Gateron CJ vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron CJ and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear are two mechanical keyboard switches that both fall under the category of linear switches. Each switch offers its own unique advantages and considerations that make them stand out in their own right. The CJ is known for its unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch, providing a higher-pitched clacking sound and an impossibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear is praised for its innovation, with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. Its type feel is silky smooth, striking a balance between polished and natural. While these general pointers offer initial insights, let's dive deeper into their specific characteristics and features, so you can ultimately decide which switch is best suited for your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear differ in terms of their housing materials. The CJ features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a thin and higher-pitched sound profile. It is described as being clacky but not overly sharp. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear uses a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. While both switches provide a satisfying sound, the CJ is characterized by a slightly softer and less sharp tone compared to the Semi-Silent Linear.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the CJ incorporates a POM housing, contributing to a deeper, more muted sound profile. POM housings are known for creating a unique and pleasing sound. Conversely, the Semi-Silent Linear utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Therefore, the CJ creates a deeper but relatively more muted sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear produces a fuller and slightly sharper sound.
Additionally, the impact of the housing materials differs depending on whether it is the top or bottom housing of the switch. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more prominent, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when you release a key. Therefore, while the CJ and Semi-Silent Linear may use different materials for their top and bottom housings, the overall experience of using these switches can still yield similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we find some similarities and differences. The CJ switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear is unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force of medium intensity, with the CJ switch requiring 60 grams and the Semi-Silent Linear requiring 62 grams.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it allows for longer typing periods, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users prefer a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, they would opt for switches with heavier forces.
In terms of actuation force, the CJ switch has a known value of 50 grams, while the exact actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear is not provided. However, as both switches belong to the linear switch category, it is likely that they offer similar results when it comes to actuation force. This similarity would be especially pronounced if the force required for actuation in the Semi-Silent Linear switch is within a similar range to the CJ switch.
Regarding the bottom out force, the CJ switch requires 60 grams, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch demands 62 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range of bottom out force, indicating that they provide a moderately substantial keystroke experience.
To summarize, the Gateron CJ linear switch has a known actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the actuation force of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is not provided, with a bottom out force of 62 grams. While we can only speculate about the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear, it is likely to offer similar results to the CJ switch due to their shared linear characteristic. Both switches fall within the medium range for bottom out force and cater to different preferences for lighter or heavier keystroke experiences.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch have differing travel distances. The Gateron CJ has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which is a more traditional distance, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance is the standard and provides a satisfactory sense of depth when pressing down a key. On the other hand, the 3.7 mm travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear is slightly shallower, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize faster response times. However, those who value a more substantial feeling when typing may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the 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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 is best described as chirpy. It has a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches, with higher-pitched clacks that give it a distinct character. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as subdued. While it is not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound compared to most switches, with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of purposes.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron CJ and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches are described as mild. They offer a gentle typing experience that will be approachable to most users, as their qualities stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch also has additional descriptors, such as snappy, buttery, and polished. It is super responsive, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs, which adds to the typing experience feeling more alive. Additionally, it provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel due to either the materials used or factory lubing.
In conclusion, the Gateron CJ and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches have different sound qualities, with the CJ being chirpy and the Semi-Silent Linear being subdued. However, both switches have a neutral sound profile and offer a mild typing experience, making them suitable for a variety of users and purposes. While the CJ switch provides a unique higher-pitched clack sound and an impossibly smooth push feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch has a whisper-quiet topping-out sound, a clacky bottom-out sound, and additional descriptors such as snappy, buttery, and polished. If you are looking for a similar sound and feel between the two switches, you can expect a gentle typing experience with a neutral sound profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the CJ at 60 grams and the Semi-Silent Linear at 62 grams.
The CJ switch is known for its unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch, offering higher-pitched clacks and an incredibly smooth push feel. Its sound profile can be described as chirpy, neutral, low-pitched, or thocky, allowing for a variety of acoustic experiences. In terms of feel, the CJ provides a mild typing experience that falls within a safe and approachable middle-ground zone.
On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its innovation, offering a semi-silent topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. The switch provides a silky smooth type feel that is not over-polished. Its sound profile can be described as subdued and neutral, offering a more subtle and dampened sound experience.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences. If you enjoy a unique and enjoyable presentation with a variety of sound options, the CJ switch may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a more innovative and semi-silent typing experience with a subtle sound profile, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch may be the way to go. Consider your typing style, environment, and desired level of sound and feel to make an informed decision.
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