Gateron CJ vs. KTT Orange

Overview

The Gateron CJ and KTT Orange are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for users. The CJ is a linear switch that stands out with its higher-pitched clacks and incredibly smooth push feel. It falls under categories such as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky', providing a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch is also a linear switch but boasts a 22mm long spring, offering a bouncy type feel. With its polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vivid orange nylon bottom housing, these switches provide not only a slick and frictionless typing experience but also a low-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the factory-lubing ensures refined, fluid key travel, minimizing friction and maximizing smoothness. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help determine the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron CJ Linear

KTT Orange Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron CJ and the KTT Orange have distinct differences in their housing materials. The CJ features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. It is said to have a satisfying thin and clacky sound. On the other hand, the Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, resulting in a clearer and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the Orange's translucent polycarbonate top housing is useful for RGB lighting, offering aesthetic benefits.

In terms of the bottom housing, the CJ incorporates a POM material. This creates a unique and deep sound profile that is relatively muted. In contrast, the Orange also utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing. Similar to its top housing, this results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed.

While these two switches have different housing materials for their top and bottom, it is important to note that the qualities each material brings to the switch will be split between the two. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both the CJ and the Orange offer unique and satisfying sound profiles based on the combination of their respective housing materials.

Overall, the Gateron CJ and the KTT Orange showcase distinct characteristics due to their different housing materials. The CJ's INK blend top housing allows for a pointed, clacky sound, while the POM bottom housing contributes to a deep and muted sound profile. In contrast, the Orange's polycarbonate top and bottom housing create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound with a clear and resonant quality. However, despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their own unique sound profiles based on their housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the CJ requires 50 grams of force, while the Orange requires slightly less at 46 grams. Both switches fall into the medium category, meaning they provide a moderate resistance when triggering a keystroke.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the CJ requires 60 grams of force, whereas the Orange requires 53 grams. Again, both switches fall within the medium range, but the CJ has a slightly heavier bottom out force. This means that when fully pressing the keys, the CJ will provide a more substantial typing experience compared to the Orange.

Considering weight, which is an important factor for many users, having a lighter actuation force and bottom out force allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In this regard, the Orange switch may be more appealing to those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more solid typing experience may gravitate towards the CJ switch with its slightly heavier forces.

In conclusion, while both the Gateron CJ and KTT Orange linear switches have medium actuation forces and bottom out forces, there are slight differences that may impact one's preference. The CJ switch offers a heavier typing experience with its 50-gram actuation force and 60-gram bottom out force, while the Orange switch provides a lighter touch with its 46-gram actuation force and 53-gram bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.

Travel distance

The Gateron CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the CJ switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Orange switch. The CJ switch's 4.0mm travel distance is more towards the traditional range, providing a comfortable depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Orange switch's 3.5mm travel distance is slightly shorter, which can be preferable for gamers who prioritize faster response times. This shorter travel distance allows for quicker keystrokes and can be beneficial for gaming purposes. However, it's important to note that shorter travel distances may feel more abrupt to some individuals who prefer more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron CJ linear switch is known for its unique and enjoyable presentation. Typing on these switches produces higher-pitched clacks, which sets them apart from other switches. Additionally, the CJ switch has a reputation for an impossibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile. These switches have a mellow and bass-heavy tone, providing a satisfying typing experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. While the CJ and Orange switches have different sound characteristics, both can deliver enjoyable and pleasant typing sounds.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch is described as providing a mild typing experience. These switches offer a more gentle and approachable feel, falling within a safe and middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch is known for its bouncy feel. Equipped with a 22mm long spring, these switches offer a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, providing a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Moreover, the Orange switches are designed to be frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal sense of resistance or friction. Whether you prefer a mild and gentle feel or a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, both the CJ and Orange switches offer their own qualities to suit different preferences.

In conclusion, the Gateron CJ linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch have distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CJ switch produces higher-pitched clacks and has an impossibly smooth push feel. In contrast, the Orange switch offers a low-pitched sound profile and provides a bouncy, frictionless typing experience. While they may differ in certain aspects, both switches deliver enjoyable and pleasant typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are looking for a unique and enjoyable typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Gateron CJ linear switch would be your best choice. The CJ switches offer a smooth push feel and produce higher-pitched clacks, giving them a distinctive sound profile. Additionally, they are described as having a mild feel, providing a more gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.

On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange linear switch would be a great option for you. These switches come with a bouncy type feel, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a lively key press. The Orange switches also offer a frictionless typing experience, thanks to their excellent factory-lubing, resulting in a smooth and effortless key travel.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CJ and KTT Orange switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a unique sound profile and a mild typing feel, the CJ switches would be ideal for you. However, if you prefer a slightly lighter switch with a low-pitched sound and a bouncy, frictionless typing experience, the KTT Orange switches would be the better option. Consider your typing style and preferences to make an informed decision. Happy typing!

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CJ Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

Learn more

KTT Orange Linear

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

Learn more