Gateron CJ vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CJ and the Outemu Black mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The CJ stands out for its unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch, with higher-pitched clacks and an incredibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Black lacks a standout feature but provides a straightforward linear switch experience. While the CJ is praised for being 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky', the Black does not fall into any specific category. In general, the CJ may appeal to those who prioritize a unique and smooth typing experience, while the Black may be suitable for those seeking a more standard linear switch. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and the Outemu Black switches both offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials. The CJ's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a thin, high-pitched sound that is described as clacky, while the Black's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Black switch results in a stiffer plastic that produces a more resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the CJ's POM bottom housing offers a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Black's nylon bottom housing provides a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic absorbing more sound.
While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron CJ and Outemu Black switches differ in material, they each contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing material impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, with the POM housing of the CJ creating a unique and pleasing sound, while the nylon housing of the Black produces a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key, with the INK blend of the CJ providing a higher-pitched clacky sound, and the polycarbonate of the Black offering a sharper and crisper sound profile.
In conclusion, both the Gateron CJ and Outemu Black switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their housing materials. While the CJ switch features a blend of INK for the top housing and POM for the bottom housing, resulting in a satisfying thin and deep sound profile, the Black switch utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing to create a sharper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, with the CJ offering a unique and clacky sound, while the Black delivers a sharper and crisper sound experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CJ linear switch to the Outemu Black linear switch, it becomes clear that there is a noticeable difference in actuation and bottom out forces. The CJ switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Black switch's heavier actuation force of 65 grams. Similarly, the CJ switch has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Black switch has a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams. This means that the CJ switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out compared to the Black switch. This makes the CJ switch better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, perfect for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Black switch would be a better choice for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. It is important to take into consideration the weight of each switch when choosing the right one for your needs, as it can greatly impact your typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel the key travel a total of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance, as they both require the same amount of force to actuate and bottom out. This makes them equally suitable for users who prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker typing speed and responsiveness.
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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 renowned for its unique sound profile, characterized by higher-pitched clacks and a slightly chirpy quality that sets it apart from other linear switches. This switch provides an impossibly smooth push feel, making typing on it a delightful experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Black linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it's hard to make a direct comparison in this aspect. When it comes to feel, the CJ switch offers a mild typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, appealing to a wide range of users. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Black linear switch remains unknown. Overall, while the Gateron CJ linear switch excels in both sound and feel departments with its unique qualities, the information available for the Outemu Black switch is limited, but it is expected that you may achieve similar results with a different sound and feel profile. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches would depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, you should consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel that best fits your preferences and needs. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile with options like chirpy or thocky, and prefer a mild typing feel for a gentle experience, then the Gateron CJ linear switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams and have specific sound and feel preferences with the Outemu Black linear switch, then that may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
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