cream switch delivers a more invigorating and satisfying feedback.
Looking at all the available information, the Gateron CJ and Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switches have distinct subjective qualities. The CJ switch offers a unique and enjoyable linear switch experience, with higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Cream switch provides a heftier linear typing experience, with a fairly deep sound profile and a buttery smooth keystroke. While they differ in sound and feel, both switches deliver desirable qualities that cater to different preferences. If you are seeking a chirpy switch with a mild feel, the CJ switch would be a great choice. If you prefer a deeper and more invigorating typing experience with a smooth keystroke, the Cream switch is a suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a unique and enjoyable linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Gateron CJ switch is a great choice. Typing on the CJ switch provides a smooth push feel and higher-pitched clacks, giving it a distinctive and satisfying sound profile. The CJ switch is described as a chirpy switch, which sets it apart from others with its unique acoustic signature. Additionally, the CJ switch offers a mild typing experience, making it approachable to most users.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a heftier linear typing experience, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch is worth considering. Typing on the Cream switch offers a fairly deep sound profile, creating a clean and sharp auditory experience. The Cream switch is described as having a low-pitched sound, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone. It is also known for its buttery smooth keystroke experience, offering a seamless and uniform feeling while typing.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a unique and chirpy sound with a medium bottom out force and a mild typing experience, the Gateron CJ switch may be the better option. However, if you prefer a low-pitched sound with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch might be more suitable for you. Consider your preferences and choose accordingly to enhance your typing experience.
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