Gateron CJ vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CJ and the Durock Piano offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences. The CJ is well-known for its high-pitched clacks and impossibly smooth push feel, while the Piano stands out with its gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature. The CJ switch is categorized as chirpy, neutral, mild, low-pitched, and thocky, while the Piano switch is described as bassy, frictionless, and silky. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preferences and needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and Durock Piano both feature proprietary blends for their top housing materials. However, they offer slightly different sound profiles. The CJ's INK blend top housing provides a pointed and high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Piano's POM blend top housing offers a deep and satisfying sound, although the exact details of the blend are unknown. Both switches promise a unique and pleasing sound, but the CJ leans towards a thinner and higher-pitched profile, while the Piano offers a deeper and more mysterious tone.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the CJ and the Piano utilize POM material. The CJ's POM bottom housing creates a relatively muted and deeper sound profile, while the Piano's proprietary POM blend again promises a satisfying and deep sound without revealing the exact details. In both switches, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key. This means that irrespective of the differences in blend, pressing down will result in a similar experience in terms of sound and feel.
In terms of the impact on sound when releasing a key, it is the top housing that makes a difference. The CJ's INK blend top housing contributes to a moderately sharp but not overly sharp sound profile, while the Piano's POM blend top housing adds to the deep and satisfying sound experience. Despite their differences in sound characteristics, both switches excel in providing an enjoyable and unique auditory experience. Whether it's the CJ's clacky and high-pitched sound or the Piano's deep and satisfying tone, you can expect to have a similar result when it comes to the sound produced upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are some similarities and differences in terms of their actuation force and bottom out force. The CJ has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Piano's actuation force is currently unavailable. However, both switches have a medium actuation force, which means they require a moderate amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke.
In terms of bottom out force, the CJ has a slightly lighter force of 60 grams compared to the Piano's 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. This means that when pressing the keys all the way down, the Piano switch provides a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience than the CJ switch.
Considering the weight of the switches, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch, like the CJ, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This makes it an ideal choice for those who use their keyboards extensively for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards options with heavier forces, such as the Piano.
In conclusion, while the actuation force of the Gateron CJ and Durock Piano switches is somewhat comparable, the bottom out force sets them apart. The CJ offers a slightly lighter bottom out force, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter switch, while the Piano provides a medium-heavy bottom out force, catering to individuals who enjoy a stronger keystroke feel.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when typing or gaming with either switch. It is worth noting that both switches offer a standard travel distance, which is important for users who prefer a consistent and familiar typing experience.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 best known for its unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch. When typing on the CJ, users will experience higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. The CJ can be described as having a chirpy sound signature, which sets it apart from other switches. Additionally, the CJ has a mild feel, offering a more gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is best known for its proprietary material blend, which makes it one of the most pleasant linear switches to type on. Users who use the Piano switch will experience a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. The Piano switch can be described as having a bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. In terms of feel, the Piano switch is characterized as being frictionless and silky, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience.
Based on the available information, it is clear that both switches have their own unique characteristics. The CJ switch offers a chirpy sound and a mild feel, while the Piano switch offers a bassy sound and a frictionless, silky feel. It is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of the keyboard board and keycaps.
While the subjective qualities of the two switches differ, enthusiasts who prefer a higher-pitched and chirpy sound with a smooth push feel may find the Gateron CJ linear switch to be their preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals who seek a deep, creamy sound with a gliding push feel and a frictionless, silky typing experience may find the Durock Piano linear switch to be their ideal option.
Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron CJ and Durock Piano linear switches comes down to personal preference. Both switches offer enjoyable and unique experiences, and users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel based on the provided descriptions. It is recommended to try out both switches and consider other factors such as typing style and preferences before making a decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences for sound and feel. The CJ switch offers a unique and enjoyable presentation, with higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. It has a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, which provides a mild and gentle typing experience. The CJ switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the Piano switch is known for its proprietary material blend, delivering a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. It has a slightly higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, giving it a medium-heavy feel. The Piano switch is described as bassy, offering a richer and deeper sound profile. Additionally, it is characterized as frictionless and silky, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, you should choose the CJ switch if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a unique sound profile, and a mild typing experience. Alternatively, the Piano switch is a great choice if you want a slightly heavier feel, a deep and creamy sound, and a frictionless, silky typing experience.
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