Gateron CJ vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CJ and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron CJ is praised for its linear design and delivers a smooth push feel with higher-pitched clacks, giving it a distinct 'Thocky' sound profile. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) also boasts a linear switch type but stands out with its resonant and clacky notes, offering a silky smooth typing experience thanks to its impeccable factory lube job. While the CJ excels in being chirpy and mild, the Strawberry Wine (V2) leans towards being clacky and high-pitched. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Y3
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) differ in their housing materials, with the CJ featuring a proprietary INK blend top housing while the Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes a POM top housing. The CJ's sound profile is described as pointed, relatively high-pitched, and clacky, while the POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) creates a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of bottom housing, both switches have POM material in the CJ and nylon in the Strawberry Wine (V2). POM housings are known for their pleasing sound profile, while nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer and sound-absorbing properties.
Despite their differences in housing materials, the Gateron CJ and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The CJ's combination of INK blend top housing and POM bottom housing results in a mix of a clacky and deep sound, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) with its POM top housing and nylon bottom housing provides a more muted and fuller sound experience, showcasing the impact of different materials on sound production within the switch.
In conclusion, while the Gateron CJ and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) have distinct housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles, they both offer a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether it's the clacky and high-pitched sound of the CJ or the deep and muted sound of the Strawberry Wine (V2), both switches demonstrate how different housing materials can affect the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for sound profile and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is evident that the Strawberry Wine (V2) is the lighter option between the two. The CJ has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a gentler typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Strawberry Wine (V2) for longer typing or gaming sessions, while users who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the CJ for a more pronounced typing experience. In essence, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the CJ switch the longer option compared to the Strawberry Wine switch. The CJ switch offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Strawberry Wine switch provides a slightly shallower feel. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the Strawberry Wine switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the CJ switch. Overall, both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the CJ switch providing a longer travel distance compared to the shorter travel distance of the Strawberry Wine 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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron CJ linear switch offers a unique chirpy quality that sets it apart from the rest. Users can expect a higher-pitched clack when typing, creating a distinctive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is known for its resonant and clacky notes, providing a sharp and crisp sound profile that is both clean and sharp. Both switches offer different sound profiles that cater to individual preferences; whether you prefer the chirpy notes of the CJ or the clacky tones of the Strawberry Wine (V2), you're sure to get an enjoyable typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CJ switch is described as offering a mild typing experience, with qualities that fall in a safe, middle-ground zone. This makes it approachable to most users, providing a gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch boasts a silky smooth feel, thanks to an impeccable factory lube job that enhances the overall smoothness of the keystrokes. Both switches provide a different tactile experience, with the CJ offering a mild feel and the Strawberry Wine (V2) delivering a silky smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer the chirpy and mild characteristics of the CJ switch or the clacky and silky smooth attributes of the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch, both options provide an enjoyable typing experience that caters to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, ensuring that users can customize their typing experience to suit their needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron CJ linear switch or the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium bottom out force, higher-pitched clacks, and a smooth push feel, then the CJ switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, clacky and resonant notes, as well as an impeccably factory lubed smooth typing experience, then the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch would be more to your liking. Keep in mind the sound and feel descriptors provided for each switch to make an informed decision based on your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two excellent linear switches will depend on what kind of typing experience you are looking for.
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