Gateron CJ vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CJ and the Gateron Smoothie both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The CJ is praised for its higher-pitched clacks and smooth push feel, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie stands out for its affordable price point without sacrificing quality, offering a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch. While the CJ is described as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', and 'Mild', the Smoothie is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', and 'Creamy'. Overall, the CJ and Smoothie each have their own strengths and characteristics that may appeal to different users depending on their specific preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and the Gateron Smoothie both feature POM bottom housings, which create a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted compared to other housing materials. This shared characteristic between the two switches means that they will likely deliver a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when pressed down. However, where they differ is in their top housings - the CJ has a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky, while the Smoothie's POM top housing results in a deeper and more muted sound. This distinction in top housing materials will influence the sound produced when releasing a key, providing users with a choice between a higher-pitched and clacky sound or a deeper and more muted one.
The contrasting top housing materials of the Gateron CJ and Smoothie highlight their different sound profiles when typing. The CJ's proprietary INK blend top housing creates a pointed, high-pitched sound that is not overly sharp, giving it a distinct clacky feel. In comparison, the Smoothie's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, offering a more subtle and quieter typing experience. While both switches share a POM bottom housing, which contributes to their pleasing sound profile, the variation in top housing material allows users to choose between a more pronounced and sharp sound or a softer and more subtle one depending on their preference.
Overall, the Gateron CJ and Smoothie switches offer users a choice between different sound profiles based on their top housing materials while sharing the benefits of a POM bottom housing. The CJ's INK blend top housing provides a higher-pitched and clacky sound, appealing to those who enjoy a more distinct and sharp typing experience. In contrast, the Smoothie's POM top housing delivers a deeper and more muted sound, catering to users who prefer a quieter and subtler typing feel. Regardless of the top housing material chosen, the shared POM bottom housing ensures a consistent and pleasing sound profile for both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force differ between the two. The CJ switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Smoothie switch's lighter 40 grams. However, the bottom out force for the CJ switch is also heavier at 60 grams, while the bottom out force for the Smoothie switch is not provided. This means that the CJ switch may provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, while the Smoothie switch may offer a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with some preferring the CJ for its heavier forces and others opting for the Smoothie for its lighter touch.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the CJ has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Smoothie has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The CJ's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a deeper keystroke feel, which some may prefer for its sense of solidity. On the other hand, the Smoothie's 3.6 mm travel distance is shallower, offering a quicker response time that can be favored by gamers seeking faster input. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness. Both switches offer distinct advantages, with the CJ catering to those who prefer a longer travel distance and the Smoothie appealing to individuals seeking a shorter one.
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 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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 known for its chirpy and neutral characteristics, giving off a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is praised for its thocky and subdued sound profile, providing a deep, rich tone with a more subtle sound compared to other switches. Depending on your preference for sound, the CJ switch offers a higher-pitched clack while the Smoothie switch delivers a thocky, mellow tone.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is known for its buttery, creamy, and silky feel, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. Whether you prefer a gentle typing experience with the CJ switch or a smooth, buttery sensation with the Smoothie switch, both options provide a pleasant typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CJ switch provides a chirpy sound and mild typing experience, while the Smoothie switch presents a thocky sound and buttery, creamy feel. Depending on your personal preference for sound and typing feel, both switches offer enjoyable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, it is important to consider your individual preferences and needs when choosing between these two switches to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a unique and enjoyable typing experience with higher-pitched clacks and a smooth push feel, the Gateron CJ switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, the Gateron Smoothie switch could be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific sound and feel preferences you have when it comes to mechanical keyboard switches.
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