Gateron CJ vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CJ and the Outemu Cream Blue offer distinct experiences for different preferences. The Gateron CJ is a linear switch known for its unique and enjoyable presentation, providing a higher-pitched clack and a smooth push feel while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue is a clicky switch with unmatched tactile feedback and a satisfying click sound. While the CJ offers a neutral and thocky typing experience, the Cream Blue provides a more pronounced clicky feel. Both switches have their own strengths and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron CJ and Outemu Cream Blue switches use nylon in their top housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other materials. However, the CJ's proprietary INK blend nylon results in a thinner and higher-pitched sound that is characterized as clacky, while the Cream Blue offers a more rounded and duller sound due to the softer nature of nylon. This difference in sound profile can impact the overall typing experience for users depending on their preference for sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the CJ utilizes POM material, creating a deep and muted sound profile. This adds a unique element to the switch's overall acoustics, giving it a distinct tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Cream Blue also uses nylon for its bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This consistency in material between the top and bottom housing may result in a more cohesive sound profile throughout the typing experience, with a focus on depth and fullness.
While both switches feature different materials for their top and bottom housings, the impact of these materials is felt differently during typing. The bottom housing of a switch tends to influence the bottom-out sound and feel, providing tactile feedback to the user. In contrast, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. Understanding the specific qualities of each housing material can help users choose a switch that aligns with their desired typing experience, whether they prefer a clacky sound or a deeper, more muted profile.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CJ linear switch to the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, both switches have an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of initial key press. However, the Gateron CJ has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Outemu Cream Blue with a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Outemu Cream Blue requires a bit more force to fully depress the key, providing a more substantial typing feedback. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Gateron CJ would be a suitable choice. In contrast, those who prefer a firmer feel and a more pronounced keystroke may find the Outemu Cream Blue to be a better option. Ultimately, the difference in bottom out force between the two switches allows for users to select the one that best matches their preferred typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, the amount of distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom is the same. This similarity ensures that users will get a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance between the two switches. Whether typing on the Gateron CJ linear switch or the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, the travel distance will be identical, providing a familiar feel for users regardless of the switch they choose.
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 Cream Blue 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron CJ linear switch offers a chirpy and higher-pitched typing experience, creating a unique and distinct sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, the Cream Blue switches are clicky, so they are likely to produce a sharp and satisfying click sound with each key press.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch provides an impossibly smooth push feel, offering a mild and gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switches is unknown, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison. However, given that they are clicky switches, it can be assumed that they offer a tactile and responsive feel with each keystroke.
In conclusion, the Gateron CJ linear switch stands out for its unique higher-pitched sound and smooth push feel, providing an enjoyable typing experience for users who prefer linear switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch offers a clicky typing experience without specific information on its sound and feel qualities. If a user enjoys a higher-pitched sound and smooth feel, they may opt for the Gateron CJ switches, whereas those looking for a satisfying clicky experience may lean towards the Outemu Cream Blue switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel in mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a unique and smooth linear typing experience with higher-pitched clacks, the Gateron CJ may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are looking for a clicky switch with a distinctive sound profile, the Outemu Cream Blue could be more appealing. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
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