Gateron CJ vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron CJ and the Jwick Splash Brothers are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and experiences. The CJ is widely recognized for its distinct characteristics, providing a higher-pitched clack sound and an exceptionally smooth keystroke. It falls into categories such as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky'. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switches draw inspiration from the dynamic duo of Steph and Klay, offering a shorter activation stroke combined with a long pole stem, resulting in a fantastic typing feel. These switches also emit a creamy sound signature. They are categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. Both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences but differ in their sound profiles and tactile feedback. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics to assist you in deciding which switch suits your preferences best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CJ and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to their sound profiles. The CJ utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched, yet not overly sharp, sound. This clacky sound is satisfying to many users. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers feature a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. While both materials result in thin and higher-pitched sounds, the CJ's INK blend may offer a slightly less sharp profile compared to the Splash Brothers' polycarbonate.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the CJ incorporates a POM (polyoxymethylene) material, which produces an incredibly pleasing and unique sound. The sound profile of POM is deeper and relatively muted. In contrast, the Splash Brothers implement a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. Therefore, while the CJ's POM bottom housing offers a deeper and more muted sound, the Splash Brothers' nylon bottom housing produces a richer and fuller sound.
As for the impact on typing experience, the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. The CJ and the Splash Brothers differ in their top and bottom housing materials, meaning that the qualities brought by each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. Users of the CJ will experience the unique qualities of the POM bottom housing during bottom-out, while the sound when releasing a key may be influenced more by the INK blend top housing. Similarly, the Splash Brothers' typing experience may showcase the impact of the nylon bottom housing on bottom-out, with the polycarbonate top housing contributing to the sound upon key release. Despite these differences, both switches provide satisfying and distinct sound profiles due to their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there are notable differences. The Gateron CJ has an actuation force of 50 grams, meaning it requires a medium amount of force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Jwick Splash Brothers is unavailable, which makes it difficult to directly compare. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gateron CJ requires 60 grams of force, while the Jwick Splash Brothers is lighter at 48 grams.
Considering the weight of these switches is worth noting for different preferences. For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Jwick Splash Brothers would be a suitable choice. This lighter actuation and bottom out forces allow for longer periods of typing without much strain, making it ideal for extended work sessions or intense gaming marathons. Conversely, some users may prefer a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, the Gateron CJ would be the preferred option, as it provides a stronger push feel.
While it is unfortunate that the actuation force of the Jwick Splash Brothers switch is unavailable, we can still draw some comparisons. Both switches have relatively light bottom out forces, with the Jwick Splash Brothers being slightly lighter. Therefore, if a user is looking for a similar typing experience in terms of bottoming out, they could expect similar results from both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CJ and Jwick Splash Brothers depends on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch have different travel distances. The CJ switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Splash Brothers switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. 4.0 mm is a more traditional travel distance, offering a sense of depth and a smoother key press. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Splash Brothers switch is shallower, providing a faster response time preferred by gamers. Those who prioritize responsiveness may find the shorter travel distance of the Splash Brothers switch more suitable. However, some may find shorter travel distances too abrupt and prefer the more hearty depth of the CJ switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 per 10 switches.
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 offers a unique and enjoyable experience. Its higher-pitched clacks give it a chirpy sound signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a creamy sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience. Both switches fall into the category of neutral switches, which means they have a moderate sound profile suitable for various situations. However, the CJ switch leans towards a low-pitched and thocky sound, while the Splash Brothers switch has a more neutral sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that they provide a gentle and approachable feel to most users. The CJ switch falls under the category of mild switches, which are known for their safe and middle-ground qualities. The Splash Brothers switch also falls into this category, but it adds a few extra features to enhance the typing experience. It is described as snappy, indicating a high level of responsiveness, possibly due to longer or dual-staged springs. Additionally, it has a bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like rebound when pressed. The Splash Brothers switch is also subtle, offering a gentle resistance that still maintains a light typing feel. Lastly, it is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
Overall, both the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offer unique and enjoyable qualities. In terms of sound, the CJ switch provides a distinct chirpy sound, whereas the Splash Brothers switch has a creamy sound signature. Both switches fall into the neutral sound profile category, making them suitable for different purposes. When it comes to feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience, with the CJ switch standing in a safe middle-ground and the Splash Brothers switch adding snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished elements to enhance the typing feel. These switches provide distinct options for newcomers, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a unique and enjoyable linear switch experience, the Gateron CJ would be a great choice. With its medium bottom out force and higher-pitched clacks, it offers a satisfying typing feel. The CJ switch also provides a variety of sound profiles, including a chirpy option that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch is perfect if you're after a lighter bottom out force and a creamy sound signature. Its shorter activation and long pole stem contribute to a great typing feel, and it offers a mild and approachable experience. Additionally, the Splash Brothers switch has options like snappy and polished, providing a more responsive and smooth typing experience. Overall, both switches have their unique qualities, so the choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
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