Gateron CJ vs. KTT Purple Click

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron CJ, a linear switch, and the KTT Purple Click, a clicky switch. The CJ provides a unique and enjoyable experience with its smooth push feel and higher-pitched clacks, making typing on it a delight. On the other hand, the Purple Click is known for its satisfying click and light keystrokes, offering a perfect balance between tactility and comfort. Both switches have their own distinct qualities and appeal to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron CJ Linear

KTT Purple Click Clicky

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron CJ and the KTT Purple Click differ significantly in terms of their sound profiles. The CJ's proprietary INK blend top housing creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. In contrast, the Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate gives it a more clear and resonant sound profile. However, both materials offer satisfying thin and higher-pitched sounds, ensuring a similar auditory experience.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the CJ's POM material brings about an incredibly pleasing and unique sound profile. It leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. In contrast, the Purple Click's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. These differences in sound profile make for distinct typing experiences, with the CJ offering a deeper and more muted sound, while the Purple Click provides a fuller and rounder sound.

Considering the impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch, both the top and bottom housings play crucial roles. When pressing down on a key, the qualities of the bottom housing become more apparent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing predominantly affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the CJ and Purple Click differ in housing materials, their combined impact on the typing experience ensures that users can expect similar results in terms of overall sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are noticeable differences. The CJ switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which falls into the medium range. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light category.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Purple Click would be the more suitable choice, as its lighter actuation force allows for easier keystrokes and potentially increased typing speed. Additionally, the lower bottom out force may result in a more gentle and comfortable typing experience, reducing any strain on the fingers during longer typing sessions or gaming sessions.

However, for individuals who enjoy a stronger and more substantial typing feel, the CJ switch would be the preferable option. With its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, users may find that they have more control and precision while typing, especially if they tend to press their keys firmly or prefer a more tactile feedback.

Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on the individual's personal preferences and requirements. Both options offer a medium actuation force, but the CJ switch is slightly heavier overall, providing a more robust typing experience. Conversely, the Purple Click switch offers a lighter touch and may be better suited for those who value extended typing comfort.

Travel distance

The Gateron CJ linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer the same level of tactile feedback and require the same amount of force to actuate. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both the Gateron CJ linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron CJ linear switch offers a unique and enjoyable presentation. When typing on them, users can expect higher-pitched clacks, which give them a distinctive acoustic signature. This sets them apart from other switches and adds a sense of novelty to the typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is known for its satisfying high-pitched click. These switches produce a clean and sharp sound while typing, offering an immersive auditory experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also vary depending on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch provides an impossibly smooth push feel. This makes typing on them feel seamless and effortless, with a sense of fluidity in each keystroke. The CJ switch falls within the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch offers an invigorating typing sensation. It provides pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. With a moderate to firm actuation force, these switches create an engaging experience for those who enjoy a bit of tactile feedback. Additionally, the Purple Click switch is described as stepped, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback. This adds a mild pre-travel or post-travel sensation, enhancing the overall typing feel.

Taking all the available information into consideration, the Gateron CJ linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CJ provides higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel, offering a unique and enjoyable linear switch experience. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch delivers a satisfying high-pitched click, along with an invigorating and reactive typing sensation. These switches strike a balance between light keystrokes and pronounced tactility. While they have their own distinct characteristics, both switches provide a pleasant typing experience. It's important to consider personal preferences and factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used when selecting the most suitable switch for an individual's needs.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and enjoyable linear switch experience with a medium bottom out force, the Gateron CJ would be a great choice for you. It offers higher-pitched clacks and a smooth push feel, making typing on them a pleasure. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Purple Click would be an excellent option. It provides a satisfying high-pitched click without being overwhelming, creating a perfect balance. In terms of sound, the CJ offers a neutral and low-pitched profile, while the Purple Click provides a crunchy and resonant experience. When it comes to feel, the CJ offers a mild typing experience, suitable for most users, while the Purple Click offers an invigorating and stepped feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CJ Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

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KTT Purple Click Clicky

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more