Gateron CJ vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves debating the merits of different options based on their unique characteristics and typing experiences. The Gateron CJ switch stands out with its high-pitched clacks and an impressively smooth push feel, making it a favorite among those who appreciate a more tactile auditory experience while typing. This switch, characterized by its chirpy and thocky sounds, offers a delightful blend of neutrality and mild responsiveness, appealing to users seeking an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is celebrated for its impeccably smooth type feel and a neutral sound signature, which provides a more subdued auditory profile that many users prefer for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. While the CJ appeals to those who enjoy a lively sound and feel, the Orange Sea caters to those seeking a minimalist yet extremely satisfying tactile experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your personal preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

Gateron CJ Linear

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CJ and the Haimu Orange Sea, notable differences emerge in their construction, affecting both sound and overall feel. The Gateron CJ utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which is engineered to produce a pointed, higher-pitched sound profile described as clacky but not overly sharp. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea employs polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a similarly sharp and crisp sound. Polycarbonate's rigidity contributes to a clean and resonant sound, making the two switches comparable in terms of high-frequency sound production. Thus, despite the different materials, users may find that both switches produce a gratifying high-pitched auditory response, especially when paired with RGB lighting.

Examining the bottom housings reveals further contrasts, with the CJ featuring a POM plastic and the Orange Sea relying on nylon. POM is known for creating a deep and relatively muted sound profile, offering a unique auditory experience that emphasizes a richer bottom-out sensation. On the other hand, nylon is characterized as a softer plastic, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively, which results in a fuller and rounder sound profile. This difference indicates that while the top housings of both switches may yield similar high-pitched sounds, the bottom housings define the switches' overall audio character. Consequently, the sound emitted during key presses and releases may significantly vary due to these contrasting materials.

Ultimately, the combination of the CJ's INK blend top and POM bottom housing produces a distinct sound profile that leans towards clarity and depth, while the Orange Sea's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom deliver a crisper and warmer auditory experience. The varying top and bottom housing materials influence how each switch feels and sounds during typing. While pressing down on either switch will showcase the strengths of their respective bottom housings, releasing the key will highlight the characteristics of the different top housings. This blend of materials ensures that both switches offer unique experiences, yet each can stand out in its own right while catering to those who may prefer particular sound profiles and typing sensations.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron CJ requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience that appeals to users who prefer a firmer push. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea is lighter, with an actuation force of only 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it easier to press and ideal for those who type for extended periods or enjoy a softer keystroke during gaming. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences, the Gateron CJ is the heavier option, whereas the Haimu Orange Sea is the lighter choice, catering to varying user needs and comfort levels.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there is a clear distinction: the Gateron CJ boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Orange Sea features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This 0.4 mm difference may seem minimal, but it can significantly affect the typing experience. The longer 4 mm travel of the CJ switch provides a deeper, more substantial feel, which some users may find preferable for a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who favor quicker, more responsive keystrokes, often appealing to gamers who benefit from faster response times. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should align with your personal preference for travel distance—whether you value a more profound depth or a snappier feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron CJ linear switch presents a distinctive and engaging auditory profile. It is characterized by higher-pitched clacks that contribute to a chirpy nature, giving it a unique acoustic signature. Additionally, the sound can be described as low-pitched and thocky, offering a deep, rich tone upon actuation that many users find satisfying. This combination of sound qualities makes the CJ a versatile option suitable for both home and work environments. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches have a neutral sound signature, although details about specific characteristics are sparse. Without more specific descriptors for the Orange Sea, it is hard to draw direct comparisons, but one can appreciate that both switches bring different auditory experiences to the table.

In the realm of feel, the CJ switch is noted for its impossibly smooth push feel, which translates to a typing experience that many enthusiasts find delightfully engaging. The mild characteristics of the CJ offer a gentle typing experience, making it approachable for both beginners and more seasoned users alike. The Haimu Orange Sea also boasts an impeccably smooth typing feel, though further specifics are not provided. The shared focus on smoothness suggests that both switches may excel in delivering a fluid typing experience that minimizes fatigue during long typing sessions, even if their tactile qualities vary.

In summary, both the Gateron CJ and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The CJ switch stands out with its chirpy sound, thocky tones, and mild yet enjoyable typing feel, making it a solid choice for users who appreciate auditory feedback and smoothness. The Orange Sea's neutral sound and impeccably smooth feel also present an attractive option for those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience. While they differ in some aspects, users can expect both switches to deliver satisfying performance in their own right, making either choice a worthwhile addition to a mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To sum up, the choice between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel and sound. If you appreciate a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and enjoy a more pronounced acoustic character, the CJ is your ideal match; its chirpy tones and mild typing experience can add a unique dimension to your typing sessions while still being versatile enough for both work and play. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 45 grams, the Orange Sea offers an impeccably smooth typing experience without the added auditory complexity, making it a great option for those who value a quieter workspace or want a more effortless typing experience. Ultimately, your decision will largely depend on whether you want to embrace a more dynamic auditory experience with the CJ or lean towards the straightforward, smooth operation of the Orange Sea.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CJ Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more