Gateron CJ vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a plethora of options available, each offering a unique typing experience. Two popular choices to consider are the Gateron CJ and the Everglide Sakura Pink, both of which belong to the linear switch category. The Gateron CJ is renowned for its distinctive presentation of a linear switch, providing a smooth push feel with higher-pitched clacks. It falls within the categories of 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky'. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches from Everglide are best known for their super light actuation force of 35g, making them perfect for delicate typists. They offer a gliding-type feel, frictionless operation, and a pleasantly poppy sound, resembling the sound of popping bubble wrap, adding a playful touch to your typing sessions. It falls within the categories of 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Frictionless', and 'Muted'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CJ and the Everglide Sakura Pink, we can see some key differences. The CJ's proprietary INK blend top housing is known for its thin and higher-pitched sound, often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. While both materials contribute to a higher-pitched sound profile, the polycarbonate in the Sakura Pink switch is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the Sakura Pink's translucency makes it ideal for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows for a more vibrant display.
Turning our attention to the bottom housing, we find another area of contrast. The CJ utilizes a POM bottom housing, which results in a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. Conversely, the Sakura Pink employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which also contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Both materials offer unique sound profiles, but the POM in the CJ switch provides a more subdued experience compared to the more resonant nature of the polycarbonate in the Sakura Pink.
In terms of overall feel, the choice of housing materials impacts different aspects. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's qualities come into play, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, when releasing a key, the top housing's properties have a stronger influence on the sound produced. While the CJ and Sakura Pink differ in their specific housing materials, it is safe to say that they will provide similar results in terms of overall key press experience. Both switches offer a satisfying and unique sound profile, albeit with slight variations due to their distinct housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it is evident that both switches offer different force requirements. The Gateron CJ has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which can be considered medium in terms of force. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams.
For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sakura Pink switch would be a suitable option. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it allows for effortless and swift keystrokes, which is particularly beneficial for prolonged typing sessions or intense gaming sessions. This lighter force requirement can help reduce finger fatigue and increase typing efficiency.
In contrast, the Gateron CJ switch provides a slightly heavier force feedback. This can be appealing to those who desire a more substantial typing experience, as the higher actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push feel. This can result in a more tactile and satisfying typing experience, although it may require more effort to trigger keystrokes.
In summary, the Gateron CJ and Everglide Sakura Pink switches offer different force requirements. The Sakura Pink is lighter with lower actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience and want to minimize finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Gateron CJ provides a heavier force feedback, which may be more desirable for those seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance is a crucial factor in determining the overall typing experience of a switch. When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, users can expect similar results when pressing down on the keys of keyboards equipped with either of these switches. The travel distance, which refers to the distance that the switch travels from the top to the bottom, remains consistent at 4 mm for both the Gateron CJ and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches.
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 Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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 is best described as chirpy. It has a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches, with higher-pitched clacks that add a distinctive element to typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch is described as muted. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches offer different sound profiles that cater to different preferences, but if you're looking for a similar result, the CJ switch can provide a more neutral and low-pitched sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CJ switch offers a mild typing experience. It falls in the safe middle-ground zone, providing a more gentle typing sensation that most people find approachable. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch offers a buttery and frictionless keystroke experience. It provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation, making it feel like your fingers are gliding across the keys with ease. The Sakura Pink switch is also easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate, which enhances the typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact feel. If you prefer a smoother and gentler typing experience, the Sakura Pink switch would be a good choice. However, if you prefer a safer and more neutral feel, the CJ switch can deliver a similar result.
In conclusion, both the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch offer unique qualities that make them stand out. The CJ switch provides a chirpy sound profile with a smooth push feel, while the Sakura Pink switch offers a muted sound and a buttery, frictionless typing experience. The CJ switch is an enjoyable presentation of a linear switch, while the Sakura Pink switch is perfect for delicate typists with its light actuation force and effortless feel. Depending on your personal preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. The CJ switch, with its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, offers a unique and enjoyable typing experience. It produces higher-pitched clacks and has an incredibly smooth push feel, making it suitable for those who appreciate a distinctive sound and feel while typing. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch, with its light bottom out force of 45 grams, is perfect for delicate typists. It offers a feather-light actuation force, a gliding type feel, and a frictionless operation. The Sakura Pinks produce a delightful poppy sound, adding a playful touch to your typing sessions. If you prefer a switch with a more moderate actuation force and sound profile, the CJ switch may be the better choice. However, if you value a smoother and more effortless typing experience, the Sakura Pink switch would be a great fit. Ultimately, it's important to consider your preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound, and feel when making a decision.
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