Gateron CJ vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CJ and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stand out as exceptional linear options, each offering a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. The CJ is celebrated for its distinctive presentation of linearity, characterized by higher-pitched clacks and an incredibly smooth push feel, providing a typing sensation that many enthusiasts crave. Its sound profile is categorized as 'Chirpy,' 'Neutral,' 'Mild,' 'Low-pitched,' and 'Thocky,' making it an alluring choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback along with a comforting tactile experience. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie introduces a medium-weight construction that combines affordability with premium performance. It features a thocky sound profile and a smooth operation, appealing to users who desire a more substantial feel while typing without breaking the bank. Both switches have their distinct advantages, with the CJ offering a thrilling experience and the Sea Salt Smoothie delivering stellar value. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron CJ and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, it becomes clear that the housing materials greatly influence the sound profiles of each switch. The Gateron CJ utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, resulting in a higher-pitched, clacky sound that brings an interesting auditory element to typing. This contrasts with the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. As the top housing is responsible for the sound when releasing a key, the CJ's top housing is engineered to deliver a sharper auditory feedback compared to the more subdued tone of the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Both switches, however, feature POM material in their bottom housings, which creates a deeper and somewhat muted sound for both models. The POM bottom housing in both switches plays a significant role in shaping the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. Consequently, while the Sea Salt Smoothie and the CJ share the same material for their bottom housing—thereby creating similar acoustics when the key is fully pressed—the overall sound profile produced when typing or gaming is largely dictated by the differing materials of their top housings.
In order to achieve a distinct typing experience, users might find that the Gateron CJ's sharp and lively top housing complements the muted qualities of its POM bottom housing, providing a more dynamic contrast in sound. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie's uniform use of POM in both top and bottom housings leads to a cohesive sound profile that is consistently deeper and less sharp. Thus, while both switches share POM in their bottoms, their different top housing materials influence their overall acoustic and tactile experiences, catering to varied preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown. The CJ switch features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams, indicating that it requires less push to register a keystroke. This lighter actuation may benefit users who engage in prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as it could reduce finger fatigue. However, without information on the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie, we cannot draw a complete comparison in that regard. In summary, the CJ is the heavier switch due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a lighter touch, suitable for those who prefer less resistance in their typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the CJ switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie measures 3.7 mm. This demonstrates that the CJ switch offers a longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced keystroke experience that some users find preferable for its satisfying depth. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its shorter 3.7 mm distance, caters to those who favor faster response times and a more immediate actuation, which is especially beneficial for gamers. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for either a deeper, more deliberate keystroke (CJ) or a quicker, more responsive feel (Sea Salt Smoothie).
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 linear switch has a unique acoustic character that sets it apart from many other linear switches. It is noted for its higher-pitched clacks, which lend a chirpy quality to the typing experience, while also being described as neutral enough to cater to both beginners and seasoned typists. The CJ can emit a low-pitched sound profile depending on how it is used and on the specific keyboard setup, but it can also achieve a thocky tone, making it versatile for various preferences. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch sets itself apart with its thocky sound profile, providing a rich and satisfying auditory feedback that many users appreciate. While the CJ may deliver a chirpy sound, the Sea Salt Smoothie focuses on a deeper, more pronounced thock, which can elevate the tactile experience even further.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch excels with its smooth push, offering a mild yet enjoyable typing experience. This mild characteristic makes it approachable for users new to mechanical keyboards, as it maintains a gentle touch that doesn't overwhelm the senses. The smoothness enhances the overall typing experience, allowing for prolonged use without fatigue. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, while still delivering a satisfying feel, does not have specific descriptors provided, so its nuanced touch remains unknown. However, given the CJ's focus on smoothness, it's reasonable to assume that the Sea Salt Smoothie might offer a comparable level of comfort, especially when considering the qualitative emphasis on exceptional smoothness in its design.
In conclusion, both the Gateron CJ and Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches provide unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The CJ offers a more nuanced sound profile with options for chirpy and thocky signatures, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie emphasizes the rich, deep thock sound. Regarding feel, the CJ's confirmed mildness and smoothness create an inviting typing experience, while the specifics of the Sea Salt Smoothie remain unspecified, leaving room for speculation on its comfort. Ultimately, users can expect a high-quality experience from both switches, but the choice will depend on personal sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're looking for a switch that provides a delightful auditory experience with its chirpy, higher-pitched clack sound and slightly thocky undertones, the Gateron CJ would be an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams makes it a versatile option for both casual typing and gaming, appealing to newcomers who appreciate a well-balanced feel. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth typing experience paired with a rich, thocky sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie could be more your speed, especially if you appreciate the qualities of all-POM construction that this switch offers. It’s an ideal option for those seeking a cohesive auditory and tactile experience on a budget. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your own typing habits: selective about sound and feel, or focused on maintaining a pleasing balance in your keystrokes.
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