Gateron CJ vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two standout options are the Gateron CJ and the Everglide Sunset Yellow. The CJ is known for its unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch, with higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches offer a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, with a rich and bassy typing experience. Both switches have their own distinct categories, with the CJ falling under characteristics like 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky', while the Sunset Yellow is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', and 'Thocky'.
Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you're looking for. While these general pointers provide a glimpse into their unique qualities, it's important to dive deeper and explore their individual characteristics to make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CJ and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches have both similarities and differences. Both switches feature POM bottom housings, which create a deep and relatively muted sound profile. This results in a satisfying sound experience when typing or gaming. Whether it's the CJ's proprietary INK blend top housing or the Sunset Yellow's POM top housing, both contribute to a higher-pitched sound, although with slight variations. The CJ's top housing is known for its pointed and clacky sound profile, while the Sunset Yellow's top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound.
The distinction in sound profiles between the top and bottom housing materials becomes apparent when using these switches. When pressing down on the keys, the qualities of the bottom housing become more prominent. The POM bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and adds to the overall feel of the keystroke. On the other hand, when releasing a key, it is the top housing material that plays a larger role in the resulting sound. Whether it's the CJ's INK blend or the Sunset Yellow's POM, the top housing affects the sound produced when a key is released, providing a consistent and satisfying auditory experience.
Despite their differences, both the Gateron CJ and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer exceptional sound quality due to their respective housing materials. The CJ's INK blend and the Sunset Yellow's POM housing both contribute to a pleasant and unique typing or gaming experience. The CJ provides a slightly higher-pitched and clacky sound, while the Sunset Yellow offers a deeper and more muted sound profile. However, regardless of the specific housing material, both switches excel in delivering a satisfying typing or gaming sound, making them excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The CJ switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, making it medium-light.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sunset Yellow switch would be a suitable choice as its actuation force and bottom out force are both lighter compared to the CJ switch. This lighter weight allows for comfortable typing and longer periods of use without strain, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions.
However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel and enjoy a stronger push, the CJ switch would be more suitable. With its higher actuation force and bottom out force, it provides a firmer and more tactile experience while typing. This can be satisfying for those who prefer a more pronounced actuation and bottoming out sensation.
Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. Those who prefer a lighter switch would find the Everglide Sunset Yellow more suitable, while those seeking a heavier and more substantial typing experience would opt for the Gateron CJ switch. Nonetheless, both switches offer a reliable and smooth linear typing experience with their respective actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The CJ switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Sunset Yellow switch. With a travel distance of 4.0 mm, the CJ switch provides a more traditional typing experience, offering a deeper keypress and a more satisfying feel. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch with its shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm is favored by gamers looking for faster response times. This shorter travel distance allows for quicker keypresses and can enhance gaming performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming 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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron CJ linear switch offers a unique and enjoyable experience with higher-pitched clacks and a chirpy acoustic signature. This sets the CJ apart from other switches and adds a playful element to typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch provides a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. With a rich, bassy tone, typing becomes a decadent and indulgent experience. Both switches offer a thocky sound, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released. However, the CJ has a more neutral sound profile, while the Sunset Yellow is known for its bass-heavy and mellow tone. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch offers a mild typing experience. This means that it provides a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The smooth push feel of the CJ switch is almost impossibly smooth, providing a unique and enjoyable gliding sensation. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a creamy and frictionless typing experience. With the use of lubricant applied at the factory and specific materials, typing on the Sunset Yellow switch feels like effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys. The switch offers a fluid travel, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction. Additionally, the Sunset Yellow switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, both switches provide smooth and comfortable typing experiences, but the CJ is known for its mild feel while the Sunset Yellow offers a creamy and frictionless feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CJ provides a unique and enjoyable sound experience with higher-pitched clacks and a chirpy acoustic signature. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow offers a captivating sound profile with a rich, bassy, and decadent tone. Both switches offer a thocky sound, creating a deep and satisfying typing experience. When it comes to feel, the CJ provides a mild and approachable typing experience with an impossibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow offers a creamy, frictionless, and polished feel, akin to effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys. However, it's important to consider personal preferences and other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen, as they can influence the overall experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and enjoyable linear switch experience with a medium bottom out force, the Gateron CJ switches would be a great option. These switches provide a smooth push feel with higher-pitched clacks, creating a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, if you are seeking a captivating sound profile with a medium-light bottom out force, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches would be an excellent choice. These switches offer a rich and bassy sound reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, making typing feel indulgent. With their POM stem and proprietary factory lube, the Sunset Yellow switches provide a distinct gliding feel and highly responsive typing experience. Overall, both switches have their unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
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