Gateron CJ vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CJ, a linear switch, to the Outemu Green, a clicky switch, one can immediately notice the distinct characteristics of each. The CJ is revered for its unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch, delivering higher-pitched clacks and an incredibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Green does not have a specific standout feature but is known for its clicky sound. The CJ falls under categories like 'Chirpy' and 'Thocky', while the Green is not categorized. When deciding between these two switches, one might lean towards the CJ for a smoother typing experience or the Green for a satisfying clicky sound. 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
80g
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
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 Green both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The CJ's INK blend top housing offers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky, while the Green's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Green switch leads to a more clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the CJ's POM bottom housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, while the Green's nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller and rounder sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the materials used in their housings.
Although the CJ and the Green switches have different top and bottom housing materials, the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is more noticeable, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. The use of POM in the CJ's bottom housing creates a unique and pleasing sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing in the Green switch absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. These differences in housing materials ultimately contribute to the overall typing experience and sound profile of each switch.
In terms of aesthetic appeal, the CJ's INK blend top housing provides a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, while the Green's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and more resonant sound. The clear polycarbonate housing in the Green switch is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, making it a visually striking option for those looking to customize their keyboard setup. On the other hand, the CJ's POM bottom housing creates a unique and deeper sound profile that may appeal to users looking for a more muted typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a range of sound profiles and tactile feedback options based on the materials used in their housings.
Weight
The Gateron CJ linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. In comparison, the Outemu Green clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. The CJ linear switch offers a more medium weight feel overall, while the Green clicky switch falls on the heavier end of the spectrum. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force, with the CJ offering a lighter touch and the Green providing a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. They both offer a consistent typing experience in terms of how far the keys travel when pressed. This similarity ensures that users will get consistent results regardless of which switch they choose to use for their mechanical keyboard.
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 Green 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 neutral sound profile with a higher-pitched tone that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Green clicky switch has unknown sound qualities. This means that while typing on the CJ switch will result in a unique and enjoyable higher-pitched clack, the sound produced by the Green switch remains a mystery.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch provides a mild typing experience with a smooth push feel that is approachable to most users. The Outemu Green clicky switch's feel is unknown. Therefore, choosing the CJ switch will give you a gentle and enjoyable typing experience with a safe middle-ground feel, but the tactile feedback and overall typing feel of the Green switch remains uncertain.
Overall, if you're looking for a linear switch with a higher-pitched and chirpy sound profile along with a smooth push feel, the Gateron CJ switch would be a great option. However, if you're interested in a clicky switch like the Outemu Green but are unsure about its sound and feel qualities, it may be recommended to stick with the known qualities of the CJ switch. Remember that the sound and feel of a switch can also vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that may suit different preferences, so consider testing them out personally to determine which one fits your typing style best.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, you should opt for the CJ if you prefer a medium bottom out force, enjoy a unique and smooth typing experience with higher-pitched clacks, and value a chirpy, neutral, low-pitched, or thocky sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy bottom out force, are looking for a clicky switch with a distinct typing sound, and do not mind a switch with a heavier feel, then the Green switch may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of typing experience, sound, and feel.
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