Gateron CJ vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch and are torn between the Gateron CJ and the Outemu Silent Green, you may want to consider the unique qualities each switch has to offer. The CJ is a linear switch that is praised for its high-pitched clacks and smooth push feel, making typing on it a truly enjoyable experience. On the other hand, the Silent Green is also a linear switch but with a quieter operation. While the CJ is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky', the Silent Green doesn't fall under any specific category. Both switches have their strengths and weaknesses, and choosing between them 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CJ and the Outemu Silent Green, one major difference lies in the top housing material. The CJ utilizes a proprietary INK blend which produces a thin, higher-pitched, and clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Silent Green features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. While both materials offer clear and resonant sound profiles, the CJ's INK blend leans towards a more satisfying and relatively muted sound compared to the sharper and more pronounced sound produced by the polycarbonate material in the Silent Green.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the CJ uses a POM material that results in a deeper and more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Green employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which, like its top housing counterpart, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both bottom housings offer unique sound profiles, the POM material in the CJ provides a deeper and slightly quieter overall sound compared to the more resonant and clearer sound produced by the polycarbonate material in the Silent Green.
Overall, the choice of housing materials between the Gateron CJ and the Outemu Silent Green plays a significant role in the sound profile of the switches. The CJ's blend of INK and POM materials results in a satisfying, clacky sound with a deeper bottom-out and muted feel. On the other hand, the Silent Green's use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing creates a sharper, more resonant sound profile that is enhanced by its translucency for RGB lighting. While the materials differ in their specific sound characteristics, both switches offer unique acoustic experiences that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it is evident that the CJ requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Green's 45 grams. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while the CJ may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to the higher actuation force, the overall typing feel when bottoming out will be similar for both switches. The weight difference in actuation force may be a factor to consider for those who prefer a heavier push feel, while the similar bottom out force ensures that users will experience a consistent typing sensation regardless of the switch chosen. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that the typing experience provided by both switches will be consistent and predictable. Overall, whether using the Gateron CJ or Outemu Silent Green linear switch, users can expect a smooth and uniform typing experience due to their matching travel distances.
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 Silent 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 CJ linear switch is known for its unique and higher-pitched clacks, giving it a chirpy and distinctive acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch's sound qualities are unknown. Depending on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, the sound of these switches may vary. Moving on to the feel, the CJ switch provides an impossibly smooth push feel, offering a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Silent Green switch is unspecified, leaving us unable to make a direct comparison. Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with high-pitched clacks and a smooth push feel, the Gateron CJ switch would be a suitable choice, but if sound and feel are not major factors in your decision-making process, both switches may provide similar results in terms of performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a unique and enjoyable typing experience with higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel, then the Gateron CJ may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, then the Outemu Silent Green might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing.
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