Gateron CJ vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CJ and Everglide Rice Pudding offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Gateron CJ, renowned for its unique presentation of a linear switch, provides typists with a smooth push feel complemented by higher-pitched clacks, creating a sound profile that is both chirpy and mildly thocky. This switch appeals to those who prioritize a quiet yet enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches excel in offering a harmonious combination of smooth operation and deep sound, making for a typing experience that feels both satisfying and precise. Additionally, their compatibility with Wooting’s innovative keyboards adds a layer of versatility that can attract enthusiasts seeking performance. While both switches present compelling advantages—whether it’s the CJ’s engaging acoustic profile or the Rice Pudding’s balanced feel—understanding the nuances of each will help you make a more informed decision. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron CJ and Everglide Rice Pudding switches, the differences in their top housing materials offer distinct auditory experiences, reflecting the unique properties of their respective components. The Gateron CJ features a proprietary INK blend that contributes to a pointed and high-pitched sound, characterized as clacky but not overly sharp. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, crisper sound due to the material's rigidity. While the CJ's INK blend is specifically designed to yield a satisfying tonal quality, the Rice Pudding's polycarbonate achieves similar results through its own inherent stiffness, emphasizing clarity and resonance. Despite their differing materials, both switches can provide an engaging auditory experience for users who appreciate higher-pitched sounds.
The bottom housing materials of these two switches introduce further contrast, influencing their overall sound profiles. The Gateron CJ utilizes a POM (polyoxymethylene) bottom housing that creates a deep and muted sound, thereby promoting a unique auditory experience that emphasizes a fuller tonal quality. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding's nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper and rounder sound, attributable to nylon's softer properties, which naturally absorb more sound. While both housing materials result in muted characteristics, the approach varies: POM achieves this through its solid density, while nylon’s inherent softness allows it to reduce sound frequencies more efficiently. This results in distinct auditory experiences that reflect the materials employed in each switch.
In its entirety, the collaboration of different materials in the Gateron CJ and Everglide Rice Pudding switches leads to a nuanced sound and feel profile during operation. The interplay between the high-pitched clarity from the top housings and the deeper tones from the respective bottom housings creates a rich auditory experience unique to each switch. While both approaches yield satisfying results, they cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. Users seeking a more muted yet unique experience may gravitate toward the CJ due to its POM bottom, while those who favor a clearer, sharper auditory experience may prefer the Rice Pudding's nylon blend. Ultimately, the varying housing compositions significantly influence user perception, demonstrating how material choice can shape the overall functionality and aesthetic of mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CJ linear switch to the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, significant differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron CJ has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, classifying it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding, with its lighter actuation force of 38 grams and bottom out force of 48 grams, is designed for those who prefer a softer touch. This means that the Rice Pudding switch is the lighter option, ideal for users who engage in prolonged typing or gaming sessions where fatigue could be a concern. On the other hand, the CJ's heavier forces provide a more substantial feedback experience for typists who appreciate a firmer push. Overall, if you're looking for a switch that feels more substantial, go for the Gateron CJ; however, if you favor a lighter touch, the Rice Pudding is the way to go.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the Gateron CJ has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Rice Pudding measures at 3.5 mm. This makes the CJ the longer of the two options, offering a more pronounced depth that some users may prefer for a more satisfying tactile experience. In contrast, the Rice Pudding’s shorter 3.5 mm travel distance may be better suited for gamers seeking faster response times, as the reduced distance can lead to quicker actuation. Ultimately, if responsiveness is your priority, the Rice Pudding could provide a more immediate feedback, while those who enjoy a deeper keypress might opt for the Gateron CJ for its more traditional feel.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 switch offers a distinctive acoustic experience characterized by its higher-pitched clack that adds a unique element to typing. This switch presents a chirpy quality combined with a mild thock sound, which gives it a rich, satisfying auditory feedback. The CJ's sound profile may appeal to users who enjoy a more expressive typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch provides a deep sound that some may find to be more balanced and resounding yet does not have a detailed sound description. This could signal a less distinct acoustic fingerprint when compared to the CJ, adding a level of ambiguity regarding its overall sound characteristics. Both switches' sound experiences will also depend on the keyboard and keycap choices utilized, but the CJ is likely to stand out more due to its described chirp and thock qualities.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CJ is noted for its impossibly smooth push sensation, creating an enjoyable typing experience that is gentle on the fingers. The switch is characterized as mild, making it approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists alike. The emphasis on smoothness means that typists can experience a comfortable and additive interaction with the keys. The feeling of the Everglide Rice Pudding switch, however, remains unspecified. Without defined attributes for the feel of the Rice Pudding, it is challenging to directly compare the two; however, if it were to embody characteristics of smoothness, it could offer a similarly pleasant typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Gateron CJ linear switch is lauded for its unique sound profile, characterized by chirpy and mildly thocky qualities, it also excels in providing a smooth and mild feel for its users. The Everglide Rice Pudding switch, while delivering a satisfying deep sound, lacks a detailed feel description that would allow for a direct comparison. As a result, those seeking a distinct auditory experience may favor the CJ, while the Rice Pudding might appeal to those prioritizing compatibility and a balanced typing action. Ultimately, enthusiasts may find appealing qualities in both switches, depending on their sound preferences and desired typing sensations.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a smooth typing experience with a slightly higher actuation force of 60 grams, the CJ is likely the better option for you. Its unique chirpy sound and thocky profile provide an engaging auditory and tactile feedback, which can be enjoyable for both casual typing and gaming. Moreover, if you prefer a switch that offers a more traditional linear feel combined with distinct acoustic qualities, the CJ is a great fit. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of only 48 grams, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch would be ideal. Its balanced typing experience allows you to type with precision while enjoying a deep sound characteristic. Additionally, its compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards makes it a suitable choice for tech enthusiasts looking for versatility and advanced performance. Ultimately, consider your typing style, sound preference, and whether you value a heavier or lighter switch feel when making your decision.
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