Gateron CJ vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing and contrasting two popular linear switches, the Gateron CJ and the Durock Sea Glass, both switches offer unique features and characteristics that make them stand out. The Gateron CJ is widely acclaimed for its exceptional smoothness and high-pitched clacks, providing a satisfying typing experience. With its neutral and mild attributes, the CJ switch offers a comfortable push feel. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switches are known for their captivating pastel colors and proprietary material blend, which results in a distinct dryness and airiness during typing. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, these switches possess a surprising weightlessness, making them easy to press. Moreover, the Sea Glass switches produce a uniquely hollow sound when typing. While these general descriptions can provide an overview of the switches, diving deeper into their specific features and characteristics will enable you to make the best decision based on your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CJ and the Durock Sea Glass, one noticeable difference is in the top housing. The CJ utilizes a proprietary INK blend, which gives it a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This creates a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Sea Glass incorporates a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its top housing. This unique blend offers a sound profile that is pleasant, not particularly sharp, but slightly brighter than the CJ. Therefore, the CJ's top housing produces a slightly sharper and clackier sound compared to the Sea Glass.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the CJ switches feature a POM bottom housing. This creates an incredibly pleasing and unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and more muted. On the other hand, the Sea Glass uses a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing. Like its top housing, this blend also offers a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp, but slightly brighter. Therefore, the CJ's bottom housing produces a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Sea Glass.
Overall, while the CJ and Sea Glass use different housing materials, their sound profiles share some similarities. Both switches offer a pleasant sound profile that is not overly sharp. Additionally, the CJ's INK blend and the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend contribute to a unique and satisfying clacky sound. However, the CJ has a slightly sharper and deeper sound due to its specific housing materials, while the Sea Glass leans towards a brighter and less muted sound. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CJ and the Durock Sea Glass will come down to individual preferences regarding sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are a few differences to note. The CJ has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Sea Glass's actuation force of 45 grams. However, both switches fall into the medium force category. In terms of bottom out force, the CJ requires 60 grams of force while the Sea Glass requires 62 grams. This indicates that the Sea Glass is slightly heavier when it comes to bottoming out.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sea Glass may be the better option as it has a lower actuation force. This can be beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the CJ provides a slightly stronger push feel due to its higher actuation force, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer it.
Despite these slight variations, both switches fall within the medium force range, so users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The CJ's 4.0 mm travel distance is closer to the traditional range, providing a more familiar typing experience for users. On the other hand, the Sea Glass's 3.8 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, appealing to those who prefer a quicker response time, such as gamers. Shorter travel distances are becoming increasingly popular for their responsiveness. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt and prefer the more substantial feeling of the switch with the longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and desired 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 Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron CJ linear switch provides a unique and enjoyable experience with higher-pitched clacks. This gives the switch a chirpy and distinct acoustic signature that sets it apart from others. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch delivers a uniquely hollow sound signature. While the specific qualities of this sound are not mentioned, it can be inferred that the Sea Glass switch offers a different auditory experience compared to the CJ. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch offers an impossibly smooth and gentle typing experience. It falls under the descriptor of "mild," providing a safe and approachable feel that most users will find comfortable. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is described as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. This implies that the Sea Glass switch minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys, resulting in a fluid travel feel. Additionally, the Sea Glass switch is also classified as mild, indicating a gentler typing experience with qualities that stand in a middle-ground zone.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch have distinct subjective qualities. The CJ is best known for its higher-pitched clacks and smooth push feel, while the Sea Glass is praised for its dryness, wispiness, airiness, and weightlessness, along with a uniquely hollow sound signature. Despite their differences, both switches offer a mild typing experience, making them approachable and comfortable for most users. It is important to note that individual preferences may vary, and the choice of board and keycaps can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider the following factors. If you enjoy a unique and enjoyable typing experience with higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel, the CJ switch is a great option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in your typing experience, along with a uniquely hollow sound signature, the Sea Glass switch would be more suitable. In terms of the sound profile, the CJ switch offers chirpy, neutral, low-pitched, and thocky options, while the Sea Glass switch does not have a specific sound description. When it comes to feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience, but the Sea Glass switch emphasizes its frictionless nature, feathery lightness, and easy-to-press key activation. Ultimately, your preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience should guide your choice between these two switches.
Mentioned in this article
