Gateron CJ vs. Outemu Milk Peach
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Outemu Milk Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CJ and the Outemu Milk Peach mechanical keyboard switches, both of which are linear switches, there are some key differences to consider. The CJ is highly regarded for its unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch, with a higher-pitched clack and smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Milk Peach doesn't have any standout features listed but is known for its reliability. If you are looking for a linear switch that offers a distinct typing experience, the CJ may be the way to go. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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 Milk Peach differ in their top housing materials, with the CJ featuring a proprietary INK blend top housing and the Milk Peach using a polycarbonate top housing. The CJ's INK blend offers a thin and higher-pitched sound profile, described as clacky, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Milk Peach creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. While both materials result in a high-pitched sound, the CJ's top housing may have a slight edge in terms of being more satisfying and less sharp in sound.
In terms of bottom housing, the Gateron CJ utilizes POM material, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Outemu Milk Peach uses a nylon bottom housing that elicits a fuller and rounder sound. The use of POM in the CJ results in a unique sound, while the nylon material in the Milk Peach absorbs more sound, providing a duller sound profile. Both bottom housing materials offer different sound profiles, with the CJ leaning towards a deeper tone and the Milk Peach towards a fuller sound.
While the Gateron CJ and the Outemu Milk Peach differ in their top and bottom housing materials, each material contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch differently. The bottom housing material has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that can be tailored to personal preferences based on the desired pitch and resonance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, it is clear that the Milk Peach is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the CJ is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 50 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Milk Peach is unknown, making it difficult to determine how it compares to the CJ's 60-gram bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Milk Peach, as it requires less force to actuate a keystroke. However, the CJ may be more appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel due to its higher actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two switches mentioned. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The CJ switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying keypress for those who appreciate a deeper press and more feedback. Meanwhile, the Milk Peach switch, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal more to gamers or those looking for quicker response times. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, with the CJ switch leaning towards a deeper press and the Milk Peach switch offering a quicker, more responsive keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and what feels most comfortable for the user.
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 Milk Peach 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 clack, giving it a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch does not have any specific sound descriptors available, indicating a lack of distinct sound characteristics. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a more unique and chirpy sound profile, the Gateron CJ would be the better option.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, with a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. In contrast, there are no specific feel descriptors available for the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch. This suggests that the feel of the Milk Peach switch may not have any standout characteristics that differentiate it from other linear switches. If you prefer a switch with a mild and gentle typing experience, the Gateron CJ would be the recommended choice.
Overall, the Gateron CJ linear switch stands out for its unique chirpy sound and mild typing feel, making it a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the specific sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch are unknown, it may offer a more neutral and standard typing experience. Ultimately, both switches may provide a similar linear switch experience in terms of feel and sound. It is important to consider personal preferences and try out both switches to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and enjoy a unique and enjoyable experience with higher-pitched clacks and smooth push feel, the Gateron CJ switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with no specified bottom out force and have a preference for a different sound profile and typing feel, the Outemu Milk Peach switch could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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