Gateron CJ vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron CJ, a linear switch, and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, also a linear switch. The Gateron CJ is best known for its unique and enjoyable presentation of what a linear switch can be. Typing on the CJ switch offers a higher-pitched clack sound and an impossibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is loved for its silenced version of the Ink Black switch, making it ideal for environments that require quieter typing. With a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, the Silent Ink Black provides a more subdued typing experience. Both switches have distinctive qualities, offering different sound and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide which switch would be the best fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and the Gateron Silent Ink Black both utilize Gateron's proprietary INK blend for their top housings. This results in a similar sound profile for both switches, characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is not overly sharp. Users often describe this sound as being clacky. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with this specific sound profile, both the CJ and the Silent Ink Black will deliver similar results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the CJ features a POM material while the Silent Ink Black uses Gateron's proprietary INK blend. The CJ's POM bottom housing creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. So, if you prefer a switch with a deeper sound, the CJ would be a better choice in this aspect. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's bottom housing, also made of the proprietary INK blend, maintains the consistent high-pitched and clacky sound profile of the top housing.
It's important to note that the choice of housing material in a switch affects the sound and feel when pressing down and releasing the key. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when you release a key. Therefore, while both switches offer the same INK blend for their top housings, the bottom housings contribute to their unique sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall in the medium range. However, there are slight differences in their force requirements. The CJ switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Silent Ink Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter feel to their keystrokes may opt for the Gateron CJ switch. With a slightly lower actuation and bottom out force, this switch allows for a smoother and easier keystroke, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, users who seek a more robust and substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch. With its higher actuation and bottom out force, this switch provides a stronger push feel, resulting in a more tactile and satisfying typing experience.
While the force requirements differ between the two switches, it is important to note that both fall within the medium range. Therefore, users desiring similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces can expect comparable outcomes from either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, with the CJ switch offering a lighter feel and the Silent Ink Black switch providing a heavier and more substantial keystroke.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience in terms of travel distance. Whether you choose the Gateron CJ or the Gateron Silent Ink Black, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance of the switch.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
The Gateron CJ linear switch is best known for its unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch. When typing on these switches, users can expect higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. The CJ switch has a chirpy sound characteristic, which means it has a little squeak to it, setting it apart from other switches. Additionally, the CJ switch offers a mild feel, providing a more gentle typing experience. Its qualities all stand in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users.
On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is best known for its silenced version of the Ink Black switch, making it ideal for environments that require quieter typing. These switches offer a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. The Silent Ink Black switch produces a muted sound, which means it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. Furthermore, the Silent Ink Black switch is silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the CJ and Silent Ink Black switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CJ switch provides a unique and enjoyable presentation with higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. It has a chirpy sound characteristic and a mild feel, making it approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a muted sound and a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel. It is silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction. Whether you prefer the chirpy and mild qualities of the CJ switch or the muted and silky qualities of the Silent Ink Black switch, both switches provide satisfying experiences in different ways.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and enjoyable typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Gateron CJ linear switch would be a great choice. Its higher-pitched clacks and impossibly smooth push feel make it stand out among other linear switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is a great option. With its medium-heavy bottom out force and cushion-like bottom-out feel, it provides minimal audio feedback and is perfect for environments that require reduced noise.
In terms of sound, the CJ switch offers a chirpy and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. The Silent Ink Black, on the other hand, produces a muted sound, minimizing the noise associated with mechanical keyboards.
When it comes to feel, the CJ switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black switch is silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CJ and Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switches depends on your preference for sound, feel, and typing environment. Consider the unique qualities of each switch and choose the one that aligns with your personal preferences and typing needs.
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