Gateron CJ vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Gateron CJ and the KTT Strawberry, both of which are linear switches. The Gateron CJ is best known for its unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch. Typing on these switches is accompanied by higher-pitched clacks and an incredibly smooth push feel. Categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky', the CJ offers a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry is loved for its delectable aesthetics, featuring attractive pink and clear housings. These switches boast a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. Categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', 'Buttery', and 'Polished', the Strawberry provides a satisfying tactile experience as well. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and the KTT Strawberry differ in their housing materials. The CJ features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. It provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Strawberry utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, both switches offer a translucent top housing, which is especially useful for RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, the CJ has a POM housing, resulting in an incredibly pleasing and unique sound profile. It leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. Conversely, the Strawberry employs a polycarbonate bottom housing as well, which contributes to its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate in their bottom housings, further supporting the use of RGB lighting.
In terms of the overall feel and sound of the switches, the qualities brought by the top and bottom housings are split. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. However, when releasing a key, the top housing becomes more noticeable in terms of the sound produced. Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Gateron CJ and the KTT Strawberry offer unique and satisfying sound profiles that cater to different preferences and typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The CJ has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Strawberry has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range in terms of actuation force, providing a relatively balanced typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the CJ has a slightly heavier force of 60 grams, while the Strawberry requires a force of 62 grams to fully bottom out. These forces indicate that both switches offer a similar level of resistance when it comes to pressing the keys down completely.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch to enable longer typing periods, making the Strawberry a favorable choice. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience might opt for the CJ, as it provides a slightly stronger push feel.
In summary, the Gateron CJ linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch exhibit slight variations in actuation force and bottom out force. The CJ is the heavier of the two, while the Strawberry is slightly lighter. However, both switches fall into the medium range and provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottoming out, making them suitable for various typing preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an essential factor to consider when selecting a keyboard. In the case of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same 4 mm travel distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both the Gateron CJ and the KTT Strawberry switches offer an identical 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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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 comparing the sound of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is important to note that both switches have a low-pitched tone. However, the CJ switch has a unique chirpy sound that sets it apart, with a higher-pitched clack and a distinctive acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch is described as having a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches provide a satisfying sound when pressed, but the CJ switch offers a more unique and distinctive audio experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the CJ switch is known for its incredibly smooth push feel. Typing on these switches offers an impossibly smooth and gentle experience, with qualities that are approachable to most users. In contrast, the Strawberry switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. These descriptions all highlight the smoothness and fluid typing experience that the Strawberry switch provides. With minimal resistance or friction, the Strawberry switch offers an effortless and uniform typing sensation.
Taking into consideration all the available information, both the Gateron CJ linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch excel in providing a smooth typing experience. While the CJ switch stands out with its unique chirpy sound and mild feel, the Strawberry switch offers a lower-pitched sound and a range of qualities such as frictionlessness, silkiness, butteriness, and a polished finish. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired combination of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the Gateron CJ linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch offer unique and enjoyable experiences. The CJ provides a moderate bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Strawberry offers a slightly higher bottom out force of 62 grams.
If you prioritize a distinct sound profile, the CJ switch may be more appealing to you. With its higher-pitched clacks, it offers a chirpy and low-pitched sound, giving it a unique acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch provides a mellower and low-pitched sound, which can be pleasing to the ears.
When it comes to feel, the CJ switch offers a mild typing experience. Its characteristics stand in a safe, middle-ground zone, providing a gentle and approachable feel. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch offers a range of smoothness options. It can be frictionless, silky, buttery, or polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch depends on your preferences. If you value a unique and chirpy sound with a mild typing experience, the CJ switch might be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a mellow and low-pitched sound with a range of smoothness options, the Strawberry switch would be a great choice. Consider what aspects are most important to you and choose accordingly.
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